Campbell, Lesley

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY253874 Inspection date 06 March 2006 Inspector Kathryn Margaret Clayton

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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder first registered in April 2003. She is registered to look after four children under the age of 8 years and currently four children attend on a part-time basis throughout the week. She lives with her husband and children aged 4 and 8 years on a quiet cul-de-sac in the small town of Brigg, within reach of local schools, parks and other amenities. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school. The whole of the ground floor of the house is available for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family keep a dog, rabbits, and fish as pets. The childminder holds a childcare qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She takes children to the local toddler group, 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 park, on walks and outings during the school holidays.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Babies and young children are very comfortable and at ease because of the warm supportive relationship between them and the childminder. They have the opportunity to rest and sleep according to their individual needs. Children are cared for in a clean home where the childminder adopts suitable cleaning routines to minimise the risk of infection. They are able to start to learn about the importance of personal hygiene as they are encouraged to wash their hands at all appropriate times, for example, when handling pets, after going to the toilet, or before eating. Although the childminder does not use her garden during bad weather, she makes sure children have some opportunities to be active everyday. Older children are supervised as they ride their bikes in the quiet cul-de-sac and the childminder makes sure they regularly visit the local park. Babies and young children visit the local

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

toddler group where there is a suitable range of equipment in place to encourage them to be physically active. During fine weather there are good opportunities to be active in the garden when using a slide, climbing frame, monkey bar and trampette. Children start to learn about the benefits of healthy eating as the childminder provides healthy and nutritious home-cooked meals and snacks, such as chicken dinners with fresh vegetables, casseroles, fresh fruit and yoghurts. Overall, children are protected in the care of the childminder because she has maintained a current knowledge of first aid procedures and understands the need to carefully record details of any medication given. Although parents are always asked to sign to acknowledge when their children have been given medicine, their permission for the childminder to be able to administer medication is not always recorded and this is a breach of regulation. The childminder does not have written parental permission to

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very warm, light and well-maintained home. Children remain safe because the childminder makes sure there is appropriate equipment in place to minimise risks, such as a fixed fire guard and a stair gate. Babies benefit because the childminder is sensitive to their developing needs and allows them to start to explore their environment, whilst giving them very good support. Children start to learn about some aspects of keeping themselves safe because the childminder involves them in the evacuation of the premises. They learn about road safety because the childminder is vigilant in talking to children to increase their understanding when they are walking with her outdoors.

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 Babies and young children are confident as they choose from an interesting range of stimulating toys, such as a musical tree. By rotating children's toys, the childminder helps to maintain their interest and enjoyment. Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regard to the protection of children. She is clear about confidentiality and who to contact if she has any concerns.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit because the childminder plans an interesting and varied range of activities throughout the week, such as baking, planting sunflower seeds, going on a walk to feed the ducks or making a Mother's Day card. The childminder has a clear understanding of babies' individual routines, therefore giving them a sense of stability and security. They enjoy stimulating musical games and taking part in creative experiences, such as hand printing. The childminder makes sure babies' language development is effectively promoted as she talks confidently to them at their own level as they play. They are actively engaged at all times and enjoy dancing, exploring, and having quiet times sharing books with the childminder. All children are involved in exciting experiences during the school holidays. The childminder plans weekly visits, for example, to the beach, Normanby Park, Sundown Pets Corner and walks in the woods. Children's learning is

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

effectively encouraged as they are given the opportunity to draw and write about their experiences should they be interested in doing so. Children are able to relax and make their own choices in play, therefore effectively promoting their independence.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children who attend have been looked after for some time by the childminder and are welcomed into the home as part of the family. They have access to a suitable range of toys that promote a positive image of diversity, including dolls, books and puzzles. Children mostly behave well because the childminder understands about using praise and encouragement to promote acceptable behaviour. They are treated as individuals and the childminder uses appropriate strategies, such as giving children extra choices in play and discussion to resolve any minor problems. The childminder works closely with parents to keep them informed about their child's time with her. As well as daily discussions, the childminder completes a care diary for babies. Children often take home items that they have made with the childminder, such as pictures, birthday cards and baking. Parents have access to some basic

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

written information about the childminding service, however, there is no system in place to investigate, record or report on complaints made by parents relating to the National Standards.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home in the care of the childminder. She makes sure all the children receive the individual attention they need when in her care, therefore they are settled and happy. The space available within the home is well-organised to allow children appropriate independence, places to eat, sleep and play. The documentation needed for the smooth running of the childminding service is well-organised, maintained confidentially and kept up-to-date. The certificate of registration is not clearly displayed in the home and therefore, parents may not be fully aware of the childminder's conditions of registration, or any changes that may occur. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Children now have more opportunities to become aware of the wider world and develop a positive image of diversity as they have access to a suitable range of resources, such as dolls, books and puzzles.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted. There are no complaints to report since the last inspection.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain prior written permission from parents before administering medication • devise and implement a system to record, investigate and report on complaints made by parents relating to the National Standards • display the certificate of registration

p.5

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 parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

p.5

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

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.6