Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY217647 Unique Reference Number 19 September 2006 Inspection date Margaret Elizabeth Roberts 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 two children aged 11 and seven years in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. All areas of the home are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group, takes children to the local library and the local park. The childminder has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She is a member of the Bury St Edmund Childminding Network and 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 very good health is promoted extremely well because the childminder takes very positive steps to prevent the spread of infection. For example, even though alterations are taking place the premises and equipment are exceptionally clean because the childminder implements very good hygiene practices. Working surfaces in the kitchen are wiped down regularly and the childminder uses disposable gloves when changing children's nappies. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through the daily routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands regularly, often using anti-bacterial wipes and clean their teeth after mealtimes. The childminder helps them to understand the reasons for doing so by explaining to them that they need to wash their hands to get rid of germs. Children's medical needs are met very well because the childminder is trained in first aid and has all the relevant

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Helping children to be healthy

documentation in place. Parents have given written consent for their children to receive medical treatment in an emergency. Together with the very well documented accident records, this ensures that they are fully aware of any injuries sustained or medical advice or treatment given. Children can be cared for appropriately should they fall ill whilst in the childminder's care because she has a policy in place which informs parents how their children will be looked after and which helps to further prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's healthy growth and development are promoted exceptionally well because they are offered very nutritious meals in ample quantities appropriate to their needs. These are prepared and cooked by the childminder, who holds a food hygiene certificate and will also serve children packed lunches in accordance with parents wishes. Children are involved in the preparation of food by taking part in cookery sessions where they learn about healthy eating habits. Menus include fresh fruit and vegetables, pasta meals and yoghurt. Children's dietary needs are well met because the childminder discusses likes and dislikes with parents and records these on children's personal detail forms. The very well organised preparation of meals ensures that young children are fed according to their needs and do not have to wait any length of time in between courses. For example fresh fruit, for dessert, is washed, prepared and kept covered in

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Helping children to be healthy

the refrigerator until it is required. Children have access to drinks at all times, which are kept in different coloured drinking cups, to ensure easy recognition and so that children do not go thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical skills are promoted through an exciting outside play area that has been developed in the childminder's garden. A soft play area offers them large physical equipment such as a climbing frame, swings, seesaw, slide and a trampoline. Wooden decking allows for ride-on toys to be negotiated around pathways and there is a grassed area for ball play. Children are also able to access physical play activities in the lounge where they can crawl through a play tunnel and use a sound mat. Walks are taken in the local area and to the park which also helps to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Children's small physical skills and eye-hand coordination are promoted through an excellent range of indoor activities such as construction, puzzles and manipulative play materials.

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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

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in an environment that is extremely child-orientated, safe, secure and has the all the necessary facilities and range of activities to promote their development. They are given a wonderful sense of belonging because their work is displayed in a room that has been designated as a play room. Space throughout the ground floor is used to very good advantage and areas have been created to allow children to rest or play actively. Children have access to the outside play area that is well maintained, fenced and gated to ensure that they cannot leave the garden unsupervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a very good range of extremely safe and well-maintained equipment and toys, which provide an accessible and stimulating environment. Activities and toys are presented at children's level so that they can reach them safely. Children's varying needs can be met because sufficient, safe equipment is available. For example, buggies for taking babies for walks and booster highchairs for eating meals which enable young children to join the older ones at the dining table. Babies and young children who wish to sleep are put in travel cots upstairs and are protected further because the childminder checks on them at regular intervals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play exceptionally safely because the childminder has taken very effective steps to ensure that hazards to children on the premises both inside and outside are minimised. Dangerous substances such as cleaning materials and medicines are inaccessible to children. Electrical sockets are protected, doors have safety stops to prevent trapped fingers and safety gates are used to prevent access to the stairs. Risk assessments are conducted for every room or area of the home accessible to children, recorded and acted upon should any concerns arise. Children are protected well in the case of an emergency because the childminder has devised an emergency evacuation procedure and carries a small book with children's details and emergency contact numbers when on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can be protected very well if abuse or neglect is suspected because the childminder has a good awareness of the local safeguarding children procedures. This is because she has undertaken training, recently attending a refresher course to update her knowledge. A flow chart is displayed to ensure that correct procedures in accordance with local guidelines can be followed. If any concerns arose she would seek advice from the local social services department, informing all relevant parties without delay.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time spent at the childminder's where they are relaxed and settled, enabling them to make excellent progress in their emotional and social development. Participation in exciting, stimulating, practical activities and play opportunities, supported very well by the childminder, helps children to develop their learning and social skills. Care is taken to ensure that all resources are appropriate to each child's stage of learning and development. Children's play and learning is enhanced through the excellent planning of activities which are displayed each day in the play room so that parents can see what their children have been involved in. Opportunities for children to explore and discover new experiences from a very

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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 early age helps to develop their intellectual and creative skills. For example, all children have the opportunity to take part in cookery sessions. These sessions are then used to promote children's learning further, by counting out the spoonfuls of mixture placed on the baking tray. Children as young as two know which number comes after one and are able to sustain interest for long periods of time in adult-led or self-chosen activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The valuable involvement of children in all activities such as cooking and choosing what they wish to play with helps them to develop a sense of belonging within the home. It builds on their natural curiosity as learners and promotes self-esteem. Scrap books have been produced where children's work is filed to share with their parents so that they are aware of what their child has been doing. Children's independence is encouraged well through self-selection of a wide range of accessible activities and their involvement at tidy up times. They learn about the world around us through planned topics such as the celebration of different festivals. They are given opportunity to watch things grow and develop through resources such as a butterfly garden which shows how butterflies evolve.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children learn about equality through their play and resources. They are treated with equal concern and made to feel really good about themselves through appropriate praise. The childminder goes to a great deal of effort to ensure that the individual needs of all children in her care are met. For example she follows the sleeping and eating routines of each individual child in agreement with their parents. The environment is organised to allow children of all abilities to easily access resources and facilities. Children with disabilities are included and given the same opportunities as the other children. Their needs are met very well because the childminder takes time to share information with parents about their routines, likes and dislikes. She works closely with the parents and outside agencies attending meetings to ensure that children are given consistent and appropriate care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave extremely well because they are given clear and realistic boundaries so that they know what is expected of them. Simple 'house rules' are negotiated with children old enough to understand and agreed boundaries discussed with parents. Children benefit from the childminder's good example. She is calm and respectful towards children, encouraging and praising good behaviour. Behaviour is managed effectively in a way that is appropriate to each child's age and stage of development. For example young children are distracted from situations that may produce difficult behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's well-being, development and progress is promoted exceptionally well because of the excellent partnership that the childminder has built with the parents of the children she cares for. They have an active involvement in their children's progress through discussion and access to their children's scrapbooks, which show what they have been involved in during the day. Parents are presented with a portfolio on the childminder which includes an introduction to herself and family with details of certificates and courses attended. Policies and procedures are shared with parents so that they are aware of how their children will be cared for and agreements are signed to ensure that children receive the best possible care at all times. Daily diaries that are very well recorded ensure that parents of very young children, in particular,

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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 know exactly the routines that their children have followed over the course of the day. These diaries pay particular attention to eating, sleeping and changing routines of children who are unable to communicate because of their age.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's welfare and learning is significantly enhanced because the childminder has the appropriate skills, experience and qualifications. The childminder is at present studying for a level three qualification in childcare. She shows a strong commitment to improving her knowledge by attending relevant courses and workshops. Checks have been completed to ensure that persons in regular contact with children are suitable and children are supervised at all times to ensure their safety.

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Organisation

Children's needs are met effectively because space and resources are organised exceptionally well allowing children to play and learn in a child-centred environment. A registration system showing when children are attending allows the childminder to account for them at any time should an emergency occur and the premises have to be vacated.

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Organisation

Exceptionally well-organised relevant documentation, which includes a thorough working set of policies and procedures, helps the childminder to work effectively and has a positive impact on the care children receive. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to increase her knowledge of what to do if allegations of abuse are made about the childminder.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made good improvement. Children can be protected very well if abuse or neglect is suspected because the childminder has a good awareness of the local safeguarding children procedures. This is because she has undertaken training, recently attending a refresher course to update her knowledge to include what to do if allegations of abuse are made about the childminder. A flow chart is displayed to ensure that correct procedures in accordance with local guidelines can be followed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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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