Liley, Janice Lyn

Inspection report for early years provision

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502237 Unique Reference Number 18 May 2006 Inspection date Ann Marie Lefevre Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 1987. She is approved to mind a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently nine children attending at various times.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The household consists of the childminder and her husband. Their home is a semi-detached house which is located on the outskirts of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and close to local amenities. Minded children have access to the living/dining room, playroom and kitchen on the ground floor. The bathroom and separate toilet are available on the first floor; other rooms on this floor are not used for minding purposes. The front garden is open plan and provides access to the premises only. The enclosed rear garden is used by the children for outdoor play. The family has a pet hamster and fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children to local places of interest on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about health and hygiene in their daily routines and activities. They benefit from the very good example set by the childminder. Children are encouraged to take responsibility as they gain age-appropriate awareness of how germs are spread and why it is important to wash their hands before eating or after handling pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health requirements are highlighted in the suitably organised records and in the relevant health information. Accident and medication recording systems are in place and the childminder is clear on how to maintain these. There has only been one minor accident to date and this, as well as medication records are well recorded. The childminder is aware of ensuring that children's health needs are met. She has a suitably stocked first aid kit, has completed relevant first aid training and is keen to ensure that minded children benefit from being cared for in a clean and healthy setting.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies and toddlers are given lots of cuddles and affection as they are supported having drinks and food. The childminder is sensitive to their needs as she settles them for naps in a buggy or travel cot. Parents provide spare clothing for emergencies and other items in the child’s own bag. The childminder ensures that she has the necessary information from parents to ensure continuity of care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder’s positive approach to having a healthy diet. Parents provide for the current children, however, the childminder provides snacks, including fresh fruit, raw salad vegetable and breadsticks. Children have regular drinks of water, healthy juice or milk. The childminder has appropriate strategies in place to ensure dietary needs are met effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their physical and emotional well-being in an exciting range of indoor and outdoor activities. They are able to gain lots of exercise and fresh air from supervised outdoor play in the enclosed garden where they can have energetic fun. Children gain a greater awareness of their local community, for example, as they are taken on nature walks and collect flowers, leaves and acorns to chat about and then take the items home, or collect worms and look after them as pets. Children also have opportunities to socialise with other children and adults as they attend children’s activity play settings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are very welcoming, comfortable and organised for children to use safely. Children benefit from being able to access the designated childcare areas with close, age-appropriate supervision and support from the childminder. The childminder encourages children to be aware of safety, both in and outside the home, in daily routines and in activities. She ensures the premises are safe and secure for children. Many safety measures have been taken, for example, a fire blanket is readily accessible on the kitchen door, socket covers and a fire guard are in

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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 place, most windows are fire exits and external doors are securely fastened. Children respond well to guidance about the safe use of toys and equipment. In addition, appropriate care is taken when children are out of the home environment in the community. For example, they are helped to understand about road safety, looking out for the green man before crossing and being aware of traffic.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is easy child access to a wide range of equipment and resources so they can play in safety. Children are protected as the childminder ensures that the toys, equipment and furniture are in a safe and clean condition by checking items regularly. She ensures that the toys and play resources are appropriate for the age and stage of development of each child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is ensured by the childminder having relevant documentation in place in relation to safety. This includes a register of attendance, which is completed as each child arrives and again when they depart, and current public liability insurance has been obtained. Although there have been no concerns to date, the childminder has an understanding of child protection procedures, what signs to be aware of, who to contact and what to record if she has concerns in the future. Therefore, children are well-protected in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of stimulating playthings and activities in a calm and friendly environment. They learn and develop their understanding of numbers, letters, shapes and colour in age-appropriate, educational and fun ways. The childminder uses appropriate methods to promote and reinforce learning, including clear guidance during activities. Children are able to select playthings from the extremely well equipped designated playroom. Children are enthusiastic as they use their natural sense of curiosity and develop their imagination, for example, when dressing up, joining in dance, music and song or when playing with cars. They use lots of different art and craft materials in many ways to make delightful pictures and participate in other creative projects.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder values children and has an understanding of how they learn and develop. This is evident in the way the childcare areas and resources are organised, and in the actual care of children. She has a sound knowledge of each child, and the wishes of parents, to ensure there is consistency and continuity so that children can progress and learn effectively. The childminder helps children to develop their vocabulary skills by using simple and clear language. Children settle well, are at ease and develop greater self-confidence with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude towards equal opportunities and respecting individual needs. There are many opportunities for each child to develop a greater awareness of their local community and children are broadening their understanding of the wider world. Children enjoy activities relating to more familiar celebrations and there are

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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 activities to help children to enhance their knowledge of people from differing cultures. Children have ready access to play resources that reflect different backgrounds.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about sharing and valuing others from the excellent role model provided by the childminder. The childminder gently and sensitively supports, praises and encourages them in daily routines and activities which helps children to develop their self-esteem, confidence and sense of belonging. The childminder encourages children to share their opinions and make decisions. Children respond well to guidance from the childminder, they make informed choices and participate fully during each session.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are fully involved in planning for the care of their children and the exchange of information necessary for their child's daily care. The childminder keeps them up to date with daily activities and events as well as health and dietary issues. She provides parents with a wealth of relevant information to ensure they have an appropriate awareness of the childcare service provided. A really well-organised parent information file has been prepared to give parents a very good insight, for example, policies, procedures, training certificates of courses completed by the childminder, as well as general health, safety and care elements which ensure parent awareness. In addition, children share their experiences with parents as they take lots of art and craft work home.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is caring, affectionate and keen to ensure that children benefit from their time in her care. This is reflected in the way the child care areas are organised in her home, in the health and safety measures taken and in the wide range of resources and activities provided for the children. The childminder has participated in safeguarding children training and has strategies in place to develop her skills and knowledge further. She has not yet received any information relating to Birth to three matters, however, her practice reflects the Birth to three matters principles.

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Organisation

Clearly defined, sensitive daily routines enable children to settle well and feel secure in the setting. The recording systems are organised effectively, are appropriately maintained and are supplemented by relevant written parental consents and with contracts which are kept up to date with any necessary information.

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Organisation

Overall, the needs of all children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder continues to develop her knowledge and understanding of issues relating to childminding for the benefit of the children attending.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A concern was received in relation to National Standard 6.

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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 Discussions took place with the registered provider and a full report was submitted to Ofsted. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the 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): • increase knowledge of recent publications in line with Birth to three matters.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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