Gill, Claire Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY320975 Inspection date 19 July 2006 Inspector Susan Marriott

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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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband in a house in the Leisure Village area of Kettering, Northamptonshire. The family have two rabbits which live in the garden. The whole of the childminder's house, with the exception of the kitchen is used for minding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years and is currently caring for eight children on a flexible basis. She walks to local schools to take and collect children. 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 are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where they learn the importance of high levels of hygiene and personal care. Exemplary practices are strongly encouraged. The childminder helps children to gain an excellent understanding of hygiene and a real desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care. Children understand that cleaning their teeth after eating, reduces the bacterial build up on their teeth, keeping them strong and healthy. Children understand that they must use individual towels, laundered daily, to prevent the spread of infection. Children's clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet, handling the rabbits and after playing in the garden, substantially reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children sing the song, 'This is the way we wash our hands before we have our snack', to promote good habits

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Helping children to be healthy

within the daily routine. Children actively learn to protect themselves against the harmful effects of the sun, because the childminder presents a positive role model. On the hottest day of the year she wears her sun hat and applies sun cream to herself, explaining the reasons for her actions. Children know to play in the shade and happily attempt to apply sun cream and wear a sun hats. Young children are able to sleep according to their needs in a suitable quiet area of the house, kept safe by the childminder through the conscientious use of a monitor and rigorous surveillance. Children enjoy an extensive range of stimulating activities that positively contribute to their good health. The childminder has a robust understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, reflected in the exceptional and regular opportunities to enhance the development of young children's large muscle movements. The childminder has a

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Helping children to be healthy

thorough understanding of appropriate types of activities and levels of support for each child. This promotes children's confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and recognise when to ask for help. All year round, there is a daily opportunity to play in the child-orientated garden. This is efficiently equipped with a vast array of toys, games and play equipment which develop children's physical competence. Children benefit from regular visits to local parks and playgrounds further afield. This supports the development and improvement of children’s physical skills. Occasional outings to Wicksteed Park, nature walks and animal farms further extend children's physical competence and coordination. The childminder works to detailed, purposeful policies and procedures which she has devised in relation to health, hygiene, medication and illness. Extremely sound procedures are in place for children who are unwell to safeguard the good health of

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Helping children to be healthy

the other children who attend the provision. The childminder rigorously maintains an accident book in accordance with requirements. Children receive appropriate first aid because the childminder holds and regularly updates a suitable first aid qualification. Clear procedures for hygienic nappy changing include the use of disposable gloves when dealing with bodily fluids and the safe disposal of soiled nappies to prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

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 are positively encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle because the childminder provides healthy snacks and meals and promotes children's knowledge and understanding of nutritional issues through discussion, activities and posters on display. She always ensures that fresh fruit and raw vegetables are available for children. They begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as they enjoy home cooked food from fresh, organic ingredients. Food is always presented attractively. For example, the children enjoy animal shaped sandwiches for lunch. The childminder meets specific dietary needs within the varied menu available to the children and respects parental wishes and preferences. The children always sit at the table to eat, learn good manners and social rules, and respond to one another with

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Helping children to be healthy

outstanding courtesy and care. Children are positively encouraged to drink water which is freely and constantly available in a bottle and understand the need to replenish their fluid levels in order to stay healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are really well cared for in an exceptionally welcoming, clean, safe and secure home environment. The childminder uses space in a highly creative manner to enable children to access toys independently and safely. The garden is a children's paradise with an exciting range of outdoor toys and equipment, messy play including a rice tray, sand and water. The entrance hallway provides a source of valuable information for parents and conveys that children's needs are paramount in this setting. For example, photographs and certificates assure parents that their children are in safe hands and a self-registration board informs children of their playmates and expected visitors to the house on each day. Children have a clear understanding of the areas to which they have free access, and those which they require the childminder's agreement to access, for example the hallway. Children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

independently select activities from an easily accessible, wide range of stimulating resources, which are in a good state of repair and are age appropriate. The childminder has devised her own book entitled 'Our toys', which contains laminated photographs of every piece of equipment and toy available in the setting. Children use this when they do not know what to do or play with, and thereby learn how to make informed decisions. The book also forms a highly detailed inventory of toys and demonstrates the wide range of toys reflecting diversity. Children are able to move around and play safely, freely and independently because the childminder has identified and minimised all risks, expertly balancing freedom for children and setting safe limits. Children actively learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder has clear rules and routines in order to maintain their safety inside and outside the home. For example, the childminder reminds the children to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

'mind the step' as they move from the patio doors to the garden. She reminds a child not to climb on the chair and explains the reason why this is necessary. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has all of the required policies and documents in place. The childminder carries comprehensive contact details on her person at all times. Excellent practices actively contribute to the safety of children such as, thorough written risk assessments, extensive and detailed emergency evacuation procedures, frequently practised fire drills and open discussions about

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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 road safety when out on walks. Children are very safe with the childminder, who has a robust knowledge and understanding of child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children positively thrive here and settle quickly in the friendly, relaxed family atmosphere where the childminder carefully prepares her home in readiness for the children. They arrive confidently and make themselves at home, demonstrating a real sense of belonging as they proudly show their paintings in progress and their toys on the garden patio. A child who is new to the setting, soon settles to play and feels secure. Children make independent choices in their play and are able to choose from a huge variety of toys and equipment, which are all stored within easy reach. The children eagerly relish their chosen play activities and demonstrate excellent concentration and perseverance in this child-led environment where they make positive relationships. Children develop relevant social skills in this gently nurturing environment. The childminder encourages the children to meet new people and try new activities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

promoting the growth of their confidence and self-esteem. For example, photographs and children's record books provide evidence that children learn to master scissor skills and are proud of their cut and stick creations. Trusting and secure relationships develop between the children and the childminder who manages the children very well, whilst allowing them the chance to express their needs. The children ask questions and the childminder skilfully progresses children's learning and development through her responses. For example, a child chooses to draw with yellow crayons on yellow paper and the childminder uses thoughtful questioning about the colours being used which makes them think. Children begin to distinguish between right and wrong as they play together because the childminder reminds them to treat each other with politeness and courtesy. The childminder is highly attentive to the needs of the children and ensures they have a balanced programme

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of activities throughout the day. The childminder has an exceptionally competent understanding of child development rooted in expert knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She effectively uses her training in childcare and her constant commitment to update training to enhance and guide her practice. This supports the provision of flexible, high quality care expertly tailored to each individual child's needs. Children display high levels of confidence through their daily activities. They exhibit highly advanced independence, as they busy themselves and become absorbed in their play. For example, a child re-enacts 'waiting for the green man' during play with a village play set. High quality interaction provides excellent support for children’s early communication skills as the childminder introduces new language as the opportunity arises during play. For example, whilst playing with a wooden train set, she asks whether the child knows

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

what a magnet is and what it does. They talk about the magnet pushing and pulling the trains along the track. Children develop their mathematical skills with the childminder as she makes full use of every opportunity to count and chat about the

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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 shape of the train track, which 'wiggles like a river' and then becomes a circle. The childminder skilfully encourages children to make very rapid progress in their development. She has a clear understanding of their abilities and uses this knowledge to set further challenges in order to secure children's continued progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children hold a strong awareness and understanding of others because the childminder actively creates opportunities for children to become familiar with others from a diverse range of backgrounds through play. For example, the childminder ensures that her toy box labels, business cards and logo reflect diversity and has created a 'My big book of people' which offers a medium for sharing experiences with children. She actively strives to widen opportunities for children to play with a wider range of others through childminder coffee mornings and visits to a mother and toddler group where appropriate. She makes every effort to provide an extensive range of carefully chosen resources and activities to promote a positive view of the wider world. For example, figures which represent different cultures and specialist books about behaviour issues, other cultures and countries. This means that children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

access unique equipment to enhance their learning. Children establish a robust understanding of their local community as they walk everywhere with their childminder and travel to and from pre-school, visit parks, toddler groups and other local amenities. All children, including any who may have learning difficulties/disabilities, are highly valued and respected as individuals and are fully included in all activities. The childminder is confident to be proactive in seeking additional advice and support from external agencies and professionals linked to the family unit. Children sit together at the dining table to eat meals, enabled by a cushion, booster seat or high chair adaptor as appropriate. Children are highly confident individuals. They have positive levels of self-esteem and respect the opinions and actions of others because the childminder consistently praises their efforts. She reaffirms their achievements,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

guiding their social and moral development. The children receive excellent support throughout the day according to their individual needs. Children's behaviour is exemplary. They demonstrate high levels of understanding about responsible behaviour and know, for instance, to use please and thank you to one another. They spontaneously apologise to the childminder when they bump into her. Children show care and concern for each other when playing and play together cooperatively, sharing, taking turns and using good manners. The childminder effectively meets children's needs through the daily routine as discussed with their parents. Parents actively contribute towards their children's learning and development because they remain fully informed of the daily activities at all times. The childminder organises a highly effective induction session followed up with a detailed welcome pack which parents keep for reference. This initiates a highly

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Helping children make a positive contribution

effective two-way communication process which enables parents to fully participate in their child's development and learning. The childminder ensures that parents receive expertly constructed written records of their child's achievements linked to her use of

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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 the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage guidance. She ensures that daily discussion about the service provided keeps parents informed about their child's activities and maintains a detailed written diary system for children under five-years-old. The childminder positively invites parents to make their own written contributions and they eagerly respond to questionnaires seeking their views on the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder adopts a highly professional, conscientious approach to her childminding and is extremely confident in her childcare practice. She is constantly seeking ways to improve her skills and is happy to incorporate any suggestions which might further enhance her provision for children and their parents. The childminder uses her professional background and experience in health and social care and her firm commitment to continued training and her effective organisation to promote positive outcomes for children. Children feel very much at home and are comfortable in the well-organised, suitably prepared and inviting family environment. The childminder enriches children's care, learning and play through her constant enthusiasm, interaction and inventiveness. Children confidently choose activities and participate with eager relish. Children extend their own play and learning in a natural

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Organisation

and imaginative way, strongly encouraged by the childminder's expert practice. Her clear use of written procedures and routines which cover all aspects of the national standards effectively supports children's welfare, care and learning and underpins her professional practice. All written parental permissions are in place and documentation is reviewed periodically and changes implemented where appropriate to comply with current guidance. The childminder gives utmost priority to maintaining relevant and up to date knowledge of child care in this rapidly changing field of expertise. She uses childcare literature and the local authority training manual to maintain and improve her skills. The childminder offers high quality opportunities which are rooted in an expert knowledge of childcare and development. The provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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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.

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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 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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