Jones Camilla Cher

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY100568 Inspection date 11 January 2006 Inspector Sally Wride

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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 2002. She lives with her children aged 6 years and 11 years old in a house in Bidford-on-Avon. There are shops, parks and schools within easy walking distance. The lounge, kitchen/diner and upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is happy to take children to local carer and toddler groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children gain an excellent understanding of good health and hygiene as they become increasingly independent in their personal care. They learn to use the toilet and wash their hands on their own with appropriate aids and support from the childminder when necessary. Children benefit from a clean and well maintained care environment. They enjoy helping the childminder with fun tasks to keep the home clean and tidy. Good quality documentation is maintained regarding the administration of medication and recording of accidents. A well stocked first aid box is available to ensure children's well-being is safeguarded in the event of accidents. Children are suitably protected from infectious diseases because the childminder has regard to current health and hygiene guidelines. Information regarding infection control and the advised minimum exclusion periods is readily shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have ample opportunities for fresh air and exercise. The garden provides an attractive area where children can play and develop their physical skills on a daily basis. There is a very good range of outdoor equipment to provide challenge for all children. They enjoy digging in a sand pit, playing on ride on toys and practising their ball control and throwing and catching skills. They play imaginatively in the play house in the back garden, which also provides shade during the warmer weather. Visits to local parks, playgrounds and soft play facilities further improve children's physical skills as they are able to play on larger apparatus that are suitable for their age and stage of development. Children benefit from an excellent range of home cooked, healthy, nutritious meals and snacks which include many fresh fruit and vegetables. Meals and snacks offered take account of the children's individual dietary needs, their likes and dislikes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children understand and can explain the importance of eating healthy food to help them "grow big and strong". Fresh drinks are frequently offered and are readily available. Mealtimes are sociable occasions, with the children and the childminder enjoying a shared meal. They enjoy picnics in the garden and at the park in the warmer weather. The children have recently enjoyed a topic about healthy eating and the benefits of following a healthy and nutritious diet.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe because the indoor environment is safe, secure and child friendly. The childminder is proactive in identifying and minimising potential hazards and completes visual risk assessments throughout the day. This allows the children to move around safely, freely and independently. Due to recent changes in the garden of a neighbouring property, the childminder's back garden is not fully enclosed or secure for children. The children have a developing understanding of how to keep themselves safe. When the children are taken on walks and outings they learn about road safety and the importance of not talking to strangers. They are well

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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 supported by the childminder's sensitive explanations and gentle reminders to learn about safety in the home, such as carrying scissors in a "safe and sensible" way. Although there is an emergency evacuation plan which is shared with parents, children do not practise the appropriate actions to take in case of fire. Children are interested and challenged by the resources available to them. They confidently select from a range of toys and resources which promote all areas of learning. Children initiate and extend their own play and games and spend time concentrating on their chosen activity. A high priority is given to the condition and safety of equipment and it's suitability for children's age and stage of development. It is clean, sturdy, and attractive. The childminder has all of the required procedures

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound knowledge of the known indicators of abuse and the procedures that she should follow in the event of a concern about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy, well stimulated and enjoy the constant attention that they receive. They are well cared for because the childminder has a strong understanding of their emotional and developmental needs. She finds out about their favourite toys, likes and dislikes and works closely with their parents. As a result, children develop close, trusting relationships which help them to feel secure. Children eagerly involve the childminder in their play and benefit from her involvement and interaction in their games. She encourages conversation and asks the children questions to encourage their thinking and extend their knowledge. Children are very vocal and are actively listened to. The childminder gives them her full attention when they communicate. She gets down to the child's level, listens carefully and responds to them, whilst maintaining eye contact when involved in conversation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children learn early number, shape and colour recognition skills and older children are supported when completing their reading and homework from school. Children's experiences are greatly enhanced by the wide variety of interesting and stimulating activities they are offered. These are adapted and refined to meet their individual needs and interests. Older children are keen to play on the computer on age-appropriate games and all children enjoy regular craft activities, with resources that they can freely access whenever they choose. The children enjoy exploring the local community and experiencing the seasons as they go out for walks down by the river, feed the ducks and enjoy the fresh air in nearby parks and playgrounds. Visits further afield to safari parks and a local chocolate factory provide excitement and enjoyment for the children in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met and their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 individual likes and dislikes are well catered for. The children have the opportunity to learn about the needs of others and are encouraged to acknowledge differences in an open and honest environment. They have access to a range of resources that promote positive images of diversity and celebrate some festivals from their own and other religions. The childminder is aware of the support available for children with special needs and offers inclusive care. The children behave well and are rewarded for their positive behaviour with praise and encouragement and through the use of a star chart. They have formed good relationships and play together harmoniously, supporting each other in activities and play. Children confidently seek the support and comfort of the childminder and are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

happy and at ease in her company. Children's understanding of right from wrong is developed as they respond to gentle reminders to care for their environment, the resources and each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive relationships have been formed with the parents. Their views and wishes are sought and respected. Parents are kept well informed about the activities offered to the children and the progress that they make through daily verbal exchanges of information. Although parents are provided with a basic written statement of the procedures to follow in the event of a complaint, the childminder is not yet familiar with new and current requirements regarding the recording and reporting of complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and are happy and relaxed in the well organised and stimulating environment. This results in children being confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The required ratios are maintained, and children often receive one-to-one adult support which promotes their care and welfare and ensures their needs are effectively met. Children are familiar with the daily routine and eagerly join in with planned activities. Children have the opportunity to rest and relax after a busy day at school and watch limited amounts of age-appropriate television. All of the required documentation is in place and well maintained, with the exception of the attendance register which does not always show accurate times of children's arrival and departure. All documents are regularly reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet requirements. They are stored confidentially and are only accessed

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Organisation

by the childminder. She has produced many well thought out policies and procedures to support her childminding service, and these work very well in practice. Children's parents are provided with attractive and detailed written information, which include the range of policies and procedures, information about the service provided and the childminder's certificates of qualifications and training. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 Not applicable.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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): • make sure that the garden is secure • ensure that the daily register accurately reflects the children's times of attendance.

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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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