Benton, Debra

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 319676 Inspection date 06 June 2005 Inspector Linda Filewood

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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 has been a registered since 1988. She lives with her husband and two adult sons in Morley, a suburb of Leeds. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding with access to the bathroom on the first floor. There is a secure garden to the rear of the premises. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children, one on a full time basis and the rest on a part time basis. She attends the local toddler groups and playgroups as well as taking the children on outings to the library, local shops, parks and soft play centre. The family

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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 has a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about personal hygiene through good daily routines, constantly washing hands after visiting the toilet, before snack and lunch and after touching the cat. They know, for example, that it 'stops the germs making my tummy ache' when they wash their hands before eating. They are well looked after if they are ill or require medical treatment as the childminder has good policies and procedures in place which she shares with parents. Children are aware that drinks are available to them at all times and are learning to make healthy choices for snacks and meals. Meals are varied and nutritious. Children's allergies and dietary requirements are considered appropriately and their food preferences are taken into account. Children enjoy physical activity and are increasing their understanding of a healthy lifestyle. They are beginning to appreciate that exercise 'makes their muscles strong'.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder organises a good variety of activities such as walks to local parks or play gym that encourage the children to play with other children and gain a positive attitude to exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a warm, welcoming child orientated environment. Space is organised effectively to allow children to independently access toys and equipment freely and safely. Children use a wide range of safe, good quality, developmentally appropriate resources. Children are kept safe as the childminder has a good awareness of safety and carefully assesses risks in and around her premises. The children knew, for example, that they could not play out when the fence had blown down until it was mended. They have a good awareness of what procedure to follow in the event of an evacuation and know to go outside when the smoke alarm is activated. The childminder talks to children on the way to school about keeping themselves safe, raising the children's awareness of road safety. Security of the premises is good ensuring the children are safe. There are effective systems in place to ensure the safe collection of children. Children's welfare is well

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safeguarded as the childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place and shared with parents. For example, the childminder holds a current First Aid certificate and has a secure understanding of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are involved in a good range of activities both inside and outside through visits and outings, which support their all round development. They learn to socialise in larger groups through regular attendance at the local toddler and playgroups. Children are interested and absorbed in their play. They are encouraged to make their own choices regarding their play and in addition the childminder plans a varied range of activities to suit the individual needs of the children. Warm relationships have been established which ensures that children are settled and secure in their environment. They respond well to the childminder and are happy in her company. Children are given good support and encouragement which helps develop their confidence and self esteem. They speak confidently to share their experiences and are able to relate the story line of their favourite book. Their work is

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

valued and displayed by the childminder on the walls of the playroom.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and each child's individuality is valued and respected by the childminder. The childminder provides a variety of resources and activities, which help the children learn and appreciate each others similarities and differences. However, the recourses to promote the positive image of disability are limited. Children are encouraged to play with all the resources available and are confident at independently accessing them. They are developing an awareness of their local environment and changing seasons through the use of a weather chart and through outings to the local farms and parks. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged and as a result the children behave very well and are beginning to understand right from wrong. They are learning to share and take turns when playing with other children through regular socialising. Partnership with parents is good and the childminder works well with them to help

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children settle in her care. Parents’ wishes are respected ensuring that their children’s individual needs are well catered for. However, any concerns made by parents are not recorded. Parents are well informed about the provision and their child's day; they work well together to provide good care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for and supported in the childminder's home as she makes good use of her space and resources. The playroom is warm, bright and comfortable ensuring the children feel settled and relaxed in the skilfully organised environment.

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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 Older children are provided with a quiet area for homework after school. The adult:child ratio is good and a consistent daily routine is maintained giving the children security and confidence during their time with the childminder. The childminder shows good commitment to extending her knowledge and is attending further courses, including the Birth to Three Matters framework which will enable her to further meet the needs of the under threes. Parents are kept well informed about their child's activities and the service the childminder offers, giving them confidence that their children are being well looked after. Records are well documented and clear policies and procedures are in place contributing to the safety and well being of the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved her health and safety procedures for hand washing, fire evacuation and the recording of accidents, significantly enhancing the safety of the children. Children are well cared for when they are unwell as she now has a clear policy for the care of sick children, obtains parental permission for administering any medicines required and respects confidentiality of these records. The childminder has organised her space well in the playroom and the room is kept clean and tidy. As a result the children have enough space in which to play freely and safely. Mealtimes are well organised and the child's individual needs respected.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 Ofsted has received one complaint relating to Standard 1: Suitable Person regarding the suitability of adults living on the premises. Ofsted investigated the complaint, actions were raised and met. The childminder continues to be registered.

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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):

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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 there is a procedure in place to record any complaints that may be received • ensure that children have an appropriate range of resources that promote the positive image of disability.

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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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