Hodgins Tina Marie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309382 Inspection date 09 February 2006 Inspector Jane Mount

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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 has been registered since 2005. She manages and works alongside a group of childminders and assistants who provide a flexible childminding service to many families that use the childminding group. The property is a four bedroom detached house with a fully enclosed garden. The areas of the premises used by the children include a playroom, a conservatory, a dining/art room and a downstairs bathroom. There is access to a kitchen for cooking activities and a living room is available for occasional use. Sleeping facilities for the babies and young children are available in the four upstairs bedrooms. The outside

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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 play area consists of a large secure garden with outside play equipment for the children to ride and climb. Along the side of the house is a fenced field which is also available for use by the children. The property is situated close to Bedmond in a rural setting. Overnight care is not provided and all areas of the property are registered. The family has one dog, budgies, fish, ducks and chickens. The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under the age of 8 years and when working with other childminders or assistants the maximum number of 16 children must not be exceeded.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children take part in a range of physical activities which contributes to their good health and physical fitness on a daily basis. Full benefit is made of the large outside play area and they regularly enjoy playing in the garden where they can run and climb, jump on the trampoline and play parachute games. Children join in enthusiastically with activities such as music and movement. They particularly enjoy participating in 'sleeping bunnies' and are excited by the anticipation of waiting for the signal of 'wake up bunnies' when they can jump up and down. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Through effective guidance from the childminder, children are beginning to understand simple good health and hygiene practices. For example, they know they must wash their hands before eating and after going to the toilet. When asked, an older child is able to say

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Helping children to be healthy

he washes his hands before his dinner so he doesn't catch any germs. Children stay healthy because the childminder has clear and effective hygiene procedures which she follows. For example, wearing gloves for nappy changing, cleaning highchairs with anti bacterial spray after each use and children have their own flannels which all contribute to reducing the risk of cross infection. Children are well nourished and have their dietary needs met through the provision of fresh home cooked food. Children's dietary requirements are discussed regularly with parents and this ensures children receive a healthy balanced diet. Children are learning about healthy eating and living through regular discussions at mealtimes. They talk about the food they are eating and what is particularly good to eat. For example, carrots are good for you because they help your eyes to see better in the dark. During the recent topic of 'The Environment' they looked at where in the world

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from an environment where positive steps are taken by the

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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 childminder to promote safety. The childminder actively ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents and to minimise hazards through the completion of a daily risk assessment of all areas and equipment used by the children. Children are able to move around safely and independently and are developing an understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe. Older children know the safety rules about holding scissors safely and correctly when cutting out and the childminder sensitively reminds a younger child not to throw a toy as it may hit someone and hurt them. Children are happy and settled in a child friendly environment which is safe and inviting and where they feel secure. The entrance hall has been made into a welcoming environment where children hang there coats on pegs on arrival. There is

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

a notice board where information can be effectively shared with parents and children and parents are greeted at the door by the childminder. Children's art work and photo's are also displayed. Children benefit from being able to use safe and suitable resources and equipment freely and independently. Space has been organised so children have easy access to a varied range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate resources. Non mobile babies are able to play safely in an area of the playroom which has been separated from the rest of the room. Older children have opportunities to freely access writing and drawing materials as well as resources such as construction or the home corner. Children are well protected by a childminder who has a sound understanding of child protection procedures and gives priority to children's safety and welfare. She has all the required procedures in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's learning is promoted through the childminder's sound knowledge of child development and she is beginning to develop an understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children respond positively to the varied play opportunities the childminder provides. Along with the other co-childminder's she works alongside she has developed long term plans with themes for the year. Children are learning through their play and what interests them. For example, the current theme is 'Space' and because the children have been particularly interested in the topic it has been extended. The older children have enjoyed practising their cutting skills making rockets and the younger children have particularly enjoyed sticking glitter on star shapes and singing twinkle, twinkle little star. Children enjoy learning about the environment and gardening. They planted some bulbs and have been patiently watering them and waiting for them to grow. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

plants are now showing green shoots and the flowers are beginning to form and the children are very proud of their hard work. The children enjoy gardening and recently they found some worms and snails in the garden and talked about them. They delighted in letting the snails crawl slowly up their arms and discussed being gentle with them and putting them back in the garden where they were found. Children are happy and settled and make themselves at home. They relate well to

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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 each other and develop confidence and self-esteem as they receive consistent levels of support from the childminder. They make positive relationships and are confident in the childminder's company and regularly ask for help or a cuddle. She encourages children's conversations, asking open ended questions and building on their confidence. Children enjoy circle time when they come together as a group. They join in with singing and hand rhymes and a particular favourite is 'Incy Wincy Spider' which they keenly join in with, knowing all the actions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have regular opportunities to learn about themselves and the world around them. The childminder promotes equal opportunities through the provision of resources, ensuring children have equal access to all that is on offer. A range of resources are available to increase children's awareness of diversity including books, dressing up clothes, play food and multi cultural dolls. Children develop a positive attitude to others and learn about diversity through their play and through general discussions. For example, they talk about different foods from other countries and where it grows. Children are valued as individuals and are effectively supported in their play which results in them playing well together. Behaviour is dealt with in a positive yet consistent manner so children know what is expected of them. Children are beginning to understand responsible behaviour as the childminder explains the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

implications their actions can have on other children. Children are encouraged to help each other in their play and good behaviour is always acknowledged with children receiving a smiley face sticker which they proudly show to parents. Children's individual needs are met effectively as the childminder works in close partnership with parents. The childminder values and respects each child as an individual and ensures information is regularly exchanged with parents to meet any specific needs and to ensure all children are included and receive appropriate support. Younger children have a written daily diary completed which is shared with parents and older children's parents are always verbally informed of their child's day. Regular newsletters are also produced and shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's individual needs are met well as the childminder organises her time and resources effectively. She has high regard for the well-being of all the children she cares for and adjusts the routine according to their needs. She implements her sound knowledge of child development and children are positively supported by the childminder who has good organisational skills. Children benefit from a child friendly environment where they feel at ease and are safe. All childminder's and assistants who work at the provision have completed thorough recruitment and vetting procedures to ensure children are well protected. However, staff records do not

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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 contain all relevant information to show their suitability. For example, employment history, medical suitability, qualifications and training as well as CRB disclosure numbers. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being are in place. Contracts are regularly reviewed and updated and a portfolio with some policies and procedures is available, however, information is limited. The childminder understands the importance of confidentiality and takes appropriate steps to protect children. Overall, the range of children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there has been no complaints. 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): • review and update staff records for all childminder's and assistants who work on the premises to ensure relevant information is recorded and available to show their suitability(this refers to CRB disclosure numbers, qualifications and training, employment history and medical suitability). • review and update written policies to inform parents and staff of the procedures carried out to promote the welfare, care and learning of children.

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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 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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