Drake, Janet

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 305820 Inspection date 24 November 2005 Inspector Christine Tipple

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since May 1994. She lives with her husband and 3 sons aged 17, 15 and 12-years-old. They live in a detached house in the Ingleby Barwick area. The house is situated within easy distance of schools, shops, nursery, playgroup and toddler groups. All areas of the property are used for childminding except for the main bedroom. The childminder provides overnight care for children. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. She is registered to take a maximum of six children under eight-years-old. She currently has nine children on roll, three of whom are over eight-years-old. All

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 children attend either full or part-time. The childminder uses her car for outings with the children. The childminder is a member of the local childminding and the quality assurance network group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children take part in a range of routines and positive practices that promotes their good health effectively. Children are independent in their access to the facilities in place for their personal care. The younger children have appropriate provision for nappy changing and to promote toilet training. Children are aware of the importance of washing their hands throughout the day, especially after activities and before eating. There is clear information on the care of sick children and additional guidance on infection control, which ensure positive steps are taken to minimise cross infection. The children have excellent space to move around and develop their physical skills. The younger children are able to practise pulling themselves up, to move around furniture and practise their walking. Children have access to an enclosed garden that has good space for the children to play with a range of equipment both large and

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Helping children to be healthy

small. For example, swings, bat and ball games. The children are able to climb and balance, as well as, go through obstacles set out and use sit on wheeled toys. All the children use other tools in their play to cut out, shape malleable materials. Children visit other facilities in the area, which enhances their physical skills. Meals are offered by the childminder as discussed with parents and menu's are provided. The children have regular snacks, which are well presented and promote healthy options. The children have different fruits and some are more exotic, such as, mango and melon. They try various flavoured breads of the world. Dietary needs are recorded; ensuring that more acute allergies are well monitored. Drinks are provided for the children which are regular through the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and warm environment. The childminder is aware of children's constant developing abilities, which enables her to establish appropriate safety measures to prevent accidents occurring. This is supported with a detailed policy that includes outings with the children. The Children have access to a very good selection and range of toys and equipment that is well maintained and of good quality, and is relevant to the ages of the children attending. There is a clear and detailed evacuation procedure in place and the children on

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 occasion practise the fire drill, this raises their awareness of safety in an emergency situation. The children use road safety measures when out, to stop and look before crossing the road. Older children have information, which is shared with the childminder about stranger danger. They also have a good awareness of the needs of the younger children and the safety issues with their toys and equipment when playing together. There is detailed information in place on child protection, which promotes children's safety and welfare appropriately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a range of activities that they are involved with, which offer them access to a range of resources that are interesting, promote stimulation and learning opportunities. Children develop their confidence and skills in a child centred environment. Interaction with the childminder and the children is very good and this enables them to extend their language and thinking, to make decisions in what they want to do. The time for the children is flexible and evolves around their needs. They are able to make decisions as well as being directed in some activities. The children have good creative opportunities in painting, collage and baking, but some aspects of play for the younger children is not extended sufficiently. Good use is made of books and visual resources, such as, puppets. Children are able to express themselves effectively through role play and small world resources. Children have regular outings

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to the local area and parent and toddler group, this extends the children's social skills and experience other group activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The children and their individual needs are recognised and are valued. Positive relationships are nurtured very effectively. The childminder shows a genuine interest in both the children and their families. The children settle well, and are happy and comfortable in their surroundings. There is a policy in place that promotes equality of opportunities. This is supported with resources and information that reflects diversity and values differences. Children are included at all levels to play and be involved whatever their need is. The childminder manages behaviour in a caring and sensitive way. She is consistent with the children to ensure they understand why their behaviour is unacceptable. There are clear boundaries in place that are age appropriate and sensitive to the children's developmental needs. There is a lot of praise and encouragement, such as, time for cuddles, which promotes children's self-esteem and confidence very

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Helping children make a positive contribution

effectively. The children use manners and learn the importance of sharing and taking

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 turns. The childminder works closely with parents, she provides a range of detailed well presented information that is informative to them. Parents have a welcome leaflet, and a settling in period is offered, which enables them to make an informed decision about the care their children will receive. There are daily diaries that parents can also contribute to. They can talk with the childminder at any time. This supports the children very well as the information is shared with them by their parents about their time with the childminder. Parents see their children's work displayed and take it home. The childminder's family also have an active part in the children's lives and this is positive for them. Contracts of agreement with parents are well established and updated as required. Parents have provided feedback, which is very positive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

about the care and provision offered to their children by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from a highly organised and highly efficient management of the care and provision provided. The childminder has kept up to date with childcare issues through attending training on a regular basis. She is involved with both the local childminder and network groups. The space for the children is very well organised inside and out. This enables them to maximise their play opportunities very effectively. Children are able to self select and make decisions about what they do, which promotes their personal development very well. The range of information and detailed documentation and records are comprehensive. They provide a professional approach to parents about the care and range of provision offered by the childminder. The policies and procedures are well presented and promote children's safety and welfare effectively. Documentation is reviewed and kept up to date by the childminder and stored appropriately. Overall,

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Organisation

the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection, the childminder was recommended to ensure all recommendations made by the fire officer were put in place to provide overnight care. She was asked to extend resources and activities that reflect diversity. The childminder has complied with the recommendation issued by the fire safety officer, which was to fit a mains smoke alarm on the landing. The childminder has extended her range of resources and activities in role play and small world toys, which are effective in raising the children's awareness of diversity and the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop outcomes for children birth to three by using an approach in line with Birth to Three matters.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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