Harrall, Catrina

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308074 Inspection date 14 March 2006 Inspector Freeda Wildon

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 2, 9 and 15 in Ramsgate, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for no more than 4 children under 8 years; of these, not more than 2 may be under 5 years and, of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year at any one time. She is currently minding 2 children under 5 on a part time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group. The family has a dog and a

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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 cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The premises, toys and equipment are clean. Effective procedures implemented by the childminder contribute to preventing the spread of infection. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through routines introduced by the childminder. For example, children wash their hands before meals, after using the toilet, touching pets and after playing in the garden. The childminder is introducing hand washing to babies, provides individual towels and flannels for the children. Current first aid training, a verbal sick child policy and accident records are in place to help the childminder act in the best interest of children, if they have an accident or become ill. Children's dietary requirements and parents’ wishes are respected. Most of the food is provided by parents and is stored appropriately. Any snacks provided by the childminder are with parents’ approval. Children are offered water regularly to keep

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Helping children to be healthy

them hydrated. Outdoor play in the garden is a regular feature in fine weather. During the winter, children are taken for walks to the park. The childminder makes good use of the local toddler group, where children can use large muscle equipment for physical development. Babies acquire new physical skills inside the setting. For example, they are learning to walk, sit, climb and cruise around the furniture. These activities contribute to children's good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are safe. As a result, children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised. Regular informal assessments on the premises and clean and well maintained toys ensure that children play in a safe environment. Effective procedures for the safe arrival and collection of children ensure that children are only collected by authorised adults. Children's safety is safeguarded on outings, because the childminder ensures that public amenities, such as parks, are safe for children. The childminder also applies appropriate safety measures, such as ensuring children are strapped in a buggy, and she teaches the children about road safety. The childminder's understanding of the recommendations for sleeping babies and child protection issues contributes to children's welfare and safety. A fire blanket and a smoke alarm are in place and there is a fire evacuation plan. This contributes to children's safety. However, formal practice of fire safety has not been

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are contented and happy in the care of the childminder. Children freely access resources and activities, which effectively promote their development in all areas. Children are developing in their confidence and self-esteem, because the childminder praises and encourages them and allows them to choose their activities. The childminder allows babies to experiment within the safety boundaries. They are learning to be independent, for example, feeding themselves and helping to hold their bottles. Babies enjoy the company of the childminder and are very sociable. They respond with giggles, as they find their voice when the childminder tickles them. Musical toys, singing and dancing are popular with babies; they sway to the sound of music and look to the childminder for rewards of clapping. Children’s creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art, painting, listening to music, role-play, cooking and dressing up. Children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enjoy activities away from the home setting and are developing relationships with other children, for example, they visit play gyms, toddlers and the beach. They are learning about nature, because the childminder teaches them about trees and birds when they visit the parks to collect cones. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development. She knows the children well and plans activities around the children's interest and their needs. She is keen to further develop her childcare knowledge and hopes to access the Birth to three matters framework training.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled in the care of the childminder, who interacts positively with them. They are well behaved and respond positively to praise and encouragement given by the childminder. Strategies such as time out help children understand about boundaries. Positive behaviour is encouraged through praise and encouragement. Children are learning to take turns, play co-operatively and share. Children have access to a range of activities and resources, to promote a view of the world and to increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of others, for example, books, dolls and maps. As yet, resources that reflect positive images of disability are not available. Effective communication from the childminder informs parents of the care that their children receive. Contracts recording business arrangements are in place, but these need attention. Not all the necessary prior written consents from parents are obtained

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and, as yet, the childminder has not developed a complaints procedure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are secure and confident in the childminder's home, because the

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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 childminder's routine includes quiet times, meal times and play times. Children are able to move around freely and safely. The childminder has a childcare qualification and is keen to further develop her knowledge by attending the Birth to three matters framework training. Ofsted records show that all adults living in the household have undergone checks to establish suitability. The registration certificate is displayed for parents and the attendance register shows that the childminder complies with the conditions of her registration. Although some records need attention, all the required documentation for the safe and effective management of the setting and to promote the welfare and care of children is maintained and stored securely. The childminder meets the needs of the range of

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain prior written consent from parents for emergency treatment or advise; and to transport children in a vehicle • develop a complaints procedure and share this 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 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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