Clements, Denise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY313252 Inspection date 09 February 2006 Inspector Lindsey Pollock

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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 satisfactory. 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 has been registered since September 2005. She lives with her husband and her three children aged 7, 5 and 2 years. Her home is close to schools, pre-schools, parks and local amenities. The whole of the ground floor and third bedroom are used for childminding. There is a garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for 3 children under 8 years. There are 4 children under 8 years old on roll who attend on a part-time basis. The family has two cats.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. The childminder has a clear understanding of health and hygiene guidelines, which helps children to stay healthy. Children learn about personal hygiene in everyday routines and activities, which promote good hygiene practice. For example, they know they must always wash their hands after using the toilet and handling pets. Appropriate documentation is in place for recording accidents and the administration of medication. However, parents have not given written permission for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice and treatment. Children enjoy healthy snacks, such as fruit and have regular drinks throughout the day. The childminder ensures that snack times are pleasant, social occasions. Older children are gaining an understanding of the importance of eating healthily to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Children enjoy daily physical activities in the fresh air, which contribute to keeping

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Helping children to be healthy

them fit and well. They develop their coordination skills as they use outdoor equipment, such as bikes and swings. They particularly enjoy games of football in the garden and in the local park and are beginning to understand the importance of exercising to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The childminder has a double buggy to enable her to take young children out on a daily basis.

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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 well organised, warm and welcoming home. Effective organisation of space and daily checks ensure children have room to move around freely and safely. A bedroom is available for children to sleep in undisturbed. Furniture, equipment and toys which are of good quality and in a safe, well maintained condition are provided to promote children's development and welfare. Toys and resources are stored so that children can reach them easily and safely. Effective risk assessments are carried out and potential hazards are minimised to ensure children are cared for in a safe environment. For example, safety gates are fitted and all harmful substances are out of children's reach. Although the childminder is aware of the emergency evacuation procedure she has not practised this with the children to raise their awareness of what to do should an incident occur. The

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder helps children to gain an awareness of safety both indoors and outdoors by talking and explaining to them and by setting a good example. Children know to hold hands when out walking and are developing an understanding of road safety. Children are adequately protected. The childminder has a sound understanding of

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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 her responsibilities with regards to child protection, but does not have full written details of local area child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are content and settled in the childminder's care. Routines have been established that are consistent with home, which promotes children's sense of security and develops their confidence. Warm relationships have been developed. The children approach the childminder confidently and with affection and are comfortable in her care. They make themselves at home and develop independence skills as they choose from the varied range of resources available. The childminder praises children and values what they have to offer to help raise their self-esteem. Their communication skills are developing well as the childminder talks and listens to them. She encourages them to talk about what they are doing and sensitively supports their language development. Children enjoy using a variety of resources, such as puzzles, games, creative materials and books which are suitable for their age and stage of development. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

make decisions about their play and learning, adequately supported as needed by the childminder. A varied range of activities and play opportunities are purposeful and developmentally appropriate resulting in children being generally motivated and interested. They enjoy looking at books, playing football in the garden and older children particularly enjoy using the play station. Although the childminder is aware of Birth to three matters she is not yet using the framework to promote the outcomes for children under three.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. Children learn to value differences through sensitive discussions and are receptive to the childminder's good role modelling. A varied range of resources help to raise children's awareness of diversity. Children behave well due to consistent, positive behaviour management by the childminder. The younger children play happily alongside each other and are gaining an understanding of sharing and taking turns. They are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong. Older children negotiate and take responsibility for their own behaviour; they learn to work harmoniously together and develop respect for each other. Trusting partnerships have been established with parents to help promote children's well-being, development and progress. Information is shared on a daily basis.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parent's knowledge of their child's needs and interests is actively sought prior to a

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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 placement commencing, and on a regular basis throughout their time in the childminder's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has completed an appropriate first aid course which has been approved by the local authority. This has increased her knowledge of how to administer first aid to the children in her care. Children feel at home and relaxed in the well organised environment resulting in them being confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The required ratios are maintained resulting in children receiving appropriate support and their needs being met effectively. Records, policies and procedures are all in place and most are kept appropriately. All records are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and the activities provided for their children. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children cared for.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 satisfactory. 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):

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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 • obtain written permission for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment • raise children's awareness of the emergency evacuation procedures and obtain full written information regarding local area child protection procedures • develop care for children under 3 by using Birth to three matters • keep an accurate record of the times of children's attendance and revise the complaints policy in line with new regulations.

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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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