Gough Helen

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 204752 Inspection date 31 January 2006 Inspector Donna Stevens

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 good. 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 1991. She lives in Kidderminster with her husband, two adult children and daughter aged eight. The property is within walking distance of local schools, pre-schools and amenities. Childminding mainly takes place within the dining room, front room and conservatory with older children having access to a bedroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is currently registered to care for six children under eight years of

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 age, of these no more than three may be under five years, and all these no more than one may be under one year. The childminder is a member of the Wyre Forest childminding group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted because they learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well-planned daily routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands after playing in the garden, before and after eating and after using the toilet. Older children understand that this is to keep their hands clean and stop germs from spreading. Children are encouraged to be independent and take themselves to the toilet and there are good arrangements in place for nappy changing. Children's welfare is ensured because of well-kept, detailed medication records and clear arrangements if children become unwell. The childminder has a good understanding of nutrition and ensures that food provided by the parents is heated and served correctly and healthy options are offered first. Children become involved in food preparation through project work where they have opportunities to taste food from other countries and learn about

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

healthy eating. Children are making good physical progress and get plenty of opportunity for exercise. They take regular walks to the nearby park and school and enjoy outings to the local forest and soft play area. At home in the garden children are able to use a variety of equipment such as slides, ride on toys, bats and balls.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe as a result of the childminder's good awareness of health and safety and all reasonable steps are taken to minimise risks. Children are cared for in a very clean, well maintained and safe home. Toys and equipment are of a high standard and are regularly checked to ensure that children can play safely and independently with a good range of resources. Children are well supervised both at home and when out walking to school or the local park. Their safety is paramount and they are encouraged to be aware of dangers outside the home when crossing the road and using outdoor play equipment. The children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. There is an up-to-date clearly written child protection policy that is understood by the childminder and shared with parents.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children take part in a wide variety of good-quality activities during their time with the childminder. They are confident in the setting and in their relationships with her and they separate happily from parents and carers. There is continuous positive interaction between them and the children's skills, learning and language are expanded through careful explanations, practical demonstrations, encouragement and praise. Weekly themes provide children with the opportunities to expand their creativity and imagination through arts and crafts and role-play. Children are able to enjoy a good range of toys and equipment which extend their learning and help them to become independent. The childminder has obtained the Birth to Three Matters framework and is using it to help plan activities for the younger children in her care. Children's experiences and achievements are shared with parents on a daily basis.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals and their needs are very well met. They develop a positive attitude to others and gain an understanding about the wider world and community through access to a good range of toys and books which encourage positive images of culture, gender and disability. This understanding is further developed through themes and projects and by celebrating other cultures festivals. Children behave well. They are encouraged to understand right from wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and age appropriate methods which are used to manage behaviour. These include gentle explanation, distraction and the use of 'timeout'. Children are encouraged to share and take turns and understand how others are feeling and they are praised for doing this. Partnerships with parents and carers are good. Children benefit because of a good verbal communication between the parents and the childminder. Written policies

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

reflecting the good practice have been developed and shared with parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit because the childminder is well organised and plans days so there is a good variety of activities and opportunities for children of all ages. The play space is well laid out to ensure children can easily access toys independently. Children benefit from a high level of attention and support. Children's individual welfare, care and the learning needs of well met through the supporting documentation kept. All required records are kept up-to-date, confidentially stored and available to share with parents. Policies and procedures have been carefully thought out and reflect current good practice.

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 Overall, the needs of all the children who attend are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to keep the written record of any medication given to children. This documentation is now in place and as a result children's individual needs a re well met. It was also recommended that a range of resources depicting people with disabilities was obtained. Some books are now available which help the children to develop their understanding of the diverse community in which they live.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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 good. 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 smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are regularly checked to ensure they are maintained in good working order and keep a record of fire evacuation drills. • Continue to improve your knowledge and understanding of the needs of children under three, for example through the use of the Birth to three matters framework.

p.5

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

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.5