Swift Karen Angela

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY101225 Inspection date 13 February 2006 Inspector Sheena Gibson

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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 registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and 2 adult children in a in Heage, near Belper, Derbyshire. Local shops, schools and the park are within walking distance. The whole of the downstairs of the house is used for childminding purposes, including toilet facilities in this area. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children under the age of 8 years at any one time. Currently there are 6 children on roll. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school. She also cares for children over 8 years before and after school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family has 2 cats, a dog, a tortoise and 2 chickens.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted as they are cared for in a warm, clean environment. They are beginning to understand about the importance of good hygiene through daily routines such as hand washing before meals and after visiting the toilet. They independently, manage their own toileting needs and wipe their noses with disposable tissues, supporting their good health and hygiene. Children are well cared for if they have an accident. The childminder has received paediatric first aid training and a comprehensive first aid box is in place. Detailed records are maintained of any accident; permission to seek emergency medical treatment has been obtained. As a result children's immediate and on-going first aid needs are met. Children are well protected from the spread of illness and infection. A detailed written sick policy is in place that is shared with parents. The childminder has obtained

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Helping children to be healthy

information leaflets on a variety of illness so that she can inform parents of early symptoms and exclusion periods. Children's emotional needs are well met and they are able to feel secure because the childminder is warm and compassionate; children often approach for cuddles. They have ample opportunities to develop fitness and physical skills. They access a large garden where they ride bikes, skip, play with balls and hoola-hoops. Their nutritional needs are well supported. They are offered a variety of healthy foods such as cheese, sultanas and fruit. They can independently quench their thirst if they want to as drinks are always available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to feel comfortable and secure. The home environment is welcoming to them. They sit on comfortable domestic furniture and access a table in the kitchen for meals and to carry out craft. Premises are tidy and well maintained. Sufficient space is available for children to freely move about choosing toys and games. Access to a fully secure outdoor area provides regular opportunities for safe outside play. Toys and resources are clean, in sound condition and suited to children's stage of development and interests. Selections of these are placed out by the childminder to ensure that young children can safely make choices. Older children choose from a wide range of equipment, well organised in a cupboard. A number of sensible precautions are in place to minimise identified hazards and help keep children safe. For example, use of a fixed fire guard prevents children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

accessing the gas fire in the lounge, and household chemicals are stored out of their reach in high kitchen cupboards. Children learn about taking some responsibility for their own safety as the childminder sensibly explains safe practice to children. They learn about not talking to strangers when out and to safely evacuate the house through practising fire drills. Children's welfare is well maintained if there is a child protection concern. The childminder has completed an advanced child protection course and is confident in her knowledge and understanding of the procedures to follow if she has a concern.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the home environment. They are confident to move around the areas initiating their own play ideas and managing their own personal needs. They show interest and enjoyment at what toys and activities are on offer. For example, on arrival a child launches herself into the puzzle box and begins looking for a puzzle. Children have a good relationship with the childminder, who is warm and considerate to their needs. The childminder knows the children very well and demonstrates a good understanding of their stage of development. Therefore they are offered sufficient challenge to stretch their abilities. The childminder does not purposefully organise the routine and activities, therefore children's learning is incidental. She is not yet using strategies, such as 'Birth to three matters' to support her planning. Children gain various skills through playing with what is on offer. For

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

example, they practise their manipulative and problem solving skills when completing puzzles. Young children are confident with colours and can count to five. Their imagination is fostered through, for example, dressing up clothes, imaginative and role play toys such as shop equipment and playing with animals. They enjoy music and sing to rhyme tapes, supporting their creativity. They have good opportunities to learn about the environment. The childminder keeps chickens and the children enjoy fetching the eggs. They use microscopes to look at insects found on walks or in the garden. Their language and social skills are strongly promoted. The childminder asks younger children simple open questions to promote and extend their vocabulary and they enthuse about singing an alphabet song. Older children make puppets, bake their own bread and pizza, learning a variety of new skills whilst having fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are given high regard. The childminder has a positive understanding and attitude to supporting equal opportunities and has developed a policy to this effect. She supports children in accordance with their age and stage of development; also in line with parent's wishes, taking into account home life and cultural background. Children learn to value themselves as individuals and recognise differences through looking in mirrors and open discussion. Activities and resources help them to understand their own, and others' appearance and feelings, supporting them in feeling valued and acknowledged. Children behave well. The childminder has a sound understanding of creating a positive environment. For example, children are kept busy and have a good variety of activities for them to enjoy, ensuring that they stay stimulated and challenged. Positive re-enforcement is used to promote good

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behaviour; plenty of meaningful praise is used to show appreciation, fostering children's self-esteem. Children benefit from the honest and open relationships between the parents and the childminder. Good information is available to parents about the childminder's service, supporting the consistency of care for children. Informal exchanges keep the childminder and parents informed of the children's progress on a daily basis.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are content in the comfortable environment created by the childminder. They benefit from being cared for by someone who is continually looking to self-improve, demonstrated by the variety of courses undertaken, including an appropriate early years qualification. They profit from her enthusiasm for her role. She is using information gathered from training to help her run her business safely and efficiently. Children relish the good levels of attention given to them, which helps them to feel secure and confident. They enjoy free movement in the areas used for childminding, supporting their confidence and independence. All relevant documentation is in place and stored confidentially to maintain children's privacy. Good information exchanges between parents and the childminder ensures that children's individual needs are met and their care is consistent. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children for

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection a recommendation was raised to continue to expand the range of play equipment. There is a good amount of equipment available for children of all ages and therefore they benefit from having sufficient choice and variety.

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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

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): • continue to develop the planning and provision of activities and play

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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 opportunities for children that promote their learning and development, including the implementation of 'Birth to three'

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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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