Dearlove, Tina Maria

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 313329 Inspection date 04 August 2005 Inspector Linda Phillips

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since November 1992. She lives with her husband, adult son and 13 year old daughter to the east of Kingston upon Hull. For childminding purposes the ground floor of the home is used and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder takes children to the local park, shops and play groups. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years. Currently she cares for three children under eight on a part time basis.

p.2

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 is a member of the Hull Childcare Network and the National Childminding Association. She holds a professional childcare qualification.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have access to a range of outdoor and indoor activities, which contribute to their good health. The rear garden enables children to freely access physical play. Other outdoor activities, such as trips to the park and shops provide additional opportunities. Parents are verbally informed of the childminder's sick children policy, including clear details on the care and exclusion of sick and ill children to prevent cross infection. A valid first aid certificate is held within the childminder's portfolio and she is aware of steps to be taken should accidents occur. First aid boxes are easily accessible in emergencies. Children are cared for within a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder agrees the provision of food and drink with parents and as a result the children are offered healthy snack lunches, provided by parents, and teas. Meals

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

are nutritionally balanced, incorporating fruit daily to meet children's dietary needs and requirements.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised. They use the ground floor rooms only and are able to use the space safely and independently. The childminder remains in close contact with the children whilst allowing them to choose activities for themselves, which helps to promote safety and prevent accidents in their play. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe by ensuring older children hold onto the pram when crossing roads, and by the use of pram restraints for younger children. Systems are in place for the childminder to check toys and resources for cleanliness and safety, which results in children having a wide range of quality items to play with. The childminder has all the required polices, procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has attended a child

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection course a number of years ago and is aware of her responsibility to protect children and to keep them safe.

p.3

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 Children are offered a wide range of opportunities and activities both in the home and outside, which encourages and enables them to become more independent through new experiences and challenges. The fully enclosed garden results in children having access to outdoor toys, which helps to promote their gross motor skills. Although activities are pre-planned these are very much subject to the needs and choices of the children. There are good systems in place for evidencing opportunities undertaken as examples of photographs depicting outings, themed activities and outdoor play are available. The childminder also maintains a scrap-book in which is stored examples of children's art and craft opportunities. Activities in the main centre around themes such as seasons and cultural festivals, and as a result children learn about the wider

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

world. A wide range of age-appropriate toys, resources and play materials are available. These enable the children to experience physical play, art and craft activities, as well as having access to many books. Children are able and encouraged to make independent choices regarding play, with the childminder playing with them to broaden their opportunities and learning. The childminder organises her day well and as a result is able to spend quality time with the children so they benefit from her full support and encouragement.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are taken into the community to attend various groups and to visit places of interest. This enables them to have a wide range of activities and opportunities and to increases their awareness of the local area. It also enables the children to have a wider circle of friends and to gain new experiences. The childminder promotes equal opportunities by offering care to all children irrespective of gender, race, culture and ability. She makes parents aware of this by including her policy within the portfolio. Activities and opportunities ensure all children are included should they choose. Parents are asked to supply information about their child's daily routines. As far as possible these are followed closely to enable children to have continuity and to feel comfortable in their surroundings. Parents supply the childminder with extremely favourable written comments regarding the services offered.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a clear written behaviour management policy. Children behave well, as they have time together or to play alone, being quiet, if they wish. Any behaviour problems are fully discussed with parents, resulting in children learning right from wrong in a gentle and calm manner. The children are guided by the childminder in their play, although they are encouraged to be more independent in choosing for themselves. The childminder has experience of caring for children with special needs and is aware of the importance of working with parents and relevant parties to ensure children's needs are met appropriately.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very well organised. All records are available for inspection and maintained in a clear manner. However, not all household members have had the required checks. Policies and procedures available are used effectively to promote the welfare and safety of children. The childminder's detailed portfolio is shared with parents and they are kept fully informed about the service and their child's activities and opportunities. As a result of this they are happy to leave their children in the childminder's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder was recommended to add to her records the times of the administration of medicine. She has not administered medication during this period.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • acquire up to date knowledge of child protection procedures • ensure that persons over the age of 16 years living in the household undergo checks, including a criminal record check.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

p.5

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 concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.6