Quinn, Carolyn Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY317045 Inspection date 21 June 2006 Inspector Patricia King

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 outstanding. 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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged three and seven years in the town of Mansfield which is situated in Nottinghamshire. The whole of the childminders house is used and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and currently has four children under eight on roll. She takes children to local pre-school groups and on outings into the local community.

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 outstanding. Children's good health is positively promoted by the childminder's excellent systems and practice to maintain a high standard of hygiene and care in her home. Robust policies and procedures ensure a healthy environment is provided where thorough hygiene procedures prevent the spread of infection. For example, children have their own washing and sun screen equipment and there are clear agreements with parents that children are not minded whilst infectious. Children have a thorough understanding of their personal care and describe knowingly how washing their hands before eating, after using the toilet or handling animals prevents the spread of germs and infection. They eagerly explain that putting their hands in front of their mouths when coughing or sneezing prevents the spread of germs. Comprehensive procedures ensure that any accidents children have are managed appropriately as

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

the childminder has sound knowledge of first aid, available first aid equipment and clear recording systems. Children relish the wide variety of nourishing meals offered by the childminder to meet the nutritional and dietary needs, personal choice and preferences agreed with their parents. They understand the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables daily and describe how eating fruit every day helps them to be healthy and grow strong. Drinks are readily accessible for children to have when they require. Children have daily outside play in the garden, weather permitting. They use outdoor equipment to balance and climb, ride on bikes and cars, and play with balls and enthusiastically describe their outdoor games. They are taken to the local parks and pre-school groups to play on other large physical equipment. They relax and sleep according to their needs because the childminder plans her home and routines

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

effectively to offer opportunities for rest and quieter times

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from vigilant procedures including a systematic risk assessment and health and safety policy to provide a safe and secure environment. Effective arrangements ensure the outside play area is safe and excellent security ensures children are not able to leave the premises unsupervised. Appropriate safety equipment minimises potential hazards within the home and effective organisation of equipment and resources allow children to access these freely and safely to promote independence and choice. Appropriate fire safety equipment is available and vigilant arrangements for emergency evacuation, including regular fire drills, equip children with the knowledge of what to do if the need arises. Excellent arrangements are established for outings including taking a folder of relevant details, emergency contacts and procedures to be followed in the event of a child becoming lost.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have careful regard for their own safety and the safety of others, for

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 example, they understand and explain the dangers of running indoors, jumping and climbing on furniture. They describe why it is important to keep small toys and pieces out of the reach of babies who do not recognise dangers like putting things into their mouths. The childminder and older children consistently acknowledge the younger ones' appropriate actions and behaviour to support safe practice. Children know how to keep themselves safe on outings and have very good awareness of road safety. They speak earnestly about using stop, look and listen and following the safety codes demonstrated by the childminder. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

how to take any action required to protect children. She has established a clear written policy to ensure parents are fully informed of her responsibility to protect children from harm. The childminder ensures that children are only collected by their parents or named adults by prior written arrangements and children are never left alone with other adults.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. A substantial range of toys and play resources is readily accessible to children. Careful planning provides them with inspiring opportunities to make active choices about their play and promote their learning. Children use their imagination well, for example, they enthusiastically talk about the models and paintings they make out of the extensive range of creative materials accessible to them. They eagerly describe the gingerbread men and greetings cards they made to celebrate Father's Day. Children are highly motivated and make use of exciting and appealing activities to learn and extend their knowledge. For example, they describe with delight how they have learned that caterpillars make cocoons where they grow into butterflies. Children respond eagerly to effective questions from the childminder, for example, using daily routines and activities to count, recognise colours and shapes which

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

promotes the children's learning through play. Children's overall development is considerably enhanced because of the childminder's committed approach. They develop good social interaction, have warm relationships with each other and the childminder's family and possess confident communication skills. Children express care and concern for each other, for example, they help at meal times and support younger ones to join activities and games at their individual level of ability. Effective planning, preparation and resourcing by the childminder increases children's awareness of the needs of others in the wider world. They eagerly express their thoughts and feelings and talk with enthusiasm about what they have done. Children show pride in their work which is displayed around the playroom and in their personal folders. Children's interest and curiosity are captured creatively to promote their learning and develop their self esteem.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children flourish in the caring, stimulating, creative environment where they are highly valued as individuals. Children under three benefit significantly from the childminder's informed and creative use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to

p.4

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 offer interesting and stimulating learning opportunities appropriate for their care and development. All children flourish in the caring, stimulating, creative environment where they are highly valued as individuals and respond positively to the childminder's consistent use of praise and encouragement.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are learning about the community in which they live and the wider world through an extremely well planned and organised range of activities and resources. For example, they experience and celebrate diversity and learn about life in other countries. The childminder is fully aware of current legislation including information relating to the Disability Discrimination Act and has a written policy reflecting her strong commitment to ensure she provides quality care for all children. Children's care and welfare is thoroughly discussed and agreed with the parents which ensures that the childminder knows the individual needs of the children extremely well. An excellent, close working partnership means that parents are kept fully informed and included in the care of their children. For example, she completes a record of the children's daily routines such as food and drink intake. She keeps

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

parents fully informed and included with records of children's progress and achievements and folders of their work. Children's behaviour is exemplary. A strong emphasis is placed on promoting positive behaviour and successful methods are adapted effectively to meet the ages and developmental stages of all children. This means that they are learning to behave well and respond positively to the childminder's consistent guidance and praise, which promotes a sharing and caring environment. For example, children quickly apologise for minor accidents, such as treading on someone’s toes, and show concern by asking if the injured party has been hurt. Children listen intently to the childminder and respond positively to her consistent use of praise and encouragement.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children feel secure and settled in the childminder's home. Arrangements successfully promote children's, health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Space and resources are organised imaginatively and inspired activities provide children with interesting and exciting experiences to broaden their overall development. Children's welfare and safety is positively promoted by the comprehensive set of polices, guidelines and information accessible to parents. These ensure that documents and records necessary for the efficient and safe management of the provision are maintained. Children benefit from the childminder's unquestionable commitment to her role and the effective implementation of her mission statement to provide high quality care. All

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 adults in the household have been cleared and the children are well protected from visitors by the childminder's secure systems and procedures. Parents are kept well informed and included in the care of their children by daily discussion and written records of their development which means they can contribute to their child's continued development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

p.5

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.

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

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

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

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