Eames, Barbara Lesley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 223734 Inspection date 05 January 2006 Inspector Margaret Webster

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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 1985. She works with her husband who is also a registered childminder. She lives with her husband and grown up son. The children have access to the play room, kitchen, conservatory, downstairs toilet and there is a safe and secure outside play area. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect. She attends the local toddler groups, takes the children to the local library and the local park. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children under the age of 8 years at any one time when working alone and when working with another childminder may care

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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 for 12 children under 8 years. There are 18 children currently on roll. The childminder has one cat. The childminder supports children with special educational needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, comfortable home where they are protected from infection through the implementation of effective hygiene procedures and as a result all the children can move around the environment safely. Children learn to follow appropriate hygiene and care routines. Hand washing is encouraged to teach children independent care skills, for example before meals, after using the toilet or playing outside. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which provide good levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development Good use is made of the garden for extended play opportunities as children engage in activities to help develop their physical skills, for example as they use the various play equipment, ride on wheeled

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Helping children to be healthy

toys, dig in the sandpit or use the climbing frame. They are encouraged to develop a healthy lifestyle as they walk to and from the local school. The younger children join in the activities enthusiastically because the childminder makes good use of the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework. Children have very good opportunities to participate in active play, which encourages physical development. They are able to rest or be active according to their needs. Children learn about the benefits of healthy eating through regular discussions with the childminder. They have opportunities to become involved in preparing their meals, for example they help make sandwiches and meals using produce grown in the garden. Children benefit from a healthy diet, they enjoy varied, well presented nutritious food and snacks. This ensures children remain healthy. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious

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Helping children to be healthy

meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to the necessary facilities to ensure that they are able to eat and rest comfortably. The environment is welcoming and space is appropriately organised so that children can play safely. They independently select activities from a wide range of good quality, well-maintained toys and equipment. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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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 Children's safety is appropriately promoted through the childminder's ability to implement necessary precautions both inside and outside the home. Risks have been identified and minimised to allow children the freedom to move around the property in safety. Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's knowledge of child protection issues, training has been accessed to ensure she has a secure understanding of the local Area Child Protection Committee's procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a variety of toys, activities and equipment suitable to their ages and stages of development. They are able to initiate their own play and learning ideas, supported by the childminder. For example, the children are provided with a wide selection of toys and equipment that include, lego, dolls, home corner equipment, play dough, sand play, water play, cars and garage, foam play and a well equipped selection of outdoor toys. The childminder interacts positively with the children in their daily routines and play, encouraging them to explore the natural world as they visit places of interest. A wide range of activities is available to children, which promote creative expression, such as collage design, drawing, painting and baking. The children are encouraged to grow vegetables in the garden and then they cook them and have them for their meals. Children are developing independence and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

self-esteem by selecting their activities, helping with household chores and taking responsibility for tidying away toys. Children form positive relationships as they share and play cooperatively together. Younger children extend their social skills further by attending carer and toddler groups. Children become confident communicators; they are well supported by the childminder who enjoys listening and talking to them as she encourages them to recall and share past events. Children are able to broaden their experiences and enjoy outings to places of their choice, for example, the seaside, museums and animal parks. Parents comment that the children are constantly learning new things and are given opportunities to take part in a wide selection of activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Recourses and activities which introduce children to diversity include looking at festival from different cultures, food from other cultures, using library books, and selection of toys and equipment that reflect diversity and equality of opportunity. At time of visit decorations had been put up in the play room for the Chinese new year and the children were making lanterns to hang on a magic tree. Children learn about their local community on their daily walks to school, visiting the

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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 play park and the local country side. Children receive support and encouragement to effectively develop their understanding of what is right and wrong. They learn mutual respect as they play together, sharing and taking turns. Children build a trusting relationship with the childminder which fosters their sense of belonging. Good behaviour is encouraged by giving praise and encouragement. All behaviour management is age related and developmentally appropriate. She will talk to the older children about their behaviour and distract the younger children from the situation. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Parents are kept appropriately informed about their children's well-being and development, mainly through daily discussions. The positive partnerships developed ensures that the childminder and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents work together to meet the needs of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are settled and at ease within the appropriately organised surroundings. They are confident to make choices about their own activities and receive support from the childminder to help them feel secure. The required documentation and procedures which contribute to children's health, safety and well-being are in place and shared with parents. However, the registration certificate was no clearly displayed for the parents' information. Overall, the needs of all the children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to make sure that premises are secure at all times, this request has been complied with. The entrance door to the property is locked from the inside at all times and a door bell has been installed. This provides a secure environment for the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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 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): • Ensure that the registration certificate is displayed at all times.

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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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