Beaumont Tracy

Inspection report for early years provision

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204647 Unique Reference Number 05 May 2006 Inspection date Jane Muriel Laraman Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 lives with her husband and three children in a semi-detached house in the town of Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire. She has been a childminder since September, 1995.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The minded children are able to use all of the house, with the exception of the childminder's bedroom. There is a fully enclosed back garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a Nursery Nurse and has had experience caring for children in their own homes. Since her registration, she has continued to access regular training opportunities and has achieved further qualifications.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a cat, goldfish and two rabbits as pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a parent governor of the local primary school, secretary of the Parent Teacher Association and a member of the local childminding support group.

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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 satisfactory. Children are encouraged by the childminder to follow clear hygiene routines to protect and promote their health and well-being. As a result, they are beginning to understand simple health and hygiene practices. The childminder is a role model for the children as she ensures she carries out the same practice, especially before preparing snacks and meals, or when providing personal care to the children. The childminder explains routines to younger children, for example why they are washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Older children learn the importance of good hygiene as they become increasingly independent in their personal care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from cross infection as the childminder does not admit them to the provision with any infections and this is discussed with parents. Documentation is maintained regarding the administration of medication and recording of accidents, however an appropriate record is not kept detailing any existing injuries to children. A well stocked first aid box is available to ensure children's well-being is safeguarded in the event of accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished with a variety of foods which include fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder works closely with parents to provide children with foods they prefer, as well as what they need to maintain a balanced diet. Children are beginning to learn about healthy eating because the childminder is starting to use mealtimes to talk about healthy food options.

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Helping children to be healthy

Outdoor play and physical exercise are daily features for children in this setting. The garden is freely available for children to explore and run about in. Good opportunities to use the ride on toys and other suitable equipment ensures that children are able to develop their co-ordination and body movements well. Children can rest comfortably according to their needs, either in a cot, bed or on the settee.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. There are many safety precautions in place, such as stair gates and socket covers. A daily visual check of the garden and house means that the childminder assesses risks and takes reasonable steps to minimise hazards in order to keep children safe. The childminder plans to develop use of written risk assessments to improve her practice further. Children learn how to keep themselves safe from an early age as the childminder talks to them about issues such as road safety and emergency evacuation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Documents and records, such as car and childminding insurance are kept up-to-date, thus ensuring that children are protected. Outings are well planned with children's safety in mind.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are comfortable as the house is maintained at an appropriate temperature and organised to enable them to move between the main play areas easily. Children have access to a suitable

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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 range of toys and resources which are stored at their level so they may self-select. Children's safety is maintained because the childminder provides toys which conform to appropriate safety standards and she makes regular checks to ensure their ongoing suitability.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues. She has a sound knowledge of possible signs of abuse or neglect and the procedures to follow in the event of any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder provides a very good range of activities and opportunities for children of all ages to develop their self-esteem, confidence and independence. They can choose between a wide variety of well maintained toys, creative materials, puzzles and books. Children show excellent interest in what they do, as they can easily access many of the resources in order to initiate their own play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder informally and flexibly plans activities for the children, so they can have lots of choice and be spontaneous in their play. She uses her thorough understanding of child development to extend activities so that the children can acquire and develop new knowledge and skills. Children are given a very good balance of rest and energetic times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very happy and enjoy playing in a fun and purposeful way. They have built strong relationships with the childminder and each other. As a result of the childminder’s gentle, kindly manner the children respond very well to her, feel secure and quickly settle in her home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's speech and language development is encouraged as the childminder talks and listens to them in a very positive and attentive way. This interaction enhances children's play experiences and learning, for example, when they discuss the story of 'The hungry caterpillar' and decide to make collage pictures to illustrate the story. They further develop their social skills at a local nursery where they can play with larger groups of children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a very good awareness of other cultures and diversity because the childminder uses books and dressing up clothes that reflect these well and she knows where to access additional resources to supplement her own equipment. Children develop knowledge and understanding of how others celebrate a range of different festivals, for example, Chinese New Year or Divali. The childminder also works closely with the local nursery attended by the children in her care and plans activities that take into account what they are doing there. This ensures consistency and support in extending children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to behave very well at the childminder's home. They respond positively to her consistent high expectations for their good behaviour. They take turns on the ride-on toys in the garden and the childminder encourages them to share toys and equipment. They begin to understand that they must not hurt or hit other children as the childminder talks with them

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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 about how they would feel if they were hit. They are taught to say 'sorry' if they hurt another child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the excellent relationships that the childminder has with their parents. She provides information booklets and policies for them before she begins minding and then exchanges regular verbal and written information with them. She takes pictures of the children enjoying various activities to show parents what their children have been doing during the day. Although not currently minding a child with special needs, the childminder has done so previously and is able to liaise with parents and outside agencies, if required, to provide appropriate care according to the specific needs of a child.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The policies and procedures that have been developed by the childminder work in practice to promote children's health, safety and enjoyment. There are many written policies in place, which reflect current good childcare practice and they are shared with parents. The childminder has a very strong commitment to relevant training. She is a qualified NNEB and continues to develop her knowledge and understanding of childcare matters.

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Organisation

Children are comfortable within their environment and are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning opportunities. The play space is appropriately organised and the children are able to move freely between well spread out activities. The children have very good access to their toys and play resources and are able to freely select from the suitable, age appropriate range of equipment available. They benefit from the childminder's sound knowledge of child development and her interaction and involvement in their play.

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Organisation

All of the required documentation is in place and well maintained. Children's records are kept in a confidential manner and are well detailed. This ensures that the childminder is aware of children's likes and dislikes and enables her to offer appropriate care to the children, based on their individual needs. The children are well supervised and good vetting procedures ensure children are well protected and cared for safely.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was recommended to ensure that minor adjustments were made to the electrical wires in the lounge. Trailing wires have now been secured and as a result children’s safety has been improved. It was also recommended that parents give written consent to records being stored on the computer. Parents have now signed written agreements, devised by the childminder. As a consequence, the childminder is now compliant with the relevant data protection legislation requirement.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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.

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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): • improve the accident recording procedures by ensuring that any existing injuries to children are formally recorded, with entries countersigned by parents • develop the use of written risk assessments in order to identify any further safety improvements that may be required.

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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

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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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