McAulay, Carolyn

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

204408 Unique Reference Number 28 April 2006 Inspection date Saida Cummings Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1992 and works with assistants and another childminder. She lives with her husband, one child aged 13 years and one adult child in a terraced house, situated on the outskirts of Worcester city. There are local shops, parks, playing fields, pre-schools and schools within walking distance.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the whole of the property. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. Children are also taken on regular visits and outings. A budgerigar is kept as a pet.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding eight children under eight years, who all attend on a part-time basis. She has experience of supporting and caring for children with disabilities and learning difficulties. The childminder holds an NNEB qualification. She regularly attends the local childminding support group meetings and events. Children are walked and transported to and from local daycare settings and schools.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have access to clean, well-maintained areas as the premises and equipment are maintained to a very good standard of cleanliness. Children are starting to develop an awareness of healthy lifestyles as they participate in regular outdoor play activities where they are able to develop their physical skills, such as jumping and hopping when using the ‘hopscotch’ game, kicking, throwing and catching balls, and peddling on bikes. They also enjoy going on local walks and various outings, such as visiting the nearby countryside centre where they are able to follow the nature trail and collect various natural materials, such as leaves, fir cones and acorns. Children have opportunities to move freely indoors, respond to music and take part in indoor games during wet weather.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Younger children's rest and sleep needs are well catered for as the childminder ensures the daily timetable allows for times when children need to sleep or rest, according to their usual routines. Older children take part in quieter activities during the afternoon sessions, such as reading stories, looking at picture books, crayoning and using puzzles. As a result, all children are able to enjoy a relaxing time during each day. Children understand simple good health and hygiene practices, which include regular hand washing, especially after outdoor play, toileting and before meals. The risk of infection to children is reduced as the childminder follows the local health authority guidelines, and ensures all parents and carers are made aware that children are not cared for if they have an infectious illness. There are appropriate procedures in place for dealing with any accidents and for administering any medications if required.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and their special dietary needs are met as the childminder ensures she fully discusses these with the parents and carers. They bring their own packed lunches and the childminder provides all snacks and a cooked tea. These consist of healthy, nutritious and varied meals which also take into account children’s likes and dislikes. Parents and carers are kept informed of what their children eat as the childminder devises a weekly menu and displays this on the notice board. Children enjoy well-organised mealtimes, which are also used as social times, with children of all different ages sitting to eat together. This enjoyable time is also used for children to learn about healthy eating as they take part in appropriate discussions concerning the food they eat, what helps them to grow and what makes them strong. Children are also able to use these opportunities to discuss how vegetables and fruit grow from seeds, what they

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

need to grow and how they end up on their plates. Their independence is fostered as they are encouraged to feed themselves, with assistance given when required. Young children use appropriate spoons to eat food which is prepared to the appropriate texture depending on their stages of development and abilities. Children have access to suitable drinks at all times. They recognise their own beakers and cups which are made accessible for them to help themselves at all times. Older children’s independence is encouraged during mealtimes as they are able to help lay the table and carry out tasks for themselves, such as fetching their own drinks.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

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

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are constantly supervised and taught safety as part of their everyday activities to ensure they are made fully aware. For example, they are taught road safety when out walking, car safety when being transported and not to climb onto furniture when indoors. Children are kept safe during outings and when being transported as the childminder has devised emergency plans which include making sure children’s emergency details are always available. However, this procedure is not in place at times when one of the assistants is undertaking this task, such as when taking or collecting children from schools and daycare settings. Consequently, this potentially compromises children’s safety and well-being. Children are made aware of the emergency evacuation procedure, which is regularly discussed and practised.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure environment. The premises are adapted accordingly to meet children's needs depending on their ages and abilities. They are able to safely move around the setting, indoors and outdoors, as the childminder ensures all areas are free from hazards. This includes using age-appropriate safety items, such as safety gates, electrical socket covers and hazardous items stored on high levels. Children have a choice of suitable and safe play equipment and resources. All equipment is regularly cleaned and checked for safety. Older children's toys are stored in areas that are only accessible to them. This ensures younger children are not put at risk as they are not able to access hazardous items, such as small pieces of play equipment.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is very aware of the need to ensure children are kept safe and makes sure parents and carers are also made aware of the procedures she follows through appropriate discussions and through use of the written health and safety policy. There are very thorough collection procedures in place to ensure children are not put at risk. Children are kept safe from harm as the childminder has a good knowledge and awareness of child protection issues and procedures. She shares a written child protection policy with parents and carers to make them aware of her responsibilities as a child carer, and is fully aware of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled within the environment. The childminder constantly talks and plays with each individual child and encourages interaction between all ages. Older children enjoy chatting to the younger children and giving encouragement to join in with the chosen activities. As a result, children play well together and are developing good socialising skills. The childminder consistently and positively interacts with the children to encourage their involvement and learning. For example, they count different objects, name animals in books and recognise the different colours they use whilst crayoning. Children's language development is encouraged through various planned activities, including reading stories and discussions.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children's needs are catered for as the childminder is very aware of types of activities to use to stimulate physical development, such as crawling, walking, and taking an interest in their surroundings. She has started to use the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework to plan specific

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 activities for the younger children and to build on their experiences. An example of this is when the childminder adapts some of the play equipment and resources, such as filling the sand tray with brightly coloured feathers, which the young children enjoy feeling and playing with. School-aged children are given time to relax and ‘wind down’ when they first arrive from school. They are then able to choose any activities they wish to take part in and often instigate large group activities which involve all the children.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's activities are well planned with different types of play timetabled into each session. The childminder is very flexible with this timetable and adjusts activities according to children's individual needs and how they are feeling when they attend. Children are able to select play activities easily and enjoy making choices about the types of play they want to take part in. They are also encouraged to take part in other activities to ensure they have the opportunity to experience all the different types of play offered. This ensures they are able to build up their confidence and learn new skills. Children are given time and resources to explore ideas and use their imagination. They often instigate their own play involving other children and extending their play to the outdoors by taking the required equipment into the outdoor play area. For example, they put dolls in the pushchairs, take them outside and explain "we are taking our

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

babies for a walk". They then bring the dolls indoors, wrap them in small blankets and put them on the settee explaining "we are putting our babies to sleep".

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very comfortable with the childminder and look to her for assistance when required. They are able to use everyday experiences to extend their skills, learning and independence. This includes shopping trips where they join in with discussions about the types of food they like to eat, help to put shopping away and help to tidy up. They are able to build on their confidence and independence as the childminder encourages them to think for themselves, find solutions and carry out small tasks for themselves. For example, children independently find the small dustpan and brush to sweep up the crumbs after lunch and busily tidy up whilst explaining why it is important to ‘tidy up after ourselves’. Children have many opportunities to go on local visits and outings. This includes various planned outings where specific planned topics are covered. They enjoy taking part in various fun and educational activities, such as

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

following badger and fox trails. Large outings which involve all the child carers and parents are also planned where all children are able to integrate with other children cared for by the co-minder. An example of this is when they visit the local Severn Valley railway, where they enjoy travelling on steam trains, stopping for picnics and playing cricket. They are able to further extend their experiences from the outings when they take part in topical work, such as using the collected leaves and wild flowers to create colourful and interesting collages.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are settled in on a gradual basis which is fully planned with the parents and carers to ensure enough time is allowed. This varies depending on the individual child's needs and how quickly they settle into their new environment. Their individual needs are met as the childminder works well with the parents and carers to ensure any usual routines are adhered to. She keeps parents and carers well informed of how their children spend their day and makes time for daily discussions. The childminder has a good relationship with parents and carers and is very aware

p.5

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 of the need to involve them with the care of their children. This is an area she is currently developing and has started to put strategies in place to give parents and carers more opportunities to be involved. An example of this is when she discusses the ‘Birth to three matters’ guidance with them, displays relevant information and encourages some of the parents and carers to attend the relevant training.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have access to a range of resources and activities to promote their awareness of diversity. These include books explaining different religions and cultures, dressing-up clothes and ethnic dolls. All children are treated equally and have equal access to resources and activities. They are encouraged to make use of all the play equipment and activities available. Children are given lots of individual attention and thoroughly enjoy good interaction with the childminder, which enables their individual needs to be met. The childminder understands equal opportunities and special needs issues and ensures these are incorporated into the care provided. She has experience of caring for children with disabilities and learning difficulties and works closely with parents, carers and external agencies to ensure all specific needs are met. Children are given time, resources and assistance to make sure each child's needs are met as required, such

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

as taking part in fun games to develop their speech and language.

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond well to the childminder's approach to any behavioural issues. Their positive behaviour is encouraged and praised and they understand responsible behaviour. This includes understanding right from wrong, sharing and taking turns. For example children take turns to use the puppets and play with the different dolls. Children are encouraged to behave well and be kind to each other throughout the day. They are rewarded with stickers for good behaviour and acts of kindness. The childminder shares the written behaviour management policy with all the parents and carers, which is initially discussed and agreed. This ensures consistency is practised between the home and the setting.

p.6

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy good interaction with the childminder as she effectively organises her time during sessions to be able to adapt to their particular needs and routines. Younger children's sleeping routines are fitted around activities for older children and the organisation of taking children on routine local outings. The childminder is committed to further training and keeping herself updated about childcare practice. She utilises any good practice from her training into the care provided, ensuring children benefit from any new or changed procedures.

p.6

Organisation

Children are cared for in a warm, friendly and organised environment as the childminder plans the childminding sessions to meet their individual needs and their preferences. She has developed a good system for recording and keeping appropriate records as required. The conservatory is dedicated to childcare with comfortable surroundings and accessible play equipment and materials. Children are comfortable in the well-resourced and organised environment which is made bright and welcoming to them. The lounge is used for children to relax and carry out quiet activities. The outdoor play area is made suitable for children to use for specific outdoor games, where they enjoy using wheeled toys and extending some of the indoor play to the outdoors. They are being extended and challenged in a safe and stimulating environment that develops their emotional, intellectual, physical and social skills.

p.6

Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Parents and carers are made to feel at ease about the care of their child. The childminder is very sensitive and understanding as to how the child and parent or carer may be feeling when first separating. Relevant information for parents and carers is displayed in the entrance hall and they are made fully aware of all the written policies and procedures. Parents and carers are made aware of how the childminder works with the assistants and co-minder. They initially have the opportunity to meet with the other carers so that they are familiar with who will be caring for their child. They are made fully aware of the exact arrangements for their child’s care which are initially agreed and set out in writing. Children have opportunities to mix with other children of the same age group as the childminder works closely with the co-minder where they

p.6

Organisation

use each other’s houses when carrying out themed work with all the children. For example, they get together after outings to carry out arts and crafts activities with a particular theme, such as trains after visiting the Severn Valley railway. Children are then able to discuss what they saw, how they felt and what they enjoyed as part of their experiences. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.7

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to review parents’ consents concerning children being cared for by other carers; and to update the registration system to include all child carers.

p.7

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has reviewed the system for ensuring parents and carers are made aware of the exact arrangements for their children’s care, which includes times when the assistants or co-minder would either be working with the childminder or taking sole charge of the children. These arrangements are fully detailed in writing, shared with parents and carers and their consents are obtained prior to any arrangements taking place. As a result, this keeps parents and carers fully informed of the childminder’s organisation and ensures their children’s specific care needs are met.

p.7

Improvements since the last inspection

The reviewed registration system now ensures records are kept of the exact details of when the children are attending, including their arrival and departure times. This also includes when the other carers are either caring for the children with the childminder, or taking sole charge, such as when taking and collecting children from daycare settings and schools. Consequently, children’s well-being and safety is not compromised as this clearly shows the required adult to child ratios is adhered to at all times.

p.7

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 01 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.7

Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.7

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

p.7

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.8

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.

p.8

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 the emergency procedures to ensure these are also put into place when the assistants are caring for the children.

p.8

The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.8

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

p.8