Ditchfield, Anne

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 322610 Inspection date 27 June 2005 Inspector Victoria Gail Halliwell

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 was registered in 1991. She lives in Atherton with her husband and four children, of whom three are adults. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five and four school age children on a part time basis. The childminder walks to the local school and collects the children from the school bus.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Standards of cleanliness are very good throughout the home, which helps maintain the children's good health. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through established daily routines such as hand washing before snacks and after toileting. The childminder adopts appropriate hygiene practices in relation to nappy changing and sterilization of baby equipment to prevent the spread of infection. Further improvements could be made to the systems for obtaining parental consent to administer medication to children. Children are well nourished and their health is promoted through the provision of freshly prepared meals which include a good selection of vegetables. All children enjoy regular healthy snacks such as fruit and yogurt. After school, children are encouraged to make choices from healthy options such as wholemeal sandwiches or

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

cheese and crackers. Drinks are continually available, jugs of juice are freshly prepared by the childminder for the children's arrival from school. Younger children are offered water or cordial according to parents wishes throughout the day. Children are encouraged to play outdoors during the summer months which increases energy levels and helps keep them healthy. The childminder creates an inviting outdoor play environment where younger children have access to a good range of outdoor toys which interest them. Such as a trampet, sand pit and a ball pool. Children also benefit from regular trips to the local park. This allows them to move freely in open spaces and provides opportunities for older children to use large apparatus, to practice and refine physical skills such as climbing and balancing.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder creates a welcoming and child friendly environment. As a result children move freely around the property, making good use of the rooms available to undertake a range of activities. For example, in the large living room both babies and older children have designated area's to engage independently in activities of their choice. Children have good access to a broad range of good quality toys, which meet safety standards. Children's safety is well promoted by the childminder who has a good understanding of safety within her home. She routinely completes her own risk assessments and takes appropriate action to ensure children of all ages can move around safely. Good systems are in place to ensure the children are safely escorted both in the car and when walking on foot. Children are becoming increasingly aware of possible dangers through discussion and explanation. Road safety is discussed and clear explanations

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are given to ensure the children understand the importance of appropriate behaviour on the road side.

p.3

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 welfare is safeguarded by the childminder who has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues. She is able to identify possible signs and symptoms of abuse and take appropriate action to protect children from harm.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminders care. They move confidently around her home and make choices about where they sit and play. The childminder has a thorough knowledge of children's individual needs and personalities and provides good support to help them feel secure. Many school age children have been in her care for many years and enjoy an open and relaxed relationship. They confidently express their feelings and share experiences. Young babies enjoy warm and loving care, close physical contact whilst they attempt new tasks such as posting shapes or learning to stand helps them feel safe and secure. The childminder interacts continually with them providing excellent opportunities for them to develop their language skills. Skilfully talking in gentle and enthusiastic tones then pausing to allow the babies to respond. Children of all ages engage in a wide range of activities such as baking, craft,

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

puzzles and story time which promote their all round development. Even the youngest children are encouraged to make choices about the activities they engage as an exciting range of developmentally appropriate 'baby' toys are placed within their reach. Under 5's follow a varied weekly programme of outings. This provides many opportunities for them to explore and learn about the local community, as they visit the shops, parks and local places of interest.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals, special events such as birthday's are enthusiastically celebrated with a cake and party tea to make children feel special. Parents are encouraged to share details of their child's lifestyle and culture to enable the childminder to meet their individual needs. She sensitively meets special needs. For example carefully selecting snacks or juice which are suitable for all children, including those with special dietary needs. Children learn about the wider world through discussion and activities which link to special events and festivals. For example, during Chinese New Year, they learn about traditional Chinese customs such as red money envelopes and how to say happy new year in Chinese. The childminder has adopted a written equal opportunities policy. She has also collected a range of thought provoking poems which support her policy, these are shared with

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

parents. Children are well behaved and are learning right from wrong as a result of consistent boundaries and positive behaviour management strategies. Simple explanations and distraction are effectively used with younger children. Older children are encouraged

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 to explore the consequences of unacceptable behaviour for example the impact on others which develops their understanding of acceptable social behaviour. Praise is routinely given to children of all ages to promote confidence and self esteem. Children's needs are met as a result of close working relationships with parents. The childminder knows many of the children's parents well and has developed relationships which meet their individual needs. Parents are welcomed into the childminder's home at the end of each day to discuss their child or observe the activities in progress. Parents of under five's are well informed about routine events such as meals, bottles and nappies. School age children are well supported as they share their own experiences directly with their parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has continued to develop her childminding practice through training and reading relevant guidance and documentation. As a result she has continued to improve the service she offers to children and their families. Organisation is good, the childminder is very experienced and has developed a flexible routine which meets the individual routines of all the children in her care. She uses her knowledge of the babies routines to enable her to plan 'special time' with a pre- school child whilst the babies are sleeping. The childminder keeps sufficient documentation to ensure the setting is satisfactorily managed and the welfare of the children is promoted. Policies and information for parents are well presented. This provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has extended her range of resources and activities so that children have greater opportunities to appreciate and value diversity. She is now familiar with her duty to notify Ofsted of any significant events. Improvements to attendance records ensure she is able to identify who is present at any given time and that required adult child ratio's are maintained. She has also improved her understanding of child protection procedures so that she can take appropriate action to protect a child from possible harm.

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 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.6

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): • improve the system for obtaining parental consent to administer medication.

p.6

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

p.6

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