Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY219328 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2006 Inspection date Lindsey Ann Cullum 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 outstanding. 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged eleven and fourteen years, in the coastal town of Caister-on-sea, Norfolk. All areas of the bungalow are registered for use by minded children. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Local amenities are within walking distance of the home. The family have one dog and tropical fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. Overnight care may be provided for two children under eight years. The childminder is currently caring for fourteen children, some of whom attend part-time or during the school holidays only. The childminder is also a registered Respite Carer.

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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 outstanding. Children's health is very well promoted as they are cared for in a warm, clean and well maintained home. The childminder displays excellent hygiene practices and has effective procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection. Children therefore gain a good understanding of the importance of personal hygiene as they follow established daily routines, for example, washing their hands and wiping the table before eating. Older children are able to independently access toilet facilities, wash and dry their hands. They have their own, clearly identifiable towel, preventing the risk of cross infection. Children learn about good dental health through discussion with the childminder and are encouraged to brush their teeth after meals. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, has a well stocked first aid box, the contents of which are checked regularly and takes a first aid kit with her on all outings, ensuring children's well-being

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Helping children to be healthy

should an accident occur. Robust systems are in place to record any accidents and the administration of medication. Detailed, written policies are shared with parents, outlining the effective hygiene practices used by the childminder to promote children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from an extensive range of activities which promote their physical development and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy playing in the childminder's garden where they can run freely, manoeuvre wheeled toys, or climb the different sized slides which challenge their physical skills. Outings to the park, beach, indoor play centres or swimming pool, encourage children to develop a positive attitude to exercise. Activities are organised indoors, for example, rolling and catching balls, which develop children's co-ordination skills. Babies and toddlers benefit from well organised, safe space in which to practise and become skilful in a range of movements. Children are able to rest or sleep according to their needs and daily routines. Young children can sleep comfortably, without disturbance, in either a bed or cot, promoting their well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's growth and development is effectively promoted as the childminder offers appetising meals and snacks. Children choose from a range of fruits for snacks and are involved in the preparation. They develop a valuable awareness of healthy eating as the childminder talks about healthy foods with the children and displays posters depicting fruit and vegetables with a 'Five a day' slogan. Children are introduced to a wide variety of foods through topics planned by the childminder, for example, they ate a Chinese meal with chop sticks during Chinese New Year. Dietary requirements are fully discussed with parents prior to the commencement of care to ensure that no child is put at risk from a reaction to food. Children are able to take responsibility for their own drinking needs as their own beakers of drink are easily accessible to them throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and child friendly environment where they feel comfortable and secure. They have easy access to an extensive range of developmentally appropriate resources and equipment that is of a high quality and maintained in good condition.

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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 Children select toys from brightly coloured and labelled storage boxes or open shelving, in the conservatory or spare bedroom, promoting their independence and enabling them to pursue their own interests. Children are able to move around the premises freely and play safely, with good levels of supervision to ensure children's safety. Additional resources are stored in the shed and rotated regularly to provide children with a broader range of experiences. The childminder regularly checks resources for cleanliness and safety and monitors the children's choice of toys, ensuring these are appropriate for their age and stage of development, therefore safeguarding children whilst they are playing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is very well fostered. The childminder has completed careful risk assessments of the premises and individual pieces of equipment, for example, the trampoline, in order to minimise the risks for children. She is aware of the children's constantly developing abilities and ensures that effective safety measures are in place around the home to effectively safeguard children. The childminder provides good levels of supervision and monitors children's activities in order to maintain their safety. Clear explanations from the childminder help children develop an understanding of their own and other children's safety. The childminder complies with advice received from the Fire Safety Officer, has a written emergency escape plan in place and regularly carries out drills with the children so they are familiar with the procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children regularly enjoy outings with the childminder who has clear strategies in place in order to keep them safe, for example, holding onto the buggy. The childminder plans outings carefully, ensuring these are suitable for the children attending and is well prepared for any eventuality. Children are well supervised and effective systems are in place in the eventuality of a child being lost. Topics such as road safety and 'stranger danger' are introduced to raise children's awareness of how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is effectively safeguarded as the childminder has a secure understanding of local child protection guidelines and procedures. She has attended relevant training to update her knowledge and has a written policy on child protection which she shares with parents in order to protect children. Children's welfare is further promoted as the childminder has thought about what steps to take in the event of a serious accident.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and settle quickly with the childminder because she is kind, caring and sensitive to children's needs. Her warm approach ensures children are at ease and eager to participate in the broad range of activities available. Children are very well supported by the childminder, who displays her interest in their activities and home life and works hard to ensure children feel secure and loved. Children play well together and enjoy one another's company. They have started to form firm friendships and ask about children who are not present, anticipating when they will play with them next. Children talk as they play together and share their ideas. They show consideration and are aware of the principles for taking turns and sharing, enabling them to engage in meaningful play harmoniously, for example, sharing the puppets to perform their own puppet show.

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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 Children thrive on the wealth of play equipment and activities provided by the childminder. They are able to make choices from the extensive, well organised and easily accessible resources available, promoting their independent learning. The childminder involves herself in children's play, listens carefully to their news and ideas and provides thoughtful support and encouragement in order that children achieve. She uses good questioning techniques to develop children's ability to recall events and to communicate their ideas. The childminder carefully plans a broad range of interesting activities, based on themes, which extend children's learning. Planned activities include a wide range of experiences, for example, visits to the toy library, beach, swimming pool, local shops. Children regularly visit the childminder's adopted horse

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and pig, where they learn about how to care for animals. They plant sunflower seeds, water and care for the plants as they watch them grow, fostering their understanding of nature. A wide range of resources provides inviting opportunities for pretend play, such as the puppet theatre, home corner resources, dressing up clothes or dolls house. Children are inspired by the craft resources available and use their own ideas and designs when making items from clay, painting or gluing. Children enjoy playing outside where they can climb, play games, for example, football or explore the sand-pit. Children's learning is enhanced as the childminder has a good understanding of child development and enables children to explore and learn at their own pace. Activities are balanced to include active play and time to rest, when children enjoy books or games with the childminder. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and has incorporated some of the play and practical support ideas into the activities she provides for younger children. Consequently, children are making very good progress in all areas of their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are highly respected and valued by the childminder. They benefit from the childminder knowing them well and responding to their individual needs and personalities during the day. Children's differing stages of development are accommodated as the childminder skilfully adapts activities and uses developmentally appropriate equipment to enable each child to participate fully in activities and to successfully develop their independence. There is a wide range of resources which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. Children learn to appreciate and respect others' similarities and differences through an excellent range of planned topics and activities, for example, Chinese New Year celebrations, when children ate Chinese food, dressed in costume, played Chinese dragon games and enjoyed varied craft activities. Outings and visitors to the home enable children to develop their awareness of their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

own community and the people within it, for example, a visit from a Police Officer or trips to the shops and library. The childminder has developed her skills in working with children who have special needs through her work and training as a Respite Carer. She is able to liaise closely with parents and other agencies to ensure the needs of the child are met within the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and well behaved. The childminder uses positive strategies to manage children's behaviour which are appropriate to each child's age and level of understanding. She has incorporated a behaviour management statement into the information she provides for parents, ensuring they are fully aware of the strategies, thereby encouraging consistency. Children are involved in the setting of 'ground rules' helping them to manage their own

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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 behaviour through the establishment of clear boundaries. They are encouraged to share, take turns and play co-operatively through the childminder's good example. Children are spoken to in a polite, positive manner and thrive on the praise and encouragement they receive.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the strong and effective partnerships that have developed between the childminder and parents. Children's individual needs are accommodated as thorough discussions take place prior to the commencement of care, enabling children's needs to be fully met. Parents are provided with a wealth of information on the effective care practices used, daily routine, activities and future events, enabling them to keep up to date with their child's care and experiences and feel included in the daily events of the setting. Photographic displays and children's individual record books show children enjoying a range of activities and experiences. Parents are made aware of the proposed Ofsted inspection and are able to contribute their comments on the childcare provision. Their satisfaction is reflected in their extremely positive feedback.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care and welfare is significantly enhanced by the professional attitude and commitment the childminder has to her business. She is proactive in seeking training to enhance her own personal development, for example, attending courses on child protection, areas of the Foundation Stage Curriculum and observation skills, and is currently undertaking an NVQ level 3 in Childcare and Education. Children's learning is promoted as the childminder uses her knowledge of child development to effectively plan a varied and stimulating programme of activities, based on children's first hand experiences. She skilfully organises the setting to make it welcoming and child centred and as a result children thrive. The conservatory and a spare bedroom have become dedicated play areas and are set out with a stimulating range of resources which children can independently access. Posters, children's art and craft work and displays,

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Organisation

create an inviting environment where children are settled and comfortable. Quiet sleep space is provided which enables children to rest undisturbed. Children make maximum use of the garden where they can run freely, use a range of equipment to test their physical skills or observe the sunflowers and other seeds they have sown.

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Organisation

Checks have been completed to ensure that persons living in the household are suitable. An effective support system has been established with another local childminder to ensure children would receive appropriate care in the event of an emergency. Personal information regarding the children and their families is filed securely to ensure confidentiality. Parents are made aware of the documents and records held prior to the commencement of care. They may have access to any records relating to their child and frequently contribute comments or information in the child's diary or record book. The required record keeping is maintained to a consistently high standard and as a result children's health, welfare and development are promoted successfully. Overall, the needs of the children who attend are met.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of the last inspection the childminder has developed the range of resources she has available which promote children's understanding of the wider world and makes a wide selection of books accessible to children. These actions provide further learning opportunities for children.

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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. There are no complaints to record.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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