Buckley, Lisa Marie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY305426 Inspection date 12 January 2006 Inspector Ann, Theresa Flynn

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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 August 2005 and names the service as Heaven Sent childcare. She lives with her partner in a detached property on a new housing development. The whole of the premises are used for childminding, with access to a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have one dog. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. At present, she is caring for three children, two of whom are under five years of age. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 good. Children are well nourished as they are provided with wholesome foods and independently access drinks when they are thirsty. Healthy nutritious snacks and meals are provided, many of which are home-made and the children present enjoyed a nutritious lunch. Children learn about good personal hygiene as it is consistently encouraged by the childminder. Hand-washing is promoted prior to eating meals and after visiting the toilet. The childminder ensures each time children use the toilet that they wash their hands, which she is proactive in encouraging, thereby maintaining good standards of hygiene. Children enjoy daily exercise by going on walks and outings regularly, such as daily walking from nursery. They walk the dog in a field behind the childminder's home, which helps to contribute to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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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 suitably maintained and clean environment. The good organisation of toys and equipment means children can move around safely and freely to independently access available resources from storage boxes at child height. Children benefit from the good range of safety measures in place, such as socket covers, safety catches and a lock on the outside garden gate. Children are learning to keep themselves safe because the childminder promotes safety away from the setting by raising children's awareness of road safety. She encourages them to walk slowly and to hold hands when crossing the road. The welfare of children is protected because the childminder has a good understanding of the procedure to follow in the event of any concerns. The childminder knows to document concerns and to seek further advice if she is concerned about the welfare of any child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. A wide range of activities are provided for children, which are targeted at meeting the needs of individuals. The childminder effectively uses her knowledge of child development to provide activities appropriate to children's stages of development and to help them learn. For example, by providing resources that encourage children to

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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 learn number, shape and letter recognition. Children receive a broad range of opportunities. They paint, colour and become involved in various forms of art and craft. The childminder actively involves children in activities geared to their particular interests. For example, children who are interested in learning numbers are provided with a varied range of resources. These are easily accessible and enhance children's enjoyment and understanding of numbers, usually through individual adult-child activities. Children gain a good knowledge and understanding about the world in which they live and about their environment. This is because the childminder spends time taking children on outings. They are encouraged to partake in purposeful activities, such as learning the alphabet whilst walking the dog, thus promoting children's all round

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Opportunities to learn about the wider community are provided through practical play. For example, using the Balamory books and figures to raise children's awareness of diversity. However, other experiences and activities to help to raise children's awareness are limited. The childminder manages children's behaviour by using age appropriate strategies, explanations, time out, praise and encouragement. She also uses star charts, where children receive stickers for good behaviour. This encourages them to behave well and develops their confidence and self-esteem. Children are encouraged to share and to play together and are beginning to understand right from wrong. However, behaviour management strategies are not always agreed with parents. Children's individual needs are met because of the positive relationships established with parents. Information is shared through a detailed welcome pack, written policies,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parental agreements, consents and contracts, which helps the childminder and parents to work together in the best interests of the children. Daily diaries and verbal discussions at the end of each day help to ensure that parents remain informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend. She effectively uses her knowledge of child development to provide developmentally appropriate activities, which meet children's developmental needs. Time and space within the home are well organised so that children are supported and are able to easily access age appropriate play resources. Documentation is maintained appropriately and in line with the National Standards. All sampled documents are recorded in detail and are shared with parents, thereby

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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 enhancing the welfare of children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration.

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop systems to ensure parents are aware of behaviour strategies used to manage children's behaviour • ensure opportunities are provided for children to develop their understanding of diversity

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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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