Younger, Alexandra

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301796 Inspection date 16 June 2005 Inspector Marie Mcconville

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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 satisfactory. 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 February, 2005. She lives with her partner and young daughter in a newly built detached house on a small estate situated on the outskirts of the town of Ashington in Northumberland. Local provisions for children include schools, nurseries, carer and toddler groups and parks, all within walking distance of her home. The whole of the ground floor, two bedrooms on the first floor and toilets on the first and ground floor are all used for childminding purposes. There is access to a rear

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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 garden for outdoor play. The childminder is currently caring for 3 children under 8 on a full and part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health and well being is promoted through daily routines that help them to understand about being healthy. Children become aware of good hygiene practice through the positive role model the childminder provides and her explanations to children about why they need to wash their hands after toileting, before meals and after handling the pet rabbit. A written policy regarding the admission of sick children is shared with parents helping promote children's health through reducing the risk of cross infection. However, there is no written permission in place to either administer or seek emergency treatment. Children enjoy a mixed, varied and nutritious diet. They select snacks from a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables each day, and are independently able to access water whenever they wish. Daily discussion with parents help ensure that the wishes of parents are adhered to and children's likes and dislikes are addressed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in activities on a daily basis that contribute to their good health. They develop physical skills during visits to the local park. They enjoy outdoor play in the rear garden and explore how their bodies work as they bounce on the trampoline and climb on the slide.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well maintained, comfortable home where risks are minimized through the appropriate use of safety devices such as safety gates and cupboard locks. Simple, appropriate explanations are given that help children understand about staying safe as they help tidy up after messy activities, practice fire evacuation drills and learn about road safety during outings. Children freely explore the outdoor environment in a safe, enclosed rear garden where they learn to use equipment safely, such as the trampoline and climbing blocks. Children are able to choose activities both indoors and out from a varied selection of toys and equipment that are well maintained and safe through regular routines for cleaning and ensuring they are hazard free. The childminder is knowledgeable about the differing needs of the children so that they take part in a range of activities that

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are age appropriate and provide challenges that are safe, such as using scissors during craft activities. The childminder has some written procedures in place that are adhered to and promote the safety and well being of children. She has a sound understanding of

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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 issues relating to child protection, but written procedures relating to the protection of children are not in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and have established good relationships with the childminder. The childminder uses her secure knowledge of the children's individual needs and stages of development to effectively engage them in a range of activities that promote good progress in all areas of their development and early learning experiences. The good interactions between the childminder and children, the techniques she uses to engage children in varying activities and her enthusiasm, help develop children's concentration, confidence and their enjoyment. Children maintain their interest as they make simple models from the play dough, use craft materials to make animal masks and enjoy the freedom of outdoor play as they practice climbing, running and jumping. Children use their imagination and practice mathematical skills as they make biscuits from play dough, they confidently name colours and shapes and practice counting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn about letter sounds as they enthusiastically take part in simple games of 'I Spy' outdoors Children receive many opportunities to develop social skills during well planned outings to the park and local Childminders' Drop In.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about the wider world and their own community through access to toys and shared activities such as television programmes that feature other cultures and communities. The childminders positive and non stereotypical attitudes and her simple discussions with children help them give value to all. Outings in the local area help develop children's knowledge and understanding of their own community as they visit the park, school and go for walks. Information is recorded in respect of individual needs of children to help promote the care that is given. Children are valued as individuals. The childminder listens carefully to what children say, they are encouraged to make choices about what they do, such as, choosing what they want eat at snack time, promoting their independence, confidence and self esteem. The childminder uses a range of techniques to manage children's behaviour

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Helping children make a positive contribution

that are helping children learn to share, take turns and think about the needs of others. She shares information with parents about behaviour management promoting a consistent approach to help children learn right from wrong. Positive relationships with parents help promote the care that is provided. Parents are made welcome in the childminder's home to exchange daily information about

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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 their child. Children take work home that further helps parents find out about what their child has done. A range of policies and procedures relating to safety, behaviour management, daily routines and sick children are shared with parents. This practice contributes to the continuity in children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The well organised daily routines result in happy, well settled, confident children where opportunities are made for free play, social interactions, resting and eating. The childminder's plans to develop wider policies and procedures to underpin the care she provides, promotes continuing improvement of the service for children and parents. However, she does not currently hold an up to date first aid certificate. The childminders understanding of the National Standards and how she applies them, promotes children's safety and well being so that overall the provision meets the needs of the children who are cared for.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure an up to date First Aid certificate is in place that includes a component relating to babies and children • ensure that written, parental permission is in place to seek or administer emergency treatment

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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 • ensure that the Area Child Protection Committee guidelines are in place

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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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