Wright, Cheryl

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 256719 Inspection date 13 January 2006 Inspector Christina Jane Howkins-Griffiths

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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 has been registered since 1995 and lives with her husband and 2 children, aged 10 and 13 years, in Wymondham. The ground floor of the premises is used for minding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. She walks to local amenities and play parks and drives on outings. The family have two cats and two guinea pigs. She is registered to provide care for six children under eight years. Currently there are 9 children attending aged between 18 months and 10 years.

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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 The childminder keeps her knowledge and skills up to date through contact with other local childminders.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted because the childminder has a current first aid certificate and she has a clear sickness procedure in place, minimising the risk of cross infection. Children who are ill are looked after appropriately and given comfort and reassurance. A system of recording the administration of medication is in place and parents instructions followed with permission sought in advance. Children's health is protected by satisfactory hygiene procedures. The premises are clean and children are beginning to learn about their personal hygiene as the childminder encourages them to wash their hands before mealtimes, after using the toilet and if they have contact with the family pets. Children have supervised access to the guinea pigs and the cats usually remove themselves from the presence of the children. The bark covered outside play area is regularly checked before use for any

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Helping children to be healthy

contamination. Children's rest and sleep routines are respected and they are able to sleep when they need to. Children are well nourished and the childminder offers all meals to the children if required. Some parents provide their own meals for their children and the childminder offers them additional snacks and drinks. Breakfast includes cereals and toast, lunch may include beans on toast, scrambled eggs, sandwiches, finger foods, yogurts and fruit. Children can access their drinks at all times and the childminder offers a selection of sugar free beverages that the children can select from, for example the older children may request hot chocolate, milk, milky tea or fruit juices. Children's dietary needs are met as the relevant information is obtained from parents. Children have opportunities for exercise and outside play every day through playing in the garden or on regular outings to the local play parks.

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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 well-maintained environment, which is made welcoming to children by having a range of toys which they can easily access. Children can choose toys which are safe and age-appropriate as the childminder takes care to check items for safety and buys toys from recognised sources. Children's safety is promoted because the childminder maintains good levels of supervision and all items unsuitable for younger children are kept out of reach. All safety equipment is in place and children are protected from the risk of fire as there is an evacuation procedure in place and the necessary fire safety equipment. The premises are inaccessible by intruders at all times and ensure that children are kept safe from inappropriate adults. The risk of accidental injury is reduced by the

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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 use of safety equipment including stair gates and socket covers. Children begin to learn about keeping themselves safe as they are encouraged to abide by simple house rules and are given explanations. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder uses a buggy for the younger children and ensures that she has a mobile phone containing contact numbers in case of emergency. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has attended a child protection course and would seek advice if a concern was identified.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are offered a wide range of stimulating activities, including regular outings, cookery and craft activities, such as making cakes and biscuits for snack. Children can select from a good range of toys and equipment independently. Children's choices and decisions are respected and their play supported by the childminder who sits at their level giving plenty of encouragement. She uses eye contact, smiles and tone of voice to engage the children in activities, for example when playing with the train track and baby dolls. Children enjoy the activities on offer and are happy and settled in the setting. Children's independence is encouraged when selecting toys for themselves and their self-esteem is fostered as their achievements are praised. For example, when the child managed to place sections of the train track together the childminder praised her efforts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are met because the childminder knows them well. She knows their likes and dislikes and their individual routines. Some books have positive images but resources which reflect diversity are limited so children are not learning about the wider world. Children are given the right level of support for their stage of development and the childminder would welcome children with differing needs. Children behave well and the children are aware of what is expected of them. The older children discuss house rules and are reminded of these if necessary. The childminder has a calm, gentle manner and gives explanations so that children begin to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Children are cared for effectively because the childminder works closely with the parents to meet their needs. Information about their care is exchanged regularly to keep both sides up to date.

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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 Children are cared for by suitable adults who have good knowledge and understanding of the care standards which ensures that they are protected. Since last inspection an extension to the property has been added to include a conservatory, utility room and downstairs toilet facility that allows greater flexibility for the care of minded children. The premises and daily routine are well organised to meet children's needs. All of the necessary documentation is in place although it is not organised effectively and the accident record does not ensure confidentiality between entries. The attendance record is maintained to reflect an accurate record of children's attendance and help to ensure their safety. Overall the needs of the children attending are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has enabled the children to take an active part in helping to plan activities that meet their needs, particularly for school holiday periods. Children's opportunities for challenge and involvement are met, because the toys and equipment are easily accessible and children can make decisions about items they want. However, few opportunities are planned to learn about the diverse world in which we live. Parents are informed about their child's day and their development on a daily basis at collection times and if necessary additional phone calls are made at convenient times.

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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 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • increase opportunities and resources for children to learn about our wider world • ensure that documents are organised effectively to help keep children safe

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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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