Cartmell, Donna Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309061 Inspection date 30 January 2006 Inspector Ann Doubleday

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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 July 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged 8 months, 3 and 7 years in Ingleby Barwick. The premises is situated close to local amenities such as shops, schools and parent and toddler groups. The lounge, dining room, conservatory, toilet and kitchen downstairs and the back and pink bedrooms and bathroom upstairs for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two children after school. The childminder drives/ walks to

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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 local schools to collect children. The family pet is a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to their good health. Daily activities include opportunities for children to be outdoors as they walk home from school. They also enjoy dancing exercise indoors. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs. Children's awareness of good hygiene practices is raised by the childminder explaining the importance of following good routines, and by setting a good example. Children are beginning to learn why they need to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder has appropriate hygiene routines in place to protect and promote children's health. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. The childminder has clear procedures in place regarding sick children, medication and accident recording, however, written consent has not been requested from parents for seeking medical

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Helping children to be healthy

advice in an emergency, and the first aid box does not have the necessary contents. This means children's welfare is not fully promoted in an emergency. Children benefit from an appropriate diet which takes into account their individual needs and preferences. Varied meals including fresh fruit and vegetables are introduced and children are encouraged to try different foods to promote their healthy growth and development. Drinks are freely available to them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where most risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around freely and independently. However, there is a plug in liquid air freshener accessible to children and an accessible lock on the bathroom and toilet door, however, these were removed immediately. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe inside the home and on outings, for example, as she promotes road safety when walking from school. Children use a range of good quality toys and equipment which is appropriate to their age and stage of development. The toys are organised in the conservatory to encourage independent access. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder has all the legally required documentation in place to ensure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she holds a current

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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 first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and this means children's personal, social and intellectual development is well fostered and supported. Close and caring relationships have been developed between the childminder and the children, which increases children's sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self. Children experience a varied range of activities, which contribute to their development. Their self esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they have to offer. Children's communication skills are developing well as a result of the childminder talking and listening to them. She encourages them to talk about what they are doing and sensitively supports their language development. Children are settled and happy in the childminders care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children play with a good range of resources and activities are planned which promote positive images of the wider world. The childminder has a good understanding of each child as an individual and uses this to plan and resource activities which all children find enjoyable and interesting. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. Children are given clear boundaries and the childminder is a positive role model. This helps the children to behave well. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with their parents. Parents' views about their children's needs are actively sought before the child starts. Parents are kept verbally informed about their child's day and activities and are kept informed about events and children's learning at school. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs. Although verbal

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Helping children make a positive contribution

consent has been given for taking children on outings and in the car, written consent is not in place, this means children's welfare is not fully safeguarded.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the childminder and in the environment. This means they are confident in their play. Space is used well to maximise play opportunities for children. Adult to child ratios are maintained with good organisation of time to allow children one to one attention to meet their individual needs.

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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 The childminder keeps her own knowledge up to date by attending regular training, the knowledge gained is used to enhance the care that is given to the children. Records and procedures are used effectively to promote the care and welfare of children and are shared with parents, to keep them well informed. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • request written consent from parents for emergency medical advice or treatment, transporting children in a car and for outings • ensure the contents of the first aid box are checked and replaced as necessary, in line with the contents recommended on the first aid training course.

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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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