Ball Joanne Marie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225147 Inspection date 08 December 2005 Inspector Sheila Hartley

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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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 5 years and 10 years in Birstall, Leicestershire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under five. She walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy and are protected from infection because they are cared for in a very clean, hygienic home. They are further protected as the childminder implements good hygiene practices and ensures children and visitors take off their shoes. This ensures carpets are clean for young children and babies to play safely. During daily routines the children learn about good personal hygiene practices as they are helped to wash their hands after using the potty and before touching food. They develop healthy lifestyles because they really enjoy daily walks and physical activities. Each day they walk to a local school to meet older children. In good weather they play outside in the garden. They develop skills propelling sit-and-ride toys, climbing the steps on a slide and as they play with balls, throwing, catching and kicking. Outings to a local nature reserve or the park are cause for great excitement

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Helping children to be healthy

and provide further opportunities to enjoy fresh air and gain confidence in their physical skills. On wet days young children gain control over their bodies as they dance to 'Boogie Beebies' and join in action songs. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and their routine which is agreed with parents. They have a sleep after lunch each day. They enjoy warm and affectionate relationships with the childminder which reassures them and protects their emotional well-being. Children are nourished and their health and dietary needs are met because the childminder works well with parents. The parents provide meals for their own children and the childminder records any specific requirements, allergies and preferences they may have. The children begin to learn about healthy foods as they enjoy the snacks of celery, carrot and fruit the childminder provides. They are offered regular drinks of juice, milk or water and keep well hydrated as they recognise

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Helping children to be healthy

their own needs and ask for a drink when they are thirsty.

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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 homely environment. There is good space for them to move about freely and confidently enjoying a range of indoor and outdoor activities. The children have access to a suitable range of toys, materials and books which interest them and help to create a stimulating environment. The toys, equipment and furniture are in good condition and the childminder checks regularly to ensure there are no cracks or breaks which might hurt their fingers. Children are kept safe and secure because they are supervised closely. They are never left alone with other adults and the childminder takes action to minimise any hazards to protect them. For example, a monitoring system ensures babies and young children are safe when sleeping. Each time they go out the children learn how to stay safe. They learn how to cross the road safely at a pedestrian crossing and wait patiently for the green man to light

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

up. Their learning is embedded as the childminder asks them what the colour of the

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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 man was when they crossed the road. She practises the escape plan with the children so they learn how to get out of the house in the event of a fire. Children are protected as the childminder's knowledge of child protection procedures is secure and she knows what action to take should she have any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well at the childminder's home, move around confidently and play happily. They develop skills in socialising as they learn to play together. Young children are reassured by a daily routine for their activities. The day is planned to ensure their individual needs are met including time for their sleep. Children are making good progress although the childminder does not use a framework, such as 'Birth to three matters', to confirm all aspects of their development are being considered. Children enjoy the opportunity to choose how they wish to spend their time and the toys they wish to play with during free play time. Adult-initiated activities also stimulate their interest and are designed to promote their development. For example, young children develop fine motor and pencil holding skills as they enjoy colouring, sticking and other craft activities. They are learning and their speech and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

communication skills are developing well as they repeat words the childminder uses. She takes every opportunity to introduce new words and sounds for them to copy. Young children enjoy books and turn pages carefully. Story-time is a special part of the day and brings with it opportunities for cuddles and to further develop children's speech and language skills. Children are introduced to technology by the use of suitable websites, such as 'C-Beebies'. On walks and outings to the park and nature reserve they develop confidence in their physical abilities, such as walking and running, whilst learning about the local community. A special outing to the farm park creates more opportunities for children to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued, nurtured and their needs are met well as the childminder uses the information she records and gathers from daily discussions with parents. They are reassured by a daily routine which they are familiar with. Young children begin to learn about the wider world and local community through books, such as 'Rainbow Jo and me', toys and local walks and outings. Play opportunities and discussions also help children to develop positive attitudes towards a diverse society. Children are able to make choices of how they wish to spend their time and the toys they wish to play with. They do not develop gender stereotypical attitudes of boys or girls toys as they have equal access to all the toys and books. Young children play side by side happily and are beginning to play together. They receive support from the childminder to help them to learn to share and take turns. All

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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 the children behave well and show concern for one another. Their positive behaviour is supported and their self-esteem and confidence grows as the childminder praises them and uses suitable strategies, such as distraction, to manage any squabbles. Warm, affectionate relationships with the childminder ensure young children and babies have a sense of belonging and are developing self-assurance. Parents are kept very well informed regarding their children's care and progress by the very effective use of diaries. Photographs of their children enjoying activities and having fun are included. This means parents are able to take an active role in building on the progress children make with the childminder. Good exchange of information between home and the setting also means children benefit from

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Helping children make a positive contribution

continuity and consistency of care. This in turn promotes their developing self-assurance and confidence. The children and the childminder make a present for parents of a book containing drawings and craft activities the children have completed. This develops the children's self-worth and demonstrates to them that they have a valuable contribution to make.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home, safe, secure and receive a good level of adult support and supervision. Their time at the setting is arranged so they enjoy positive interaction with the childminder which helps to build their confidence and support their learning. They have opportunities to choose and develop their play during the daily routine which is arranged so that their individual needs are met. Children's safety and care is protected as the childminder implements the knowledge and understanding gained from experience and by attending training, such as a first-aid course. Policies, procedures and records are in place, organised well and regularly shared and reviewed with parents. This means that they support the welfare, care and learning of the children effectively. Very good exchange of verbal information and close working with parents means that the benefits for children are

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Organisation

further enhanced. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her resources to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. She has done this by acquiring a range of appropriate books and some toys which will help to ensure children develop positive attitudes towards a diverse society. She was also asked to improve her records with regard to agreements with parents and the details of any persons who will be looking after children on the premises. The childminder has taken the necessary actions and her records now meet requirements and are maintained to promote the welfare, care and learning of

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Improvements 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 children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure play opportunities and the range of activities provided for younger children is suitable to develop all their capabilities, for example by using the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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