Punar Linda

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300589 Inspection date 09 January 2006 Inspector Flo Griffin-Taylor

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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 February 2005. She lives with her husband and two children, aged eight and twelve years, in the village of Pill, North Somerset. She also has daily care of her niece, aged two years. The whole of the house is used for childminding purposes and there is an enclosed rear garden for outside play. The family have no pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, and is currently caring for four children. Three are under the age of five years and attend on a part time basis, and one is over five and attends after school.

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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 The childminder lives within easy walking distance of community facilities. Local and nearby amenities that are regularly used include parks, recreation/play areas and toddler activity groups. She takes children out around the area and walks to take and collect them from the local nursery and primary school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. (NCMA)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is actively promoted through well established daily hygienic routines and effective practice. The childminder ensures that kitchen surfaces and other washable areas in the home are cleaned regularly, including all play items and equipment. Nappies are changed and disposed of hygienically. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and manages accidents and the administration of medication well. Records are shared with parents. Risk of infection is further minimised through children being excluded if they are sick. Good attention is given to children's personal hygiene. The childminder helps young children to develop a positive understanding of health issues. She talks about the reason for washing hands and the importance of preventing germs from spreading. Children know the routines and are encouraged to adopt good practices, such as washing hands before eating, after messy play and using the toilet. Children and the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder wash their hands appropriately in the easy to reach wash basin. Children also demonstrate a good understanding of their own bodily needs, for example if they become hot, will take off their tops/jumpers, and ably show initiative in regard to their toileting requirements. Children are involved in a varied range of enjoyable activities which contribute to their all round health and assists them in gaining good physical skills. Their fitness levels are maintained through daily exercise, which includes walking, using age appropriate climbing equipment, rides on wheeled toys, visiting parks/recreation areas and attendance at toddler activity groups. Children also have regular access to the garden. All are able to rest and be active according to their needs. Children are developing an understanding of healthy eating through encouragement given by the childminder. Drinks are frequently on offer and fresh fruit is provided

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Helping children to be healthy

daily. The childminder takes full account of the wishes of parents and of children's individual preferences and choices. She ensures that dietary needs are met and that children eat healthily. Lunch is a social and enjoyable occasion. Children eat together at the family dining table. They are able to discuss and explore different food textures in a relaxed and unhurried way. They use good manners and are encouraged to be independent.

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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 The provision is good. Children are safe in the warm, welcoming and inviting environment, which is arranged and organised to meet children's needs. Furniture has been placed to the sides of the rooms to maximise the space available for play. There is a strong child centred focus in the lounge, which has been especially set up as the main play area. Children move around freely and independently. They are encouraged to self select play materials and resources from the good range of provision on offer, all of which are clean and meet safety standards. Many items are stored in easily accessible boxes, together with a low shelving unit, so as children are able to readily and enthusiastically help themselves. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their age

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and stage of development. She gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to ensuring their personal safety, both inside and outside the home. Children are well protected and their welfare safeguarded and promoted. There is suitable and appropriate safety equipment in place, such as stair gates, smoke detectors and a fire blanket. As the childminder has identified potential hazards within the home and minimised risks, children's freedom is maximised. Older children are aware of the emergency evacuation procedures. They also know that when out in the community, and on visits, they must stay close together and within near view at all times The childminder has a good awareness and understanding of child protection issues. Children are closely supervised at all times and never left in the care of other adults who are not vetted. She is clear as to the procedures to follow should

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

concerns be noted, and shares this information with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well settled in the childminder's house and have a sense of belonging. They enter confidently, make themselves at home, and are happily and actively occupied. They relate well to others and socialise with other children through regular outings to local community resources and toddler activity groups. Children make sound and steady progress. The childminder is aware and has understanding of each child's stage of development and supports them appropriately. They are alert and confident. The childminder gives them the time and opportunity to explore, do things for themselves and offers much encouragement. Children become increasingly more independent and their interest is suitably maintained as they choose from the good variety of toys and play resources on offer. They participate in a varied range of activities, some of which are well planned and supports them in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their learning opportunities. However, the childminder has not given full consideration on how she introduces activities which help move babies and young children forward in their development. Children have a good relationship with the childminder. She is gentle and caring to their needs and gives lots of hugs and reassurance. Children are appropriately observed, their progress noted, and are assisted in gaining new skills, for example, matching shapes, completing puzzles and building a construction set. They are proud of their achievements and the childminder offers much praise. Work

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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 is saved and shown to parents. Opportunities are provided for children to listen and respond to tapes of rhymes and songs and to experiment with sand, water, paint and play dough. As they look at books and listen to stories they sit close and snuggle up to the childminder, who promotes their language by asking relevant questions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder has a sound understanding of the children in her care and of their stage of development. She offers each child a good level of support, ensuring that all are included and that no child feels isolated. Through example children have learnt to appreciate each other, and feel 'sad' if someone is away or sick. Children learn about the wider world and the diverse society in which we live through observation, looking at books and general discussion. Toys and resources however to promote positive images of culture, race, gender and disability are limited. They learn about their local and surrounding community by regular visits to parks, recreation play areas, shops, library and other community facilities. To date the childminder has no experience of caring for a child with special needs. However, should she be asked she would endeavour to meet needs through detailed

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Helping children make a positive contribution

discussion with parents, adjusting care and activities accordingly. The childminder has a calm and consistent approach to behaviour management. Children are provided with clear boundaries and positive behaviour is encouraged with praise. Children respond well, with self esteem and confidence promoted. Children are polite, well behaved, play co-operatively together, and show concern for others. Relationships with parents are warm and friendly and they are made welcome, enabling children to feel secure in the setting. The childminder works closely with parents and ensures children are cared for according to their wishes. Mutual trust and respect is afforded. Regular discussions take place so that both parties are fully aware of what is happening in a child's life, together with all progress and achievements. Any specific concerns relating to children are discussed confidentially, with continuity of approach, and a common strategy adopted.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's needs are suitably addressed, and they are at ease in the warm, caring, homely and organised environment that the childminder provides. Independence is encouraged. Well established routines enables the childminder to offer a good level of individual support, and maximise the time she spends playing with the children.

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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 Children's well being is promoted through the required documentation in place, the sharing of records and the maintaining of confidentiality. Paperwork is regularly reviewed and parents are kept fully informed about the service and the activities on offer. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. However, not all of the children's records are countersigned, or dated, by parents. The childminder takes opportunities to attend some training sessions to enhance her skills, which demonstrates her commitment to providing suitable and appropriate care to the children she minds. She is also a member of a local childminder's group, which meets regularly to discuss practice and provision. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the registration visit. 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 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): • further develop planning for younger children, for example by using the Birth to three matters framework. • extend resources to provide positive images that further children's understanding of diversity. • further promote children's well being by ensuring that all records are countersigned and dated by parents.

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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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