Trevor, Andrea Patricia

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY306184 Inspection date 19 January 2006 Inspector Margaret Bryant

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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 June 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged 3 and 5 years, in the East of the City of Hull. Downstairs of the home is used only. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time, with currently six children on roll; all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She takes the children on walks to the local park, activity play centres and local toddler groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association as well as the local

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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 childminding support group. The childminder has a childcare qualification which is the BTEC National Diploma in Nursery Nursing.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home which is very clean. This includes all toys, resources and equipment used by babies and young children, plus all furnishings and floor coverings. The childminder places a high priority upon ensuring there are effective measures in place to promote children's health. For example, she is vigilant in ensuring that all toys used by young babies and children are regularly cleaned after use, with anti-bacterial wipes. She also helps young babies to begin to understand the importance of hygiene, through the wiping of their hands after having their nappies changed. She changes nappies with respect for children's privacy and ensures that the changing mat is cleaned before and after use. Nappies are disposed of appropriately through double bagging and then placed outside into the dustbin. She then washes her own hands. The children have the opportunity to make good progress in their physical

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Helping children to be healthy

development. Their explorations through available and challenging resources ensures their physical growth. For example, there is ample space for babies to crawl around. Also there is strategically placed equipment available for them to pull themselves up on and stand. This gives them the confidence to progress to their next stage of development. The childminder is aware of children's necessary need to rest and sleep and makes regular checks to ensure they are comfortable and safe. Children's emotional well being is firmly established through the close relationships in place with the childminder. They feel special and are able to express their feelings of joy and frustration, in an environment which is supportive and responsive to their needs. The childminder holds a relevant certificate in first aid. This helps her to be more confident, especially in terms of knowledge gained about resuscitation. The individual dietary needs of the children are respected by the childminder, who

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Helping children to be healthy

follows routines as requested by the parents. Healthy snacks are available, however, drinking water is not available at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young children and babies have opportunities for choice in an environment which is kept very safe and secure. The childminder ensures there is a balance between freedom and safe limits, allowing children to explore, feel self-assured and assert their independence. All used toys and resources, as well as equipment are in a safe and good condition. The childminder is vigilant in ensuring that only age appropriate toys are available at any one time. This safeguards the youngest of children from putting unsuitable, possible dangerous items into their mouths. The premises are

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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 kept very secure which ensures children come to no harm. For example, cleaning materials and toxic substances are inaccessible by young children and exit doors are securely closed. The childminder ensures that persons with unauthorised access to children cannot enter her premises. She also has appropriate insurance in place. There is appropriate fire fighting equipment in place and a devised plan of action in case of emergency. This ensures children's safety in evacuation of the premises as quickly and safely as possible. Care is taken to ensure young children and babies are safe when on outings. For example, harnesses are available for pushchairs. When taking children out in the car she also ensures they are adequately strapped in, to help prevent them from coming to possible harm. There is a wide variety of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

equipment in place for young children which meets safety standards. The childminder has the local Area Child Protection Procedures. These outline her responsibilities to safeguard the children in her care. She is aware of these and knows how to implement them when necessary. She shares her own statement about her role in child protection with parents. This helps develop strong partnerships with parents who know she will keep their children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and relaxed in the care of the childminder. There is a wide range of resources available for children which helps them to develop in all areas of learning. Young children and babies have the opportunity to explore the world through their senses, helped by the activities the childminder provides. For example, babies enjoy the creative experience of painting and making marks on paper. This allows them to play with concentration, uninterrupted, with the childminder intervening only when required. Babies and young children are free to roll, stretch and crawl within safe parameters. This helps increase their awareness of things around them and allows them to begin to realise the freedom of independence. Children also have the opportunity to explore other textures through baking activities, feet painting and through the icing of biscuits. The childminder is well prepared for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the arrival of children and for special activities which she prepares before children arrive. This ensures she gives her total attention and support to the children, to help them fully enjoy and explore the activities. The childminder keeps a record of what children do and achieve through regular written diaries and recording of their development. She also has a file of photographs which are shared with parents. Children enjoy music and singing, benefiting from the opportunity to express themselves through sound and movement. They also enjoy activities outside of the home including outings to the local toddler groups. This allows them the opportunity to socialise with others and make friends. Activities and opportunities provided by the childminder help children to build on their natural curiosity as learners. They are helped to develop their thinking and awareness of the world around them. They also develop their language through

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

appropriate intervention and attention from the childminder. She responds well to children's needs and is aware of how they are feeling through her knowledge of them

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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 as individuals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive a warm welcome on arrival into the childminder's home and they are pleased to see her. This warm welcome helps them to easily settle and feel content. The childminder ensures she is fully aware of each child's individual routines, including any specific individual need they may have, such as dietary needs. As a result, each child feels valued and included and know they are important to the childminder. They are looked after with respect for their feelings and care is shown to them. The childminder is careful to ensure that young babies always feel included. She plays with them, holds them and interacts warmly with them which results in them feeling happy. There is lots of laughter and chuckles in place which shows children feel they belong. The childminder gives them her full attention. The childminder has resources available which help children begin to understand

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Helping children make a positive contribution

about the differences in people. For example, she has dolls from different nationalities as well as dolls which reflect some physical disabilities. She also helps children to learn about other cultural festivities through the celebration of these with them. Children are given lots of praise and encouragement in their play. She also provides direction through distraction, to ensure children do not injure themselves or others. For example, the childminder is careful to closely supervise play, particularly when caring for babies. This ensures interaction between them, protects them all. Partnership with parents is good. Parents speak highly of the childminder, with whom they are totally happy. Information is passed between them daily with lots of two way conversation taking place. This reassures parents their children are cared for according to their wishes. Parents receive an information booklet about the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder's services, as well as some written policies and procedures. Some written agreements are in place with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a home which is very well organised with good use of space. There is a wide variety of age appropriate and exciting learning opportunities available. This gives children freedom to self-select these, whenever they wish, allowing them to assert their independence. The provision is carefully organised which ensures all children have access to the resources. This is balanced with the childminder ensuring account is taken of the ages of children present at any one time, ensuring they are appropriate for their use. All required records are available. They are clear, up to date, easily accessible and stored securely when not in use. There are some written policies and procedures which are readily available for parents to see, with copies given to them. The childminder provides reassurance to parents about her suitability through 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 displaying of her certificate of registration. She also has a childcare qualification which she shares with parents, as well as records of any training undertaken. She shows a commitment to attending relevant training. This reassures parents of her continued commitment to caring for and knowing how to continue to cater for their individual needs. Children's progress is shared with parents on a daily basis, as well as information given to them about what their child had done during the day. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 by 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): • ensure children have drinks readily available, including drinking water, at all times

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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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