Liddell, Sheila Denise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316209 Inspection date 09 February 2006 Inspector Ann Marie Lefevre

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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 September 2005. She is approved to mind a maximum of six children at any one time. The registration includes overnight care for a maximum of two children. There are currently two children attending. The household consists of the childminder, her husband and their 13 year old son. Their home is a barn conversion which is located in a rural setting, a short distance from the village of Eglingham and the local school. The nearest town of Alnwick is approximately eight miles away by car. Minded children have access to the living/dining/kitchen and the cloakroom on the ground floor; a bedroom and the utility

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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 room are not used. Two bedrooms and the bathroom are available on the first floor; other first floor rooms are not used for minding purposes. The enclosed rear and front gardens are used for supervised activities. The childminder takes children to local places of interest on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have opportunities to learn about health and hygiene in their daily routines and activities. They are encouraged to take responsibility and to be aware of hygiene, for example, children learn about how germs are spread and why it is important to wash their hands before eating or after going to the toilet. Children learn from the good example set by the childminder's approach to cleanliness as she explains about washing toys so they are nice and clean for future use. Children have individual towels, in different colours, arranged on the towel rail under labels which state each child’s name. In addition, children are encouraged to take responsibility by giving some help to put toys away after activities. The children respond well to this and are happy to participate. Children's health requirements are highlighted in the well-organised records and in the relevant health information in place. Accident and medication recording systems

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Helping children to be healthy

are in place and the childminder has a good understanding of how to maintain these. There have been no accidents and no medication needed to date. The childminder is aware of ensuring that children's health needs are met. She has a well-stocked first aid kit for indoors and an additional kit for outings. The childminder is keen to ensure that minded children benefit from being cared for in a clean and healthy setting. Children benefit from the childminder’s positive approach to having a healthy diet. The childminder currently provides snacks after children are collected from school, however, she is happy to provide good quality foods in home cooked meals as required. Children are well supported and the childminder ensures that children are comfortable as they eat, for example, sandwiches made with granary bread accompanied by grapes and cucumber. There is always fresh fruit available and regular drinks of healthy juice or water are readily to hand. Parent’s wishes, as well

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Helping children to be healthy

as children’s likes and dislikes, are addressed. The childminder ensures that special dietary needs are met effectively. Children develop their physical and emotional well-being in a range of stimulating activities. They are able to gain lots of exercise and fresh air from supervised outdoor play in the gardens, playing ball games in a nearby field or going on farm walks. Children enjoy participating in activities such as, collecting slate and stones to take back to the childminder’s home to paint. Children also have opportunities to socialise with other children and adults.

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Helping children to be healthy

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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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are welcoming, comfortable and very well-organised for children to use safely. Children benefit from being able to access the designated childcare areas with close, age-appropriate supervision and support from the childminder. The childminder encourages children to be aware of safety, both in and outside the home, in daily routines and in activities. She has taken steps to ensure the premises are safe and secure for children. Many safety measures have been taken, for example, a fire blanket is readily accessible on the kitchen wall, low-level glass is safe, socket covers are in place, child resistant catches are fitted to prevent child access to hazardous substances and items and there are no locks to the toilet areas. However, the front door is locked but the key is at child height which means the children could potentially leave the premises without supervision. Children respond well to gentle

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

guidance about the safe use of items, such as scissors and glue. In addition, appropriate care is taken when children are out of the home environment in the community. For example, they are helped to understand about road safety and to look and listen before they cross. There is easy child access to a range of good quality equipment and resources so they can play in safety. Children are protected as the childminder ensures that the toys, equipment and furniture are in a safe and clean condition by checking items regularly. She ensures that the toys and play resources are appropriate for the age and stage of development of each child. Children’s welfare is ensured by the childminder having relevant documentation in place in relation to safety, including a well-maintained register of attendance which is completed as each child arrives and again when they depart. Current public liability insurance has been obtained and appropriate car documentation is in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Although there have been no concerns to date, the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures, what signs to be aware of, who to contact and what to record if she has concerns in the future. Therefore, children are well protected in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. There are many opportunities for children to enjoy a wide range of stimulating and exciting activities and projects in a calm, warm and affectionate environment. They progress well in many educational and fun ways. There are age appropriate activities which help children to learn and develop their understanding of numbers, letters, shapes and colour with the childminder. They are enthusiastic as they use their natural sense of curiosity and develop their imagination, for example, in using play-dough to make garden creatures and interesting shapes. They use lots of different art and craft materials to make lovely patterns and pictures. Children enjoy using a laminating machine to make their own table place mats from pictures they have coloured.

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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 The childminder values children and has an excellent understanding of how they learn and develop, this is evident in the way the childcare areas and resources are organised and in the actual care of children. She has a sound knowledge of each child, and the wishes of parents, to ensure there is consistency and continuity so that children can progress and learn effectively. The childminder helps children to develop their vocabulary skills by using simple and clear language. She encourages meaningful discussion about school and the daily events experienced by the children. Children settle well, are at ease and develop greater self-confidence with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude towards equal opportunities and respecting individual and differing needs. There are many opportunities for each child to develop a greater awareness of their local community. The childminder has obtained resources that reflect different backgrounds, for example, books to promote an understanding about the world and how other people live. The childminder has prepared a file of information about other cultures and festivals, for example, the Chinese New Year. Children learn about sharing and valuing others from the excellent role model provided by the childminder. The childminder gently and sensitively supports, praises and encourages in daily routines and activities which helps children to develop their self-esteem, confidence and sense of belonging. The childminder encourages children to share their opinions and make decisions. Children respond well to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

guidance from the childminder, they make informed choices and participate fully during each session. Parents are fully involved in planning for the care of their children and the exchange of information necessary for their child's day care. The childminder keeps them informed of daily activities and events as well as health and dietary issues. She provides parents with relevant information to ensure they have a good awareness of the childcare service provided. This is evident in the positive letter provided by a parent and as a parent collected their child at the end of the session. In addition, children share their experiences with parents, for example, they take art and craft work home and each child has their own file of work to show their achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very caring and dedicated to ensuring children benefit from their time in her care. She takes a professional approach to her work and her personal development. This is reflected in the well-organised child care areas in her home, in the good safety measures taken and in the range of good quality resources and exciting activities provided. The childminder is currently participating in an appropriate childminding practice course and has booked a place to do first aid

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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 training. She has not received any information relating to Birth to three matters to date, however, her practice is in keeping with the Birth to three principles. Clearly defined, sensitive daily routines enable children to settle well and feel secure in the setting. The recording systems are organised effectively, are well-maintained and are supplemented by relevant written parental consents and with contracts which are kept up to date with any necessary information. Overall, the needs of all the children who attend are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • further develop the existing safety measures by making sure that the premises are secure and that children are unable to leave them unsupervised • further develop knowledge by gaining information in relation to Birth to three matters.

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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:

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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 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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