Harvey, Deborah Gail

Inspection report for early years provision

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252466 Unique Reference Number 07 July 2006 Inspection date Katherine Powell 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 good. 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 1993. She is registered to provide care for six children under eight years; of these, not more than three may be under five years, and of these not more than one may be under one year. At present the childminder cares for two children under five years, three children under eight years and two children over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and two sons. The family live in a bungalow on the outskirts of Nottingham city centre. The house is within walking distance of local amenities and the childminder regularly takes children to local pre-school groups. The lounge, kitchen, play room, conservatory and bathroom are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden which is used for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and local childminding network.

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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 physical, nutritional and health needs are met due to the childminder's highly effective procedures and practices. The childminder provides high levels of support and guidance for children enabling them to gain a very good awareness of the importance of hygiene and to become increasingly independent in their personal care. For example, children have a clear awareness of why they need to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet and can freely access tissues to blow their noses. This helps to prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a positive attitude to physical exercise and enjoy using and exploring the excellent range of play resources in the childminder's garden. Children also benefit from having regular opportunities to visit the local park where they are able to further practise and develop their whole body movements, such as climbing and balancing. Young children persevere with challenging activities which help to promote their small hand skills and co-ordination effectively. For example, children enjoy playing throwing and catching games in the garden and can competently use scissors. The childminder provides very good support for children during activities, she effectively promotes their confidence to enable them to further develop their skills and ask for help when needed. The childminder has a keen knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework which enables her to foster children's physical skills and good health

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to drinking water throughout the day and enjoy fresh fruit at snack time. Children benefit from engaging in worthwhile discussions during meal times about which foods are good for our bodies and they have opportunities to make their own healthy snacks. Consequently, children are actively encouraged to make healthy choices about food and drink. The childminder maintains excellent written records which enables her to fully meet children's individual dietary and medical requirements. The childminder ensures parents are well informed about infectious diseases which helps to prevent the spread of infection. The written records and procedures and the childminder's secure knowledge of appropriate first aid treatment ensure children receive very good care and attention.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well-maintained, child friendly and safe environment. Risk assessments are generally effective in minimising potential hazards within the home, although children are not fully protected from hazardous items in the bathroom. The garden is fully enclosed and secure enabling children to play outside safely. Children benefit from being able to move around freely and independently within the home, accessing different areas for a variety of play activities. For example, the garden is used for outdoor activities, there is a designated play room for games and activities and the lounge is available for quiet activities. Toys and equipment are of a high quality and are maintained in a clean and safe condition. Low level shelving enables children to reach toys and games safely and easily and the childminder is mindful of ensuring that young children are unable to access games with small pieces.

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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 are well supervised at all times, both indoors and outdoors, to ensure their safety. Effective procedures are in place when taking children on outings and children learn about road safety when walking around the local area. The childminder has appropriate fire safety equipment in place, such as a fire blanket in the kitchen and smoke detectors. Children benefit from taking part in fire drills which enables them to learn how to evacuate the premises calmly in an emergency. The childminder has a very good awareness of child protection procedures which she has developed through further training and reading current guidance. This enables her to fully promote and safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy the time they spend with the childminder and are happy and settled in her home. They join in enthusiastically during activities and make sense of the world around them through first-hand experiences. Younger children have excellent opportunities to develop their social skills by playing alongside other children during activities and when visiting local pre-school groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond very well to the childminder and they have formed effective relationships with their peers. Children's speech and language skills are very well promoted during play activities as the childminder is skilled in engaging children in lively conversation which helps to extend and promote their vocabulary. Children have access to an excellent range of books which they are keen to read independently or share with the childminder. Children's thoughts and ideas are valued and they are encouraged to initiate their own play experiences. Consequently, children's self-esteem is very well promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become engrossed in their play experiences, asking questions and freely exploring the wide range of resources available. They learn to persevere with more challenging tasks and confidently seek support when needed. They enjoy taking part in outdoor activities and have good opportunities to observe the natural environment and care for living things. For example, planting bulbs and observing the changes as the plants grow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a very secure understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and Foundation Stage curriculum and as a result plans and provides an excellent range of practical activities to promote children's learning in all areas. Activities are stimulating, challenging and engage children's interest. As a result, children make very good progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are warmly welcomed in to the setting and they are valued and respected as individuals. Consequently, children feel confident and settled in the childminder's care. Children have access to a very good range of play resources, such as books and role-play toys, which reflect positive images and help to develop children's awareness of diversity within society. Children also have regular opportunities to participate in activities related to different festivals and cultures, such as Diwali and Chinese New Year. Children learn about the local and wider

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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 community through regular trips and outings. The childminder gathers appropriate information from parents to ensure children with learning difficulties or disabilities are well supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved. They learn to share resources and take turns when playing. Children benefit from having consistent boundaries which enable them to negotiate with others and begin to take responsibility for their actions. The childminder supports children effectively during activities, gently guiding and reinforcing positive behaviour. Children's self-esteem is well promoted through regular praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder fosters highly effective relationships with parents which contributes significantly to children's well-being. The childminder actively seeks parents' views about their child's needs, interests and abilities before the child starts at the setting. As a result, the childminder is able to ensure continuity of care for each child and is able to plan and provide appropriate activities which engage the child's interest and build on their previous learning and experiences at home. Parents receive excellent information about how their child is progressing and developing and have regular opportunities to see written progress records. This ensures that they are fully involved in their child's care and development and can support their child's learning at home. Parents have access to a detailed portfolio which enables them to gain a very good understanding of all aspects of the childminder's service.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children greatly benefit from high levels of support and supervision, which enables them to feel safe and secure in the setting. As a result, they are confident to make their own choices, express their needs and select their own resources and activities. The childminder organises space very well ensuring that indoor and outdoor areas are used to full potential to provide an excellent range of play opportunities for children. Children benefit from having space to engage in active and quiet play and can sleep undisturbed whilst other children continue to play.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to continually monitoring her childminder service and identifying areas for further development and improvement. She has attended a wide range of professional courses to further enhance her knowledge and skills and she ensures she is aware of current legislation and guidance with regard to childcare and effective practice. As a result, the childminder has developed a secure awareness of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage curriculum which enables her to further develop the provision for all children.

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Organisation

Documentation and record keeping are exemplary. All records are well organised and regularly reviewed, ensuring they reflect current practice. Children benefit from information being shared on a daily basis between the childminder and parents, promoting continuity of care and ensuring their individual needs are met. The high quality care provided means that the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend extremely well.

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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

At the last inspection two recommendations were made with regard to obtaining written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment and ensuring all household members over the age of 16 years undertake appropriate checks, including a criminal records check.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has now obtained written permission from all parents to seek emergency medical treatment and her teenage son has completed a criminal records check. This has helped to further promote children's safety and welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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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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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 good. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that any hazards within the home are minimised, with regard to items kept in the bathroom.

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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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