Wilkinson, Julie Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 207681 Inspection date 03 March 2006 Inspector Georgina Walker

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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 1998. She lives with her husband and family including 3 children aged 10, 9 and 5 years. The whole of the ground floor and small bedroom upstairs in the childminder’s house is used for childminding, with the potential to use the other upstairs rooms as necessary, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a dog and two tanks of fish. The childminder drives or walks to the local schools, pre-school and playgroup, to

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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 take and collect children. She attends the local parent, carer and toddler groups and takes children to the local library and parks. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding six children, all of whom are under five. When an assistant is present, they may care for no more than six children under eight years in total and of these, not more than two may be under one year at any one time. The childminder holds an early years qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's awareness of good hygiene practices is promoted as they use individual wipes after meals. This is not consistent as after using the toilet they all share towels, which does not assist in the prevention of the risk of cross infection. However, their general well-being is promoted as the childminder has effective exclusion policies which contribute to the minimal risk of the spread of infection if children are ill. They have their personal needs addressed immediately when requiring a tissue and older children request one and develop their own independence. First aid training during 2005 ensures children's needs are met in an emergency in the home. Written permission for the treatment of accidents, giving medication and use of sun cream is available. Subsequent record keeping is documented and copies given to parents to ensure the children's needs are met if a further accident occurs. However, the detail

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Helping children to be healthy

on the documents regarding the size and location of the injury is insufficient. A first aid box contains all relevant equipment. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They are offered drinks regularly and snack time is programmed each day. Snacks and meals are well presented and enjoyed by the children, who are developing an understanding of the need for a healthy and nutritious menu. Individual likes and dislikes are accommodated. Children enjoy a wide selection of fruit and yoghurt. Parental wishes regarding meals are met and a hot meal made from fresh ingredients is provided for those children who stay after school time. The childminder encourages good manners at meal times. Parents are verbally informed, or detail is written in the child's log, of the exact menu each day. Meals are often taken on the decked area of the garden in the summer. Babies and young children are able to rest and be active according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

They benefit from the childminder's qualification and childcare experience. She is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, but has no copy and her knowledge is to be extended. Children enjoy a good range of physical play experiences to grow and develop new skills. Their access to an extensive range of play equipment in the garden, such as trampolines or wheeled toys to push or ride, is extended during visits to local parks or soft play facilities. Access to a range of stimulating resources and activities indoors

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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 develops their small movement and co-ordination skills and successfully contributes to their development. They develop their own play and use their dexterity skills when using toy cooking spatulas as trowels and spread imaginary cement over the 'roof of the cave' as they hide at the back of a chair.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in secure and suitable premises which are warm and welcoming and create a stimulating environment in which they play and learn. Their individual skills develop competently with the very well presented and age-appropriate resources. Children independently select activities from the range of good quality toys and equipment. Resources are stored both indoors and outdoors under the decked area and presented depending on who is present. The children request such toys as the farm and tractors, demonstrating their own needs and knowledge of the variety of resources. They have access to drawing equipment and messy play activities in the dining-kitchen. Sleep facilities are provided depending on the age of the child and where they fall asleep. If necessary the small bedroom is regularly used to prevent the child's sleep being disturbed. Access to the well stocked, safe outdoor play area is off the conservatory and photographs of the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children enjoying outdoor play are provided for parents. The children's safety is assisted throughout the premises as risk assessment checks are effective to ensure the safety of the children. The childminder has written a number of policies and procedures, which she shares with parents. Children do not have access to potentially hazardous small toys as the childminder carefully monitors the use of resources. Older children are very aware of babies' needs and ensure resources which are too small and may hurt younger children are played with out of reach. Children under three develop an awareness of safety as they play, become more mobile, and learn about boundaries and what is off limits. A safety gate is available for the bottom of the staircase, when necessary, to ensure children do not have free access to certain areas of the house. An awareness of safety during a fire is promoted to the children and procedures are regularly discussed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are also developing an awareness for personal safety as they respond to the childminder's expectations when they are on school runs or outings. They understand the good strategies of being strapped appropriately in the car, in pushchairs and using reins or holding hands when crossing the road. Emergency contact details are retained in the car and with the childminder, in case of accidents, to alert others that the children are not all hers. However, documentation from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment is not immediately available on outings and therefore children's medical needs may not be met. The children's well-being is further extended as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and how to put these into practice. She has attended training since registration. Written documentation regarding local procedures is retained for reference to ensure the children are well protected and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

documents relating to recent changes are to be obtained. Parents are informed of her

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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 duty to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle quickly at the childminder's home, eager to access the wide range of well presented, age-appropriate resources or request their favourites. Their development is supported effectively as the childminder has an early years qualification and childcare experience. She has an awareness that the 'Birth to three matters' framework exists and, when she has obtained a copy, is to develop planning to reflect this, and the Foundation Stage for older children, and also to record children's progress. The childminder has an exciting range of resources to stimulate the children who are motivated to access the varied activities. Whilst she does not have specific play plans information for parents regarding activities informs them their child will be purposefully occupied during a routine based day. The routine is split into activities out of the home most mornings and quieter activities to meet sleep or rest needs

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

during the afternoons. This ensures children are introduced to skills such as completing puzzles, playing music and swaying in time to the rhythms of music on a video. They draw and mark make with increasing skill, using crayons and paint brushes to create frosty pictures on black paper to reflect the day's weather. Mathematical language is also encouraged and children demonstrate their knowledge when discussing tractors and resources in the farm box. Photographs of children working co-operatively, enjoying messy play, sitting for group stories and having picnics on outings are shared with parents. They recall activities and are confident to share information with visitors. An understanding of nature and the world around them is promoted successfully, as well as their physical development, during daily periods outdoors, on outings to the park and on school journeys. They watch the fish in the tanks with fascination.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children become independent as they develop mobility to access resources from those presented and others stored, which are swapped each day. Language development is ensured as the childminder and her assistant constantly talk to the children and encourages them to repeat words linked to the activities. They respond to instructions as the childminder communicates and extends their learning opportunities. They enjoy the craft and messy play activities and are proud of their drawings, paintings and collage which they take home to show parents. Information regarding children's activities and any significant developmental progress is shared verbally or written in the daily log for parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and valued as the childminder uses discussion with parents to ensure individual requirements are met, especially regarding food and sleep needs. Information sheets completed by parents assist in meeting the child's needs

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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 but require updating to ensure details enables appropriate care to be given. Documents requesting supplementary permission from parents are completed for using public transport, going on outings, medical needs and the taking of photographs. For coach outings separate permission slips are obtained, such as when going to Crich Tramway Village. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of how everyone positively contributes in society. Resources which promote and represent the wider community are available in books, dolls, small world figures, and on puzzles, the childminder uses craft work to further develop the children's awareness. They particularly enjoy the range of books which includes stories and educational topics about the world around them. Dressing up clothes represent people at work and a variety of cultures

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Helping children make a positive contribution

in society. Equality of opportunity is promoted effectively through the use of a range of role play resources, with children observed enjoying the tea set and play food, as well as the farm vehicles and animals. Activities are adapted appropriately and children's specific needs are very well considered. An understanding of the needs of others is promoted. Children develop a strong sense of independence and self-worth as they are encouraged to share, take turns and follow rules as they progress through the developmental stages. They settle very well after attending for visits with their parents and children’s personal needs are met effectively. Children understand the reasons for the rules about tidying up before getting out more toys and safety of themselves and those who are younger. They respond to the house rules and consistent expectations of the childminder to play harmoniously together and know they should share. Time-out is a well used strategy

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and the use of praise, encouragement and good manners contributes effectively to the children being confident in the setting and the development of a sense of belonging to a wider family group. Documents are available for the recording of any incidents and these are shared with parents. Parents attend for a visit to discuss information about the services provided and how their child will be cared for. A portfolio of documents, including certificates of attendance at training, policies, procedures and menus are presented during the initial visit. Information regarding activities the children have been engaged in is provided verbally or in daily log books. A complaints policy is discussed which includes where to contact the regulator. The ongoing sharing of information ensures any changes to children's circumstances can be addressed immediately. Parents particularly welcome the flexibility of the service and have generally brought their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children here as babies and changed hours of attendance as they progress to pre-school and full-time school.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's experience of providing long term care for children. She effectively maintains their records and the registers of attendance plus a calendar to show who is present at any given time. Written policies and procedures she has produced, which are required for the efficient and safe management of the

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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 provision, are discussed with parents. These generally promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. However, permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment is not immediately available on outings to fully ensure all children's safety. Other documents require updating to ensure current legislation and standards are met. Overall the range of children’s needs are met. Children are supported by the childminder's good organisational skills which ensure their time with her is worthwhile. She ensures ratios are maintained at all times, with the help of assistants, to meet the needs of the children in flexible childminding arrangements. Her routine includes regular attendance at parent and toddler groups. She prepares for each session with relevant age-appropriate resources and ensures

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Organisation

she is available to care for the children, leaving domestic activities to times when they are not present. The way that the childminder organises space and resources means that children take decisions and develop increasing independence. The childminder continues to read documentation sent to her to ensure she is aware of current childcare practice and regulation requirements. Her understanding of the content of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and curriculum guidance for the 'Foundation Stage' are to be developed further.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A the previous inspection the childminder agreed to ensure procedures were in place to record significant incidents. She has developed relevant documents, completed them as required and ensured parents have signed them. This contributes to the well-being of the children and the partnership with parents and carers.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1/04/2004 there have been five complaints made to Ofsted regarding National Standards 1, 2, 6, 8, 11,13 and 14. On two occasions concern was raised that the childminder had been caring for more children than she is registered for and documentation was not maintained as evidence of children's attendance. Concerns had been raised regarding the care of the children and their welfare in respect of their food intake, safety when in the car, how behaviour management was implemented and how child protection procedures were followed. Ofsted investigated these concerns and child care inspectors made unannounced visits. Where required documentation has now been produced and whilst there was a breach of standard 6 this has been addressed and no further action was taken. There was no evidence to suggest a breach of the other standards and the childminder remains qualified for registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they

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Complaints since the last inspection

can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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 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): • ensure written parental permission for the seeking of any medical advice or treatment is available to promote children's safety on outings • further promote the good health of children with regard to their personal hygiene practices • ensure all documentation is available and completed to meet current legislation, standards and guidance • improve outcomes for children by using an approach in line with ‘Birth to three matters’ and the curriculum guidance for the 'foundation stage'.

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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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