Winters Lisa Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 504718 Inspection date 30 January 2006 Inspector Anne Felicity Taylor

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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 1999. She works with her mother who is also a fully registered childminder. She lives with her mother and adult sister and two nephews aged 5 and 3 years. They live in the Kings Norton area of Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and the bathroom and the back bedroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. When working alone the childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children under 8 years, and when working alongside her mother they are registered to care for a maximum of 8 children under 8 years at any one time. An overnight care service is

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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 available. The family has one dog and two cats. The childminder attends a local carer and toddler group and playgroup on a regular basis. She is qualified to level 3 in early years and education and play work. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene routines as they are encouraged to wash their hands and wipe their noses. The childminder is an effective role model, washing her hands regularly. Clear nappy changing and nappy disposal routines are in place ensuring children stay clean and healthy. Older children learn about healthy living during general conversation, for example, dental hygiene, and as they discuss health projects they have completed at school. A written health and safety policy is in place including a sickness policy and exclusions, all of which is easily available to parents. Parents are well-informed about any events during the day, as appropriate procedures are carried out, for example, accident and medication recording. Children are cared for well if they have an accident or become ill as the childminder is first aid trained and a fully-stocked first aid box is available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well-nourished and enjoy the healthy drinks and snacks offered, for example, milk and fruit for snack. Refrigeration temperatures are monitored ensuring the safe storage of bottle feeds and weaning food provided by parents. Babies follow their individual home routine as far as possible for bottle feeds, drinks and meals, offering continuity of care. Parents are always consulted regarding dietary needs and preferences, ensuring all individual needs are met. Children enjoy many varied opportunities for physical play, both indoors and outdoors, that contribute to their health and well-being. All the children benefit from the easy access to the garden, enjoying wheeled and push-along toys and climbing equipment. The childminder supports the physical development of the younger children well as they learn to move confidently and safely. Older children are offered activities to help them develop increasing finger and hand control, for example,

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Helping children to be healthy

collage and art and craft. Children's individual needs regarding sleep and rest are met well, following discussion with parents. Babies sleep in a quiet area or use the bedroom, in a cot or bed with individual clean bedding. Children sleep safely with the close supervision of the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a child-friendly environment. They have access to the ground floor of the house which offers plenty of free play space, effectively

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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 encouraging their physical development. Children staying overnight are cared for appropriately with individual beds and bedding. Children are offered a wide range of appropriate equipment, much of it at child height in the playroom, for example, small world play, enabling children to make independent choices. Children develop positive attitudes to others as they see images of general society reflected in books, toys and puzzles. Procedures are in place for checking and cleaning all equipment and toys regularly ensuring it is generally suitable and safe for the children. The garden and outdoor equipment are not always clean and suitable for the children. Children are kept safe because the childminder is vigilant and supervises the children herself at all times and safety equipment is in place, for example, socket covers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Accurate registers are completed daily. Children begin to understand about keeping themselves safe as the childminder discusses road safety when they are out walking and as they discuss fire drill. Fire safety equipment is in place. Children are protected from abuse or neglect. The childminder has appropriate policies and procedures in place. She has a good awareness of the signs to look for and the procedure to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have their individual needs met well because the childminder and the parents develop strong open relationships and constantly exchange information, for example, children's routines and their likes and dislikes. Written routines and daily plans are flexible and adapted to meet the individual needs of children attending, for example, to accommodate school runs with the routine of little ones. Children are confident and secure in the friendly environment, displaying great warmth and affection towards the childminder, which is reciprocated appropriately. Children develop skills and have fun as they complete finger paintings. Parents are given regular feedback about their child's day, including activities and achievements. Children develop confidence and self-esteem as they are praised for helping to tidy after playing shops. They are excited as the 'traffic' is told to 'stop' and 'go' as they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

play with the cars and trucks. Children are well supported by the childminder as they learn to make choices. They choose books and concentrate well looking at them alone, or when reading a story with the childminder and their friends. Children are offered many valuable opportunities to build positive relationships with other adults and children as they welcome visitors to the childminder's home and when they attend local groups. They learn to be considerate with the consistent encouragement of good manners by the childminder. Children are confident, busy and happy within the well-planned routine and the security offered by the childminder. The childminder has a thorough knowledge of child development, offering the children appropriate activities. Children can make choices and effectively develop their independence.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals and all their needs are met. They develop positive attitudes to others following the strong example set by the childminder. Many effective opportunities are in place for the children to gain an understanding of others through looking at positive images and celebrating festivals. Children's eating and sleeping routines are discussed regularly as there is a constant exchange of information between the childminder and the parents; children therefore develop a strong sense of belonging. There are procedures in place to meet the needs of children with special educational needs, working alongside parents and others involved in the child's care. Older children are encouraged to share and to be considerate and helpful, effectively developing an awareness of the needs of others. They begin to understand right from wrong through the consistent boundaries which

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Helping children make a positive contribution

are in place and the age appropriate methods the childminder uses to manage behaviour, for example, distraction and explanation. Children respond positively to the praise offered and their self-esteem is enhanced. Incidents and complaints are recorded. The partnership with parents is good. Children benefit from the strong, open relationships between parents and the childminder, effectively supporting the involvement of parents in all aspects of their child's care and learning. Parents appreciate the daily exchange of information. Parents have the opportunity to read all the policies and procedures put in place by the childminder, increasing their confidence in the care offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children develop well and have lots of fun and affection when in the care of the childminder. She keeps up to date with developments in early years, for example, fire safety and working with families. Children feel secure in her care, where they are offered planned and varied activities. The welfare and safety of the children is the priority for the childminder and correct ratios are always maintained. The organisation of the childminder's home ensures that the children have plenty of play space indoors and outdoors, with easy access to a wide range of equipment. Children are comfortable and confident as they are cared for within the flexible routine. Effective procedures and policies support the childminder in working successfully in partnership with parents. A current public liability insurance certificate must be available. Children benefit as their families are welcomed into the childminder's home

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Organisation

and are fully involved in their care. The children thrive in the caring and stimulating environment. Overall the range of children's needs are met.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder was asked to keep a detailed daily register. The children are now marked in on the register when they arrive and their times of arrival and departure are noted. Children are therefore cared for within the required ratio and the number of children on the premises is clear.

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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): • ensure the garden is safe and suitable for the children • ensure that a current public liability insurance certificate is in place.

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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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