Booth, Carole

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 314817 Inspection date 19 December 2005 Inspector Jane Shaw

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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 has been registered since 1995. She lives with her husband, 2 adult children and 1 child aged 13 years in Lymm, Cheshire. The whole of the ground floor and the upstairs bathroom and toilet are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children under 5 years of age and 1 school aged child on either a full or part time basis. She occasionally works with an assistant. The family have a cat,

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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 parrot, 2 rabbits and a guinea pig as family pets. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and pre-schools and attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept healthy as they are cared for within a healthy, clean and hygienic environment. The childminder is diligent in this aspect of children's wellbeing and has established appropriate hygiene routines and procedures. Children are encouraged to wash their hands regularly after certain activities, such as using the toilet and before meals. Older children are given wet wipes, provided by parents and carers for this task and are able to undertake this independently. The childminder carries out these tasks for younger children. The childminder has an understanding of the Birth to three matters framework, has recently attended a relevant course and has access to information to support her in caring for children off this age. Children's health is promoted through a verbal sick child procedure which is shared with all parents and carers. The presence of this procedure helps to ensure that

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Helping children to be healthy

children are cared for in an environment which is as free from infection as possible. The childminder's access to relevant information on each individual child's allergies and medical requirements ensures children are cared for appropriately. Opportunities are available for children's health to be promoted through access to regular physical activities and 'outdoors'. Children have opportunities to be involved in and enjoy a range of activities and experiences both in and outdoors, for example, outdoor activities include walks to the local park and activities within the garden. Activities indoors, such as using scissors during craft and completing jigsaws, promote the development of small physical skills. Children enjoy healthy snacks and drinks throughout their day such as, fruit, water and juice. Children are able to access or request regular drinks when feeling thirsty. The childminder liaises closely with parents and carers regarding allergies and

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Helping children to be healthy

preferences. All parents and carers provide meals for minded children; these are suitably stored and served. Children enjoy snack and meal times which are conducted appropriately with children sitting together at a table.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safe as they use indoor and outdoor play space which is appropriate for their use. Play areas are checked by the childminder and set up prior to the children's arrival or use. Children are able to select toys from the range set out for them and confidently ask

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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 for alternatives from the childminder. Children access toys and equipment which is age appropriate and checked regularly for safety and hygiene. Children's safety is provided for because the childminder has appropriate systems and equipment in place to ensure that this is possible, such as safety gates, socket covers or by direct supervision where necessary. However, fire evacuation procedures are not practised with children. Children are supervised at all times, including children who are sleeping, as they are in close proximity to the childminder at all times during play and are checked regularly during sleep. Children learn to keep themselves safe through discussion and gentle reminders, for example, as they use scissors during craft. The children's safety and welfare is safeguarded and promoted through the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder's sound understanding of child protection procedures. The childminder has access to information on child protection issues and has undertaken training in the past ensuring that children's safety and welfare are considered and that any necessary action would be taken promptly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and relaxed in the company of the childminder and others as a result of the good support from the childminder, encouraging their enjoyment and development. Children's confidence is growing through the good support they receive from the childminder. Children present at the time of the inspection have good relationships with one another playing and laughing happily together requiring little intervention from the childminder. Children have access to and are offered activities both within and away from the childminding setting. Activities away from the setting include walks to the local park and attendance at toddler groups. Children develop various skills as they are involved in age-appropriate activities, such as craft activities, baking, dancing and spontaneous imaginary play. Older children are given opportunities to make choices about the activities they wish to be involved in, choosing from those on offer or

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

making alternative suggestions. Children access a good range of different play experiences and activities on a regular basis, which enables them to develop skills and have fun, for example, children develop good imaginary skills as they play 'dens' and 'pets' together. Children receive positive praise and encouragement from the childminder for their attempts and successes. Children are given good opportunities to develop both large and small physical skills through activities both within and away from the childminding setting. They practice climbing skills during outdoor play and when using the stairs to the bathroom. They develop small physical skills as they use scissors during craft, create 'sticky' pictures and develop hand eye co-ordination skills as they complete jigsaws.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed and have equal access to the range of activities and experiences offered. Children are encouraged to develop a good understanding of others and have access to resources that reflect multicultural and disability issues. Children with special needs are well cared for by the childminder, who is aware of their individual needs and requirements. These requirements are discussed in detail with parents and carers prior to the child starting, which enables the childminder to provide appropriate care. Children are offered and have access to activities which are appropriate to their age and ability. Children are happy and content and are well supported by the childminder, receiving positive praise for attempts and achievement, which is seen as the children present are involved in 'fun' imaginary play for long periods of time. Children's behaviour is good; they are happy and content and know one another well. Children are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

encouraged to share, take turns and co-operate with one another. Children benefit from an effective partnership with parents and carers. Children's individual needs and requirements are discussed with parents and carers prior to placement, ensuring appropriate care is provide. Children's development and general wellbeing is fed back to parents and carers in an informal verbal way and in written form as they collect their children at the end of their minded day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for within an organised environment; toys, equipment and activities are prepared prior to arrival, making children feel welcome. Toys are rotated throughout the week. Children access and are involved in a range of age-appropriate activities, both within and away from the childminding setting. Activities are planned around the children's attendance at other settings. Legally required documentation and records relating to minded children are available and retained, ensuring children are appropriately cared for. The childminder's registration certificate is not displayed during childminding hours. A current first aid qualification ensures children are cared for safely, and that any incidents/accidents would be dealt with in a prompt and appropriate way. Children are cared for well, as their individual needs and requirements are discussed with parents and carers prior

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Organisation

to placement. Children's safety and general wellbeing are recognised as the childminder has obtained parental consent for several aspects of her care, children's safety and enjoyment. Children are cared for safely as all legally required checks are complete.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Since the last inspection the childminder has improved the organisation of her childminding through the successful completion of an approved first aid training course, by the accurate recording of children's daily attendance showing actual times of arrival and departure, and by obtaining parents' written consent for the administration of any medication to their children. Children's safety has been addressed through obtaining written child protection information to support the childminder's knowledge.

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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 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): • devise and practice fire evacuation procedures with children where applicable • ensure that the registration certificate is displayed during childminding hours.

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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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