Tomkins, Wendy

Inspection report for early years provision

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510358 Unique Reference Number 09 May 2006 Inspection date Lisa Toole 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 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 1995. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 14 and 12 years in Crowborough, East Sussex. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding with occasional use of a first floor bedroom for sleeping children. There is a rear garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 6 children on a part-time basis. The childminder takes children on regular outings to the local park and shops, and does regular nursery runs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 good. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health and physical development. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and understand why they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet or before eating food. The childminder's clear understanding of the need for good hygiene is reflected in her daily practice. She has good procedures if children become ill and ensures that her home is clean and tidy and that the play equipment is regularly maintained. These measures help reduce risks of infection to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical play both indoors and out. They attend drop-in groups, visit the park and have regular access to outdoor play. The children's own daily routines are followed, including times for rest and quiet play. Children have a good relationship with the childminder, who is responsive to their emotional needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children gain a good understanding of the elements of a healthy lifestyle. Meal and snack times are sociable; children sit at the table with the childminder. While parents currently provide food and drink for the children, the childminder demonstrates a good awareness of healthy eating practices, and closely follows children's eating routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming, child friendly home where children are settled and secure. Children enjoy their play in a safe environment where the childminder has identified and minimised risks such as, ensuring items that might be harmful are inaccessible to the children and fitting safety film on internal glass doors. They enjoy playing with toys and resources and are able to choose these easily as they are stored at their level. When on outings the childminder ensures children know why they need to stay close, hold hands and learn about road safety helping them to develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected as the childminder has a secure understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection. She is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and has a good knowledge of the procedures to follow should she have any cause for concern. All of these measures contribute to the safety and welfare of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and confident in the childminder's care. They are happy and confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. They enjoy a good variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages. The interesting and worthwhile range of activities and outings provided help children learn about the world in which they live, for example, the children have planted

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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 sunflower seeds and are going to watch them grow over the summer. The childminder spends time playing directly with the children and they respond positively to the consistent attention.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well to the childminder and are beginning to learn important social skills. The childminder regularly takes children to a number of local groups where they enjoy mixing with other children and are learning to share and take turns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a good range of well chosen resources which are used to support children's learning and development in all areas. The childminder reads to the children and asks questions helping to develop their language skills. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art and craft, painting, music and pretend play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is warm and affectionate making children feel comfortable and valued. Children are very happy, relaxed and confident in the childminder's care; she enjoys their company and knows them well. She spends a lot of time talking and playing with them, consequently children are well supported in their play and are making good progress in all areas of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met as they follow their normal daily routines, as discussed and agreed with the parents. They develop an awareness of their own and other cultures because the childminder has a positive attitude towards diversity and celebrates festivals such as Diwali and Chinese New Year with the children. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through the regular outings and trips provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and feel secure in the childminder's home. They develop stable relationships with others and benefit from the childminder's frequent praise and encouragement. The childminder sets clear and consistent boundaries and children learn what acceptable behaviour is. The childminder forms good relationships with the children and values their contributions, as a result, they are developing their own personal independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has friendly but professional relationships with the parents. She discusses all aspects of the children's care thoroughly with the parents ensuring their individual needs are well met. She informs parents fully of her practice ensuring children have continued support and has some written policies and procedures in place to back up her childminding practice. However, the childminder has not yet implemented the required complaints log into her practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are thriving in the childminder's care. They benefit from the well-organised space, time and resources provided. Children's enjoyment and achievement is successfully supported by the childminder who has an early years qualification and updates her knowledge and understanding of childcare by attending courses such as Birth to three matters and child

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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 protection. She demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of child development and she has also attended first aid training so she can deal appropriately with an accident.

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Organisation

The childminder has almost all of the required documentation in place and maintains her records accurately. This helps promote the children's welfare, care and safety. The childminder has yet to introduce a complaints log into her record keeping as part of her effective partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was set four recommendations. These related to written documentation, keeping Ofsted informed of significant events, ensuring children have an appropriate range of resources that promote equality and increasing her knowledge and understanding of child protection. Since the last inspection the childminder has ensured that all required parental consents are in place so that children are cared for according to their parents' wishes. She has updated her knowledge and understanding of child protection to support her in her care of children. She has also increased her range of resources and activities that promote equality and children now have worthwhile opportunities to learn about the world around them. The childminder has not had to inform Ofsted of any significant events but is fully aware of the need to do so.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 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): • ensure the required complaints log is in place to support an effective partnership with parents.

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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 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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