Bowman Julie Kay

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY103685 Inspection date 27 September 2005 Inspector Lynn Amelia Hartigan

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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 satisfactory. 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 1995. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 14 years in a residential area of Chelmsford. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding six children who attend either full time or before and after school. The childminder occasionally works with a registered assistant. During the inspection there was one child aged twelve months present.

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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 walks to local shops, parks, toddler group and pre school as part of the daily routine. The family have a rabbit and a guinea pig as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about healthy eating as the childminder offers nutritious snacks such as fruit. Children's individual dietary needs are met as the childminder works with the parents to ensure she is fully informed of their individual requirements. Babies are fed appropriately and the childminder offers them plastic baby spoons, so encouraging early attempts at feeding themselves. Children are becoming aware of personal hygiene as the childminder encourages hand washing following use of the toilet, before meals and after playing in the garden or with the pets. Children are protected through good hygiene procedures when their nappies are being changed. Children rest according to their needs, babies and young children are made comfortable either in a travel cot, buggy or the sofa. Children enjoy physical activity and fresh air as they walk to and from pre school as part of their daily routine. They enjoy playing in the garden and visits to the local park

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Helping children to be healthy

and farm. Providing opportunities for communication with parents ensures children are protected with regard to illness and medication.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming setting. They move freely around the house making good use of the space available to them to extend their play. Children make choices from a selection of safe, clean toys and resources as the childminder presents most of them at the children's level. Children are kept safe within the home by the childminder as she has effective safety procedures, however, the childminder cannot access children from outside the bathroom should they lock themselves in. Children are kept safe when out walking to and from school as the childminder encourages the children to be aware of road safety and potential dangers. Children

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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 are safe when on outings in the car as well-fitted, appropriate car seats and parental consents are in place. Children are protected from harm as the childminder has a basic understanding of child protection issues but can further her knowledge by ensuring she is familiar with up to date policies and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and settled. They are very much a part of the childminder's family and enjoy lots of attention and cuddles with the childminder, for example, when the toddler present became tired he enjoyed sitting on the childminder's lap, having a cuddle. The childminder is intuitive of his needs and is aware when he has had enough, he happily crawls around playing with the toys. Children can make independent choices regarding their play as some toys and books are accessible within the lounge and are appropriate for the children being cared for. The childminder instinctively knows what the children enjoy and ensures that their favourite toys are available, for example, the toddler present is on the move and learning to walk, a favourite toy that aides his walking is available for him and assists his development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for as the childminder spends time getting to know them, their likes, dislikes and family backgrounds. Parents are welcomed within the home and encouraged to share information with her so that she can meet the children's individual needs. Parents are verbally informed of their children's day. Children's understanding of the wider world is encouraged by the childminder through resources such as books and dolls. The childminder also arranges trips such as visits to the farm and shops to extend their learning in a fun practical way. Children understand the boundaries within the childminder's home through clear guidance from her. They develop a sound understanding of co-operation and learn to play well together. A positive approach towards behaviour management ensures that children feel secure and settled.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder's home is welcoming and effectively organised to support children's play. The good amount of play space indoors enables children to explore and play safely. Some resources are accessible and encourage independence. Children enjoy

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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 good care and attention from the childminder as she organises her time and routines well. Children's needs are documented and their daily routines shared effectively with parents. Relevant documentation is available and certificates are displayed for parents to view. However, a car insurance certificate and written parental consent regarding administering medication are not available. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain an incident book and ensure written parental consent was in place with regard to seeking emergency medical advice and treatment. These are now available.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain written parental consent regarding administering medication. Ensure car insurance includes business use and is available • ensure locks on toilet doors can be opened from outside by an adult. Obtain and familiarise the guidelines in 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused - Summary'.

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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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