Sugden Sarah Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 201629 Inspection date 08 March 2006 Inspector Angela Dyer

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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 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 has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged eleven and six in Stockingford, Nuneaton. The house is within walking distance of shops, parks and schools. Childminding takes place in the playroom and hallway, children also have access to the downstairs toilet and wash basin. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and when working alongside another childminder is registered to care for eleven children. They are currently minding six children, some of who attend on a part time basis.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and holds an NVQ Level 3 childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive because the childminder follows highly effective procedures and practices, which meet the children’s physical, nutritional and health needs. The exceptional support and guidance, which the childminder provides, helps children gain an excellent understanding of hygiene issues and children show a real desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care. The childminder's home is very clean and children are protected from infection through the implementation of excellent hygiene procedures. These include anti-bacterial spray being used to clean changing mats and individual bed linen and towels being provided for children. Parents are well-informed about all health issues, illnesses and accidents. Medications are stored safely and administered appropriately with all the required records in place. Children are well cared for if they have an accident or become ill. The childminder is first aid trained, has a

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Helping children to be healthy

fully-stocked first aid box and maintains records of emergency contact details which are taken on all outings. Children develop positive attitudes to exercise as they benefit from a wealth of opportunities to engage in physical activities including nature walks, music and movement and regular visits to the local park and playgroup where they are able to use bikes and larger climbing apparatus. Children benefit from a healthy diet and are offered a range of healthy and nutritious meals, snacks and drinks. Children's individual dietary needs are met effectively, as these are discussed in detail with parents. Details of specific dietary needs are recorded and menus are displayed for parents information. Children are able to have quiet time for sleeping or relaxing throughout the day and benefit from the childminder's flexible daily routines, which ensure that their individual needs are met appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has an excellent understanding of health and safety. The environment is well maintained, spacious and well organised allowing children to move around independently and safely as they access activities. Regular risk assessments are carried out to identify and address any potential risks to children and emergency evacuation plans are discussed and practised with the children to develop their understanding of the procedures.

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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 have a mature understanding of how to keep themselves, and each other, safe. She talks to them about road safety and discusses safe practices with the all children. Older children who wish to play with toys that have small parts, understand that they must do so at a table where younger children can not reach. Children use high quality equipment appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder carries out regular checks on items of equipment used to ensure they are suitable for the children to use safely. The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to achieve a balance between allowing children to be independent whilst setting safe limits, for example supervising the use of plastic scissors whilst playing with playdough. The childminder has a professional understanding of child protection issues including

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the referral process, which is detailed in a written policy. The policy is shared with parents, which means that they fully understand her responsibility to report any concerns. The childminder limits visitors to the house when minding and ensures children are protected from non vetted persons by supervising children at all times. When providing a placement for college students she always ensures they have been police checked before having contact with the children. As a result, children are very well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children make excellent progress because the childminder recognises children's individual needs and the uniqueness of each child and has an exceptional understanding of child development and early years guidance, such as 'Birth to three matters'. Ongoing observations and the completion of development records ensures that each child has the opportunity to progress at their own rate with appropriate support and guidance given. Children engage eagerly in a rich and stimulating range of activities that excite and captivate their concentration and curiosity both whilst in the home and during regular visits to toddler groups. They develop their imagination as they play in the role play area and enjoy creative activities including clay modelling, jelly play, cooking and playdough. Children are able to explore nature and living things through nature walks to look at tadpoles, visits to farms and zoos and growing their own sunflower plants.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

During routine activities including nappy changing and meal times the childminder interacts positively with the children, talking and singing to them, whilst encouraging new skills and independence in spoon and finger feeding. All children are extremely happy and settled in the childminder's care. Close and caring relationships increase children’s sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self-worth. High quality adult-child interactions are extremely supportive of children's communication skills. Children also benefit from stimulating visual aids, such as activities depicted as pictures to assist with their understanding of the routine of the day. Children take pride in their artwork and this is reinforced by consistent praise from the childminder and artwork being proudly presented on wall displays.

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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 have access to an excellent range of resources which are stored in low-level storage units to encourage children to become independent in selecting activities and tidying up. The childminder has created stimulating resources, including bottles filled with various materials to make different sounds and often loans specialised equipment from external agencies to further support children's play and learning. At present she has a large mirrored box on loan, which fascinates children of all ages. They are able to sit or lie in the box and enjoy exploring and smiling at their own reflections.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's behaviour is exemplary. The childminder has high expectations and sets consistent boundaries to increase children’s understanding of right and wrong. The house rules are displayed, shared with parents and are simple and effective. Children have a clear understanding of the rules and respond to gentle reminders to care for their environment, the resources and each other. The children have extensive opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through the broad range of resources, well-planned activities and outings to local places of interest. There is a strong commitment from the childminder to ensure all children are included and she works collaboratively with parents and other professionals to support and meet children's individual needs. The childminder has developed an excellent partnership with parents. Information is shared prior to the children starting and parents are provided with a booklet detailing

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the childminder's policies, which help them to understand her practices. The childminder keeps parents well informed about the complaints policy and complies with requirements for recording complaints. Children receive consistent care which is respectful of their needs and in line with parent's wishes. Parents are kept up to date with their child's progress and activities through daily diary sheets, having access to their development records and daily discussions.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of childcare, her experience and ongoing commitment to developing and enhancing her practice through attending further training. The childminder has an early years qualification and regularly evaluates, monitors and improves the quality of her care as part of an accredited quality assurance scheme and through feedback from parents and other professionals. All required documentation that contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being is in place and regularly reviewed. Confidentiality is rigorously maintained, whilst ensuring that parents are well informed. The childminder has excellent organisational skills and the environment is well organised both indoors and outdoors to maximise play opportunities for children. 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 works with another childminder and children benefit from their enthusiasm and enjoyment in providing a range of stimulating and positive play experiences. Children are very happy and have lots of fun whilst in the childminder's care. Overall, the range of children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide smoke alarms on both floors of the home and prevent children's access to the overflow pipe in the garden and areas of the house not used. Children's safety has been improved as a second smoke alarm has now been fitted on the first floor of the property, a lock has been fitted on the doors of the rooms not used and work has been completed to the overflow pipe to ensure that it is not accessible to children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004 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 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

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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