Field Sheila Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 223755 Inspection date 26 August 2005 Inspector Kathryn Mary Harding

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1988. She lives with her husband and three older children. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder can walk to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. The childminder is registered to care for six children and is currently caring for five pre-school aged children and six after school children, on a part-time basis. The childminder sometimes works with another registered childminder. The family has a dog and a cat.

p.2

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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a warm, clean setting where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene and personal care through the daily routines. A notice in the shower room to encourage children to wash their hands is displayed, so reducing the risk of cross infection. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They are offered healthy and nutritious snacks such as fruit and crackers. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary requirements. Children are offered regular drinks such as milk and water so that they do not become thirsty. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. There are outdoor activities to help children develop control of their bodies, for example bikes, cars and a trampoline. Children can access a wide range of equipment such

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

as pegs and boards, play dough and scissors to help develop their fine control skills. Regular visits to local parks, playgrounds and walks improve children’s physical skills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment which is warm and homely and there is sufficient space for the children to play in. The childminder takes time each day to identify and minimise potential risks to children both indoors and outdoors. However the fluorescent lights need to be made safe. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they practice fire drills and know the fire evacuation policy. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which are regularly checked and meet safety standards. Children's choice of toys and resources is carefully monitored to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder has all the required documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is promoted. For example the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has attended a workshop on child protection matters. The childminder has a

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

sound understanding of child protection procedures which means that children's welfare is safeguarded.

p.3

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 The provision is good. The children engage in a wide range of activities which promote their overall development well. They are happy, confident and interested to learn in the relaxed environment. They are able to concentrate and persevere for sustained periods of time, when they play with play dough and use the stencils. Close and caring relationships between the childminder and the children have formed which increase children’s sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. Children's learning is extended, as the childminder encourages them to think, by asking open-ended questions, when talking about what they are going to play with outside or what they are going to draw. The children enjoy exploring a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity, such as looking at colours, digging in the garden and imaginary play. The

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder encourages children's mathematical development by looking at numbers and shapes, and their language development by looking at books and reading stories. The children go on walks and outings to encourage their interest in the local environment and develop their physical skills. Resources are stored at child height and are easily accessible for children. They choose and make decisions about their play, encouraging them to be independent learners. The childminder supports the children well in their play. The childminder presently uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to adapt activities, such as a painting activity, to promote younger children’s learning.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met well as the childminder regularly talks with parents. Relationships with parents are positive and the childminder keeps parents well informed about how their child has been and what they have been doing and where they are planning on going. This ensures consistency of care. The childminder maintains a daily diary for younger children so parents are kept fully informed. The childminder has a calm and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour. As a result children understand what is expected of them, so they know they have to take turns with the toys and use good table manners at snack time. As the childminder thanks the children she models good behaviour, so encouraging the children to be considerate to each other. Children show interest in the wider world by playing with a range of resources

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

reflecting positive images of diversity. Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest such as parks, Morton Hall and playgrounds.

p.4

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 children feel at home and at ease with the appropriately organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. They are able to freely access a wide range of toys and resources stored in low level containers, so encouraging their independence. The childminder works well to promote children's health, enjoyment and achievement. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed. The childminder has a range of policies which under pin the day to day running of the childminding business and set out the procedures to ensure consistency of care for the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children that attend.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide more resources to reflect diversity and ensure that medication administered was recorded and accident records were maintained confidentially. More resources to positively reflect diversity are available and are loaned from the special needs toy library. This enables children to develop an awareness and understanding of the wider world. The childminder has purchased a specific accident, medication and incident book, so ensuring that all necessary recordings are confidential and in line with regulations. This promotes children's welfare and care.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 that the fluorescent lights are made safe.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.6