McCreadie, Hannah Elizabeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303089 Inspection date 23 January 2006 Inspector Veronica Sharpe

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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 lives with her husband and child, aged 10 months, in Ely, Cambridgeshire. She is registered to mind no more than 5 children aged under 8 years and is currently caring for 5 children, mostly on a part time basis. Minded children have use of the whole house and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder lives in walking distance of amenities such as toddler groups, primary school and recreation ground. 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 satisfactory. Children's health is promoted because positive steps are taken to prevent cross infection. Children learn to wash their hands before meals and develop their understanding of good hygiene practice as they discuss germs and why it is important to keep themselves clean. Good nappy changing procedures, such as washing children's hands with wipes and cleaning the changing mat after nappy changes ensure younger children stay healthy. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of first aid and medication procedures, which means they will receive appropriate care if they are ill or have an accident. A record of parent's contact telephone numbers is kept available so they can be contacted quickly in an emergency. Parental permission to seek medical help or advice has not been obtained, which puts children at risk. Children enjoy physical activity every day as they walk to and from school or visit the

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Helping children to be healthy

recreation ground. Babies bounce on the childminder's knee, or move around the furniture so they develop their mobility in a safe and suitable environment. Good, consistent routines ensure children enjoy a balance of active and quiet play, with times for rest and relaxation, which means they are well-rested and content. Children enjoy a satisfactory range of healthy and nutritious meals as provided by their parents. They learn to make healthy choices from the range of snacks offered by the childminder. Water or other soft drinks are always available so children are well hydrated. Information about allergies or special dietary requirements is collected from parents so that children eat safe and suitable food.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe environment where risks have been identified and minimised. The home is warm and comfortable and well-maintained so children and parents feel welcome. Children benefit from the childminder's attention to detail as she checks fire safety equipment and ensures children develop an understanding of the emergency evacuation procedures. Children play with a good range of resources that are safe and suitable for the age range and they make independent choices from accessible storage in the living room. Although space in the home is limited, the childminder organises the area creatively and effectively to make sure children benefit from a safe and stimulating environment. Children enjoy outings daily, and are kept safe through appropriate procedures, such as use of reins for younger children. Older children learn to take responsibility for their own safety as they learn to cross roads safely when they walk to and from

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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 school. Children are kept safe from harm because the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and keeps a record of relevant contact numbers, so that parents are well-informed about her responsibilities written policies are given to parents on placement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have developed good relationships with the childminder and are happy and confident in her care. They enjoy a good range of toys and activities, which take into account their individual needs and preferences. All the children benefit from a varied range of activities, they enjoy creative activities, such as painting, play dough or music and play alongside each other so they develop positive relationships with each other. Younger children enjoy consistent routines that ensure they are settled and know what to expect, they walk in the park to feed the ducks, or socialise with other children in their community and eat and sleep at regular times. Older children are encouraged to make their own choices from accessible resources and take part in age-appropriate activities, such as board games, books or dressing up. The childminder is not currently using the 'Birth to three matters' framework to plan

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities for younger children. However, she is an experienced and qualified practitioner who uses her skills to plan a provide a wide range of age-appropriate activities that help all the children learn and develop their skills and interests.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children make independent choices and follow their own interests using the good range of accessible and age-appropriate resources. Children's likes and dislikes are taken into account and the childminder knows the children well, which enables her to meet their individual needs. Information is collected from parents to ensure any particular needs, including special needs, are known and understood. Children learn about their local community as they socialise with other children or visit the shops and park. They enjoy well-planned activities that help them appreciate the wider world, for example, exploring Chinese food for Chinese New Year. Children play harmoniously together, supported by the childminder, who helps them to share and take turns with encouragement and praise. Older children are helped to understand right and wrong as they devise their own house rules, which are displayed as a reminder that good behaviour is an expectation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's care and well being is promoted by the good, positive relationship with parents. Settling in procedures are flexible according to the needs of the children so they are confident before being left in the childminder's care. A good range of policies

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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 and procedures, along with the parents' brochure keep parents fully informed about the childminder's practice. To ensure children's needs continue to be met verbal feedback is shared each day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are kept safe as the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities, for example, she ensures children are always supervised in their play and are not left unattended with unvetted adults. She plans her day so children enjoy one-to-one attention and maintains consistent routines, particularly with the younger children, so they are settled and content. The childminder has a professional approach to her business and documentation, such as children's records and the daily register, are well-maintained. Children benefit from the childminder's good understanding of child development, which ensures they enjoy well-organised activities and routines that continue to meet their needs. All the necessary courses have been attended so the childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards and the setting therefore promotes children's health, safety and welfare well. Overall the provision meets the needs of

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • obtain parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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