Butler Georgina

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY101327 Inspection date 28 February 2006 Inspector Gail Groves

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 9 and 6 in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder’s house with the exception of the dining room and one bedroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 5 children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group, takes children to the local library and takes children to the

p.2

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 local park. The family has 2 cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from infection and are well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. For example, she has attended a food hygiene course, keeps a record of accidents signed by parents and has a clear sickness policy which prevents the risk of cross infection. Children learn to understand some simple, good health and hygiene practices such as washing their hands after using the toilet and after playing in the garden and the need to wipe and blow their nose if it is running. As a result they are beginning to develop good hygiene routines for later life. Records of medication administered to children are signed by parents to acknowledge the entry and the childminder seeks written parental permission to administer each course of medication required.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Because she does not retain the written permission, children's welfare cannot be fully monitored as she has no proof that she has correctly complied with parental requirements. Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder works closely with parents to understand what these are. They are well nourished because she provides a balanced, nutritious diet in which she uses only organic fruit and vegetables. She offers children fruit as a daily part of their diet, praising them and showing pleasure when they eat it. Consequently, they are beginning to learn about healthy eating. Drinks are available at all times from the children's individual containers which they are able to access whenever they are thirsty. This prevents them becoming dehydrated and encourages independence. Children take part in regular physical activity both indoors and outdoors which helps them to develop their motor skills and encourages their enjoyment of exercise. For

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

example, they visit the park to use the climbing apparatus and swings and to play ball games. They walk in the woods to look at the changing seasons and to run and chase each other. In the house they play throwing and catching with balloons and enthusiastically take part in action rhymes and move to music. Energetic play is balanced with quieter activities such as watching television or listening to stories so that children can rest and sleep according to their needs and do not become overtired and fractious. Their sleep routines are discussed with their parents and the childminder is careful to ensure that these are met and ensure continuity.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor

p.3

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 environment where risks to their safety have been minimised. The childminder carries out detailed written risk assessments and has put effective measures in place to keep children safe. For example, she has developed clear policies regarding emergency evacuation procedures and has decided exactly what to do if children become lost or are uncollected. Children use a wide variety of good quality, suitable and safe resources and equipment which are age appropriate and which meet their needs. Toys are stored on low level shelving units in the bright, attractive playroom so that children can access them independently. Items with small parts are placed safely out of reach of the youngest children but are still available to older children who will not put them in their mouths.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate procedures keep children safe on outings. They learn to use seat belts in the car, discuss road safety when they are out walking and learn to keep themselves safe by looking and listening when they cross the road. Within the house the childminder's simple rules such as not throwing balls and not climbing on furniture also develop their awareness of safety. Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. She has recently attended child protection training and has all the relevant contact details readily available in her file should she need to report a concern. As a result, she has the relevant experience, knowledge and skills to keep children safe.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are involved in a broad range of planned activities and spontaneous events, which support all areas of their development and learning. For example, they play creatively with paint and playdough, take part in cooking activities and enjoy singing and music. They develop concepts of shape, colour and number with jigsaws, shape sorters and animals. They develop physical skills with large equipment such as bikes and by colouring and drawing with pencils and crayons and learn social skills as they play together or visit other childminders and their children. They childminder interacts and supports children's play at all times and as a result, they readily respond to adults who are interested in what they do and say and are developing good language and communication skills. Children have their individual needs met because the childminder knows and understands what these needs are and plans her play activities to help move them

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

on to the next stage in their learning. For example, she encourages young children to develop their physical skills by providing bikes to pedal, plays dice games to help older children develop numeral recognition and counting skills and encourages all children to share and play cooperative games to develop social skills. As a result, children make good progress in their development. Children are able to confidently make decisions, explore and investigate because they are happy and settled in the provision. As a result they can extend their learning and develop self-esteem and independence because they readily take part in and enjoy all the play and learning opportunities provided for them.

p.4

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

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging because the childminder treats them as part of her family. She has a settling in procedure to ensure that they feel comfortable in the provision and are therefore sufficiently confident to take part in and enjoy the play opportunities she provides. They are valued and included fully in all activities and the childminder is careful to praise their achievements at all times. They make choices and take decisions throughout their daily routine such as deciding what sort of sandwiches they want to eat for lunch and which songs and stories they wish to sing or hear. As a result, they develop confidence and self-esteem. Children learn to respond to appropriate expectations for their behaviour because the childminder provides a good role model and treats them with respect. With her support, children are learning to be aware of their own needs and to respect the

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

needs of others and throughout their play she encourages them to share, take turns and be polite. Consequently they learn to work harmoniously with others and develop good social skills. For example, they help to tidy away toys, play board games with each other and work together to build with bricks. Children have access to activities and some resources which help them value diversity. For example, they make candle holders at Divali, colour dragons at Chinese New Year and can access books which reflect cultural diversity. At present resources which reflect social diversity and disability are limited. As a result children are not learning to understand the positive differences between people. Children have their individual needs met because the childminder works in close partnership with parents and carers. She shares written information about young children through a daily diary and holds regular discussions with parents to ensure

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

that children receive consistency of care and that she has a clear understanding of their requirements. She has an appropriate complaints procedure which she shares with parents and as a result, children's welfare can be fully monitored.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children and her policies and procedures generally work in practice to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. The necessary documentation for the efficient and safe management of the provision is in place and record keeping systems are used to meet children’s needs and promote their care. The childminder also has a range of clearly written policies which she shares with parents when new children begin to attend. The childminder uses the space well to support children's progress and well-being. She has a dedicated playroom which she uses for a wide variety of activities such as messy play, energetic play and eating. She never has more than four children in her care at any one time and organises her time well in order to give them a lot of individual care and attention. This means that she can positively support their care,

p.5

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 learning and play. She has a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to continual improvement and attends training at least once a year to update and enhance her skills. Overall, children’s needs are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve children's health and safety. She has now secured the fireguard to the wall so that the gas fire and hearth are inaccessible to children, has made the bathroom lock safe and has obtained written parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment for each child. She also agreed to inform Ofsted of any significant events or changes to the premises in order that children's welfare can be monitored. Since the last inspection there have been none to report.

p.6

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • keep the written parental permissions to administer each course of medication • improve the resources which reflect the diversity within society.

p.6

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:

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.7