Fowler, Davina

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY314485 Inspection date 10 May 2006 Inspector Silvia Richardson

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

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged 2 years and 6 months. They live in a flat close to shops, parks, library and public transport links. There is off street parking available. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding a child aged 2 years full-time during term-times. The family keep a pet cat.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle, as the childminder takes them out every day. They visit the park where they can run around, enjoy fresh air and use the physical play equipment. The children have further opportunities to be active and develop physical skills at toddler groups and also have access to the childminders rear garden. Children climb and slide, jump on the trampet and experience the sensory area of the garden, promoting positive outdoor experiences. Children are well cared for in a clean and well organised home environment, promoting their welfare. They are encouraged to develop good personal hygiene habits through using wet wipes on their hands after nappy changes and before handling food. Children's health is protected through the childminder following good hygiene routines, including her wearing disposable gloves and cleaning the nappy change mat with antibacterial wipes after use. Children who are sick are excluded

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

from the setting until well, helping to minimise the risk of spread of infection. Children enjoy a nutritious, balanced and varied diet, helping them to be healthy. The childminder is keen to ensure children have plenty of vegetables and fresh fruit and incorporates these into every meal. Children's dietary needs are met well, because the childminder talks to parents and discusses individual needs and is very respectful of parents wishes. Drinks of water are readily available to children and they are also offered milk routinely as part of a healthy diet.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and move around the home safely, because the childminder supervises the children very closely and has good measures in place to keep children safe. Gates are fitted to the stairs and the childminder follows good practice procedures to keep children safe, when escorting them on the stairs and on the steps to and from the garden. Children play safely when using outdoor physical play equipment, because it is kept clean and well maintained and bark chippings are laid underneath the slide and climbing frame. Children are kept safe and protected as good emergency evacuation procedures are in place. Suitable plans identify exits and the childminder has practised leaving the premises with the children, so that she can respond appropriately in an emergency. Fire safety precautions include a fire blanket easily accessible in the kitchen and smoke detection fitted to all floors, helping children to stay safe and protected from

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

fire. Children are kept safe when out walking, because the childminder uses reigns, so that children can be independent walkers and remain safe. Children stay safe when playing with toys and other materials, because the childminder has a very good understanding of ages and stages of development, such

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 as the dangers of toys with small parts. Children are kept safe and protected from harm and neglect, because the childminder has a very good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She has some written guidance notes and contact details, although does not have a copy of the Local Authority procedures, to ensure she can make an appropriate referral should concerns arise.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely happy and settled because the childminder creates a warm and stimulating environment. Toys and play materials are very well presented, so that children may choose what they want to play with and can help themselves to resources. The childminder sits with the children while they play and talks to them continually, so that they feel supported and secure. Children are acquiring a good range of skills and making rapid progress, because the balance and schedule of activities is varied and interesting. Children have excellent opportunities to mix with other children and develop social skills, because the childminder takes them out to places of interest every day, including toddler groups and parks. Children enjoy the sensory area in the garden where they grow, smell and touch a range of herbs and flowers. They have excellent opportunities to be creative and activities include flower arranging and baking.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing their imagination, speech and language skills, through using an extensive range of role-play resources. Children also enjoy a superb range of picture and story books, music tapes and rhymes and will often sit together in the afternoons to snuggle in and share these as a group. The childminder is keen to ensure children have positive learning experiences with plenty of opportunity for exploration and discovery. She plays a major role in children's play and learning, through thoughtful planning and caring management of developmentally appropriate activities, so that children grow as individuals and at their own pace. The childminder keeps some written information of how children are playing and developing. She discusses her observations with parents, such as a child showing a predominant use of their left hand. The childminder responds very well to children's developing needs, for example, purchasing some left-handed scissors.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are thriving in a warm, welcoming and stimulating home environment, that values and respects children as individuals. Books, dolls and dressing up clothes reflect diversity and help children explore and develop a positive identity and self-image. The children take part in a range of activities that help them develop knowledge and understanding of differences. Play figurers and other resources also reflect disabilities and the childminder uses these with children to help them develop positive attitudes and sensitivity to the needs of others. The childminder is familiar with some simple sign language and is able to facilitate children's communication

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 using signs and facial expressions. Children are successfully learning how to share toys and play equipment, because the childminder is very skilled in helping children to negotiate and agree fair turns. The childminder has a very warm and patient approach, sits with the children at their level and offers alternative toys in an interesting and exciting way, to distract children as required. Children are learning how to exchange toys and compromise, so that they develop awareness of the feelings of others. Children are learning right from wrong, as the childminder gives simple and clear explanations, such as, it is not nice to hurt someone, and she encourages children to show they are sorry. Children are hugged and praised to reinforce desired behaviour and to encourage acceptable

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

ways of behaving. Positive relationships with parents are well established with excellent communication, so that children's welfare and development are fully promoted. Good written information is available to parents, including childminding policies and procedures, so that parents are well informed about childminding arrangements and activities. Formal parental consent is obtained to enable children to take part in a full range of activities both in the home and outside. Appropriate records are kept, such as incident details, and these are shared with parents. Time is set aside to discuss and share how children are getting on and to plan for their needs, facilitating a partnership approach that promotes children's welfare, care and learning.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder, household members and adults appointed to provide emergency cover, are all properly vetted, ensuring they are suitable to be with children. The childminder's mother sometimes assists with her grandchildren on outings, while the childminder retains responsibility for minded children, so that children receive appropriate levels of support and supervision. Records, policies and procedures are in place, ensuring the safe and efficient management of the setting and these are implemented effectively so that the welfare, care and learning of all the children are actively promoted. The childminder is a fully qualified BTEC Nursery Nurse and has a wealth of other training and experience in childcare and early education, enhancing her childminding practice. She is currently developing her knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework, so that she can refine her planning of activities and tailor them specifically

p.5

Organisation

to children's individual needs and stage of development. Toys and play materials are extremely well organised and presented, so that children have much variety and choice. An extensive range of resources are well arranged and sorted into sets, clearly labelled and easily accessible to children. The childminder organises activities very well, so that children enjoy many 'hands on' practical experiences. They like helping with everyday domestic tasks, such as pairing socks and hanging them up to dry using the pegs. Play and learning activities are well organised in the spacious kitchen-dining room, from where children have supervised access down to the garden. These arrangements, together with play

p.5

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 activities organised in the comfortable lounge area, enable children to enjoy a change of pace and wide variety of different learning experiences. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • improve knowledge of Local Authority child protection procedures

p.6

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