Ashford, Jennifer

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY102162 Inspection date 09 March 2006 Inspector Dinah Round

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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 registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and their 1 year old daughter. They live in a house in Parkstone, close by the town of Poole. All areas of the premises are used for childminding, with the first floor used solely for sleep provision. Toilet facilities are accessible on both levels. Children have access to an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. Children have access to the family cat under close supervision. The childminder is registered to work with an assistant. She is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children under the age of 8 years. The childminder currently cares for

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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 6 children on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding network. She has a Diploma in Childminding Practice and an National Vocational Qualification level 3 in care and education.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well through the childminder's effective practices and daily routines. They learn the importance of good personal hygiene, for example they wash their hands after playing outside and before eating. The good nappy changing procedures followed by the childminder ensures children's health is maintained. This includes the use of disposable gloves, wipes, nappy sacks and a changing mat. A clear child illness policy makes parents aware that children must not attend with infectious illness. This helps to reduce the spread of infection. Children are provided with regular drinks throughout the day, ensuring they do not get thirsty. Their health is well promoted by the close liaison between the childminder and parents, with some children's food provided by the parents. Children benefit from being provided with healthy snacks, which include a variety of fresh and dried fruit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The younger children are encouraged to learn to feed themselves. Children are provided with a good balance of physical activity. The regular outings within the week are successfully organised around the children's rest and sleep times. These include trips to 'Farmer Palmers', 'Playzone', and local play areas. Here children are provided with good opportunities to climb, slide and balance on the large equipment. Children enjoy weekly music and movement sessions when they visit 'Jo Jingles', which promotes their physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home. This is due to the effective safety measures in place around the home. For example, stairgates prevent access to the stairs and kitchen on the ground floor and socket covers are securely fixed in place. Children benefit from close supervision by the childminder, for instance she supports a younger child as she negotiates the step to go outside. Clear fire and emergency procedures have been developed which are practised with the children. This ensures that they know what to do in an emergency situation within the home. Children are able to move around freely and the play space is effectively organised, so the younger children can explore safely. Children have access to a wide range of clean, well maintained toys and equipment. Appropriate equipment is provided for the different ages, such as travel cots, booster seats and a low table and chairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Resources are thoughtfully positioned, with toys for the younger children situated on

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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 lower shelves and in individual tubs. The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection issues and procedures, which helps her in her role of safeguarding children. A clear child protection policy is shared with parents to keep them informed of the childminders responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content in the childminder's care. They are confident in the familiar routines which take account of their individual needs. Children have good relationships with the childminder and are settled and secure. Children are kept interested and well occupied by the wide range of play opportunities provided. This includes some planned topics, such as wild animals where children have made masks and collages. Children's independence is encouraged and the older children are given opportunities to make decisions about their play. The younger children are gaining confidence in making choices, for example they enjoy selecting musical instruments and playing along to the nursery rhyme tape. Children happily play alongside each other, and listen with excitement to the 'Thomas the tank engine' story read by the childminder. The childminder uses the Birth to three matters framework to monitor the children's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

development and progress. However, opportunities to improve learning outcomes for young children through the play experiences and activities are not fully maximised. Children enjoy regular experiences outside the home, such as visits to local parent and toddler groups. This encourages socialising and helps to develop children's confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The displays of posters, photographs and children's artwork around the room promote a strong sense of belonging. The childminder knows the children well, through regular discussion with their parents and making daily observations. This ensures that children's particular needs are followed. All children are included in activities and they benefit from the well balanced attention from the childminder. For example, when listening to the story both children are able to cuddle up on the sofa and see the pictures. Children's awareness of the wider world is raised through posters and the range of resources provided. Children behave well. They respond to the childminder's effective use of distraction, such as her use of toys and books to keep them occupied and interested. The youngest children are learning to share, for example they share a bag of savoury

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Helping children make a positive contribution

biscuits at snack time. The childminder's behaviour policy promotes a positive approach and is shared with parents to provide consistency for children.

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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 Children benefit from the close liaison between the childminder and parents. Clear, comprehensive written information is supplied to parents about the provision and practices. A daily diary and tracker books are used for the youngest children. This keeps parents well informed about their child's care and development and contributes to the children's individual needs being met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled and confident to explore within the welcoming environment. Space is well organised to provide separate areas for sleep and play. Children are involved in regular outings throughout the week, which provide interesting and enjoyable experiences. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to developing her role. She regularly attends training, and continues to look at ways to improve the care she offers for children. Clear policies and procedures are in place, which are shared with parents to keep them successfully informed of the childminder's practices. Documentation is well organised and regularly updated, although some aspects are not fully detailed. Individual contracts are formulated with parents, however not all parental consents are obtained. 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 agreed to gain knowledge of the Code of practice for special needs, and to increase knowledge of child protection procedures. The childminder has been pro-active in increasing her knowledge by attending relevant courses. She attended a child protection course and a special needs course, and has now developed policies which are shared with parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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

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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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): • continue to develop play activities, to enhance the learning experiences and outcomes for young children • make sure accident and attendance records are accurately maintained, and parental consents to transport children in a vehicle are obtained for all children.

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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

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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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