Wharton, Elizabeth Mary

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY231866 Inspection date 05 January 2006 Inspector Patricia Jane Daniels

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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 satisfactory. 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 2002. She lives with her husband and 3 school-aged children, of varying ages, in Maybury. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 young children who attend daily on a part-time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She

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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 takes children to the local park. The childminder has a pet cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop an understanding of good hygiene through the routines encouraged by the childminder. For example, she makes sure that children wash their hands as needed and cleans their teeth after meals. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which ensures that children have access to appropriate first aid care if needed. Written consent to seek emergency treatment has not been obtained from parents. This could have implications if children require emergency medical care. Children are provided with a variety of nutritious meals and snacks that are usually home cooked; this helps them to develop healthy eating patterns. The childminder finds out about children's dietary requirements and ensures their needs are met. Children are offered drinks regularly through the day, ensuring that they do not become thirsty. Young children have plenty of space available indoors where they can practise

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Helping children to be healthy

crawling around and pulling themselves up on the furniture. They go for regular walks and visits to the park for outdoor play. The daily routine ensures that young children have sufficient rest and sleep, which also contributes to their physical wellbeing. They enjoy close relationships with the childminder, which helps them feel secure and supported as their emotions develop.

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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, homely environment. Toys and artwork are displayed to create a bright, friendly appearance. Children sleep in the dining room, which gives them opportunities to rest in a quiet, secure area. Minded children do not use the first floor of the house. The childminder has assessed her home for safety and taken steps to minimise most risks, although some low cupboards in the kitchen contain potentially hazardous substances. Some parts of the garden are not secure or completely safe for children to use. As a result, children might have access to areas where all risks are not fully addressed. Public liability insurance is not yet in place to provide cover for minded children. Young children learn about safety through the childminder's guidance. For example, she reminds them gently but firmly about the rules and boundaries in her home. The childminder has a reasonable understanding of her responsibilities regarding

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

child protection, which protects the children and promotes their welfare. She is aware

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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 of the possible signs and the procedures to take, but does not always make a note of children's existing injuries.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a warm, positive relationship with the childminder. They approach her freely for cuddles and play and are settled and confident in her care. They have a wide range of stimulating toys to develop their skills and can select these toys independently, which helps to promote their independence. The childminder rotates the toys to maintain children's interest and keep the play provision fresh. This helps the children to enjoy the toys and build on their natural curiosity as learners. The childminder spends her time playing with the children and encourages young children to try out new skills with her support. For example, she helps babies to practise standing up and gain control of their bodies. This helps the children to develop confidence. The childminder responds to the developing language of young children and encourages them to develop the skills needed for communication. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children benefit from the close relationship they have with the childminder, which supports their learning and communication.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Young children are encouraged to share, which fosters a sense of consideration for others. She finds out about children's home routines and takes this into account, so that children benefit from continuity of care. The childminder has a positive attitude towards caring for children with special needs. Children learn how to behave well through the childminder's support and guidance. She allows children the opportunity to sort things out for themselves, but offers help when needed. Children are praised for doing well and distracted from any unwanted behaviour. As a result, the children's self-esteem is promoted and they develop an understanding of appropriate behaviour. The childminder makes time for daily conversations with parents and is happy to make more time to talk, if needed. In this way, she finds out about children's ongoing needs and shares information with parents. This helps to foster a positive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

relationship, which benefits the children in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her home to offer a welcoming environment and ensures that children receive her time and attention. She shares her policies and procedures verbally with parents, since none are written. She has not attended any courses to

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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 update her training, which might have impact upon her childcare practice. She has systems in place to keep appropriate documentation. However, her register of attendance lacks some necessary detail and some records are not fully developed. The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, Ofsted requested that all documentation should be in place. The childminder has systems in place but the documentation lacks sufficient detail in some areas. This area has been highlighted for further improvement. Ofsted also requested that a fire blanket should be provided. The childminder has fixed a fire blanket appropriately in the kitchen, improving the fire safety precautions to protect the children.

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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. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain parental written consent to seek emergency treatment • review the risk assessment to ensure that areas accessible to children do not present any hazards and obtain public liability insurance • develop the documentation with particular reference to the accuracy of the attendance register, the system used to record accidents, existing injuries and medication administered and consider updating knowledge of current childcare practice through training.

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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 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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