Tarnai-Wilson Susan Eva

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY219741 Inspection date 09 February 2006 Inspector Anne Walker

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and 13-year-old son in Selston, Nottinghamshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, with toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 4 children under 5. Some of these children attend full time and the others on a part time basis. A further 5 children are cared for on various days after school. Only 2 of these children are under 8 years. The childminder walks to the local school to collect children but also has use of a car. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding

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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 Association and attends local parent and toddler group and the childminding support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, comfortable environment. Their health is promoted through the good hygiene measures within the home to prevent the spread of germs. Through the daily routines the children know how to protect their own health. They help themselves to tissues to blow their nose and they wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Information shared between the childminder and parents, regarding the care of children who are ill, ensures they work together in the best interests of all. The snacks and meals provided for children encourage them to eat a balanced diet and become aware of foods that are good for them and those that need to be eaten in moderation. They enjoy fruits which form part of their daily diet and fresh vegetables are included in the hot meals prepared. Items such as crisps are provided in lesser quantities and less frequently than fruit, cheese or meat. Children are gently

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Helping children to be healthy

encouraged to try new tastes so that they broaden the range of foods they eat. Individual dietary needs are well recorded and given suitable regard to maintain children's well-being. They have regular drinks of squash or water in order that they remain hydrated and able to take part in the activities. The children have regular opportunities to play actively. There is a broad range of equipment in the garden, including a challenging climbing frame with rope ladders and slides. This provides them with exercise while developing their physical skills. During school holidays outings to parks and wooded areas are provided so that children have fresh air and exercise. Some of the school children walk from school. These activities foster their interest and awareness of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised due to the good strategies in place to safeguard them and provide a child friendly environment. A stair gate prevents babies and toddlers accessing the stairs. Space on the ground floor is organised so that children can move safely between rooms without risk of trips and falls. Play materials are readily available to children, with clear floor space for babies and toddlers to explore their play materials safely. When there are too many toys on the floor, the children are encouraged to help tidy away before getting others out. The simple explanations offered helps them understand how this keeps them safe. Good strategies are in place to ensure children are secure in the car and during collection from school. Children are directly supervised as they play, rest and have their meals.

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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 The children use a wide range of good quality, safe play materials which are developmentally appropriate so that they are not exposed to toys that may cause them harm. When needed separate areas of the home are used to meet the differing needs of age ranges. The well maintained equipment, such as buggies, car seats and high chairs ensure children are cared for safely, according to their stage of development. Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a clear knowledge of how to safeguard children in relation to child protection. Parents are informed of the procedures followed, which ensures that they work together to maintain the interests of children at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children play happily and purposefully because the toys are age appropriate and provide children with suitable challenges. Within the home, young children have plentiful time to explore the play materials at their own pace. This provides them with opportunities to try new things as well as practise and build on acquired skills such as threading buttons and bobbins, slotting pieces into the jigsaw or for the youngest child, using the furniture to practise being upright and walking. They benefit from the interaction of the childminder who plays alongside them, encouraging them and talking with them to promote their language. Children's learning and development are supported because their carer has an awareness of 'Birth to three matters'. This knowledge is not yet being fully utilised to identify and plan for children's next developmental steps. The day is well-organised so that young children's rest and meal times are respected

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

while ensuring there are opportunities for them to mix and socialise in the local community. They regularly attend local toddler groups where they play with a wider group of children, which helps them learn to share and take turns. Children who attend after school enjoy a range of well planned activities. They are able to relax and can use the electronic games but are also encouraged to develop new skills and interests such as baking cakes and various crafts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Good written records and ongoing dialogues with parents ensure that children's individual needs are met effectively. Suitable regard is given to settling children so that they are secure and comfortable in the environment and are confident with their carer. The routines provide a framework for young children so that they know what happens next and when their parents will collect them. They talk readily about their home life and events at the childminder's and they are listened to and their ideas and thoughts valued. Children's welfare is supported through the friendly relationships established with parents and time is taken to exchange information each day in order to provide consistent care.

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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 Clear, consistent explanations are offered to children to help them understand what is acceptable behaviour. Good account is taken of individual children's level of development and strategies for managing behaviour are adapted appropriately. Consequently children help tidy away, they sit at the table to have their lunch and are gentle and careful of the baby because they understand why they need to do these things. The good organisation of the play materials enables all children to play with the range of toys available. Boys and girls select from all the toys. The childminder has high expectations for all the children in her care in respect of what they can achieve. There are only a few play materials that reflect other cultures. This does not fully promote children's awareness of the diverse world in which they live.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are cared for in a child friendly environment. As they arrive they can hang their coats and hats on pegs at child height. Play is prepared and readily available for all the varying ages that are cared for. The written records are used effectively to manage the day to day running of the business and ensure that children are well cared for, for example, medication records show clearly what the parents require and what has been administered during the day. Suitable strategies are in place, as well as a knowledge of the National Standards, to ensure that the numbers of children present at any one time comply with registration requirements. A first aid certificate has been maintained. These things ensure that the business is run safely and the welfare of the children is promoted. The childminder is meeting the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection it was recommended that the childminder improve aspects of her documentation and her knowledge of equal opportunities. She has obtained written, parental consent to transport children in the car and for emergency medical advice or treatment. Children are treated with equal concern while in her care. Through consultation with parents, children's ongoing needs are well met. They are encouraged to participate and try all the activities available. Knowledge of how to support the children's awareness of diversity, through their play materials, remains to be developed. This means that children do not have sufficient opportunities to explore peoples similarities and differences.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 an awareness of 'Birth to three matters' in order to further support children's learning and development • extend the play materials that promote children's understanding of other cultures, races and disabilities.

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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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