Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY334127 Unique Reference Number 22 November 2006 Inspection date Lynn Dent 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged 16 and 17 years on the outskirts of Nottingham. The whole of the ground floor and the toilet and bathroom on the first floor of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five throughout the day, and three child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group, takes children to the library, the park and on outings. The family has a pet cat.

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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 good health is effectively promoted by the childminder's excellent hygiene routines. This is evident as the childminder consistently uses disposable gloves during nappy changes, dealing with accidents and also when preparing food. The risk of infections to children are significantly minimised due to high standards of cleanliness. As a result younger children and babies can safely crawl around the floor. Children show a thorough understanding of daily hygiene routiines as they spontaneously wash their hands during the day. Cross-contamination of germs is substantially minimised as children use clean flannels and individual towels. Priority is given to promoting and safeguarding children from illness. Parents receive detailed information about infectious illnesses and the required incubation periods. Consequently, they understand the action to take when their children are ill. Detailed accident records give parents a clear

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Helping children to be healthy

explanation of what happened and the treatment their child received. Following accidents, children receive the optimum treatment as the childminder is trained in first aid.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive and benefit from a varied, balanced diet which contains all the essential food groups and nutrients. All meals are freshly prepared using mainly organic products. A menu is on display for children and parents to see. However, this is flexible to take account of children's dietary needs and preferences. This information is recorded in children's individual files and readily available for the childminder to consult. Drinks are available to children throughout the day. Older children are actively encouraged to help themselves. Consequently, they learn to manage this and do not become thirsty. Babies are held comfortably when being fed and bottles are prepared and given in accordance with parent's wishes. Therefore, children's emotional needs and feeding routines are effectively promoted. Older children develop a clear understanding of the benefits of healthy eating through discussions with the childminder,

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Helping children to be healthy

All children have an extensive range of opportunities to participate in activities and team games both indoors and outdoors. As a result they are able to explore, test and reinforce their physical abilities. For example, younger children develop their finer manipulative skills by dressing and undressing dolls, and building with Duplo. Older children use a range of cutting and painting tools to make art and craft items. Photographs show that older children can climb and use a variety of equipment which challenges their balance and coordination. Babies move around the floor by whatever means they can, for example shuffling on their bottom and are confident to do so. As a result they develop good balance and the ability to access toys which are out of their reach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are well cared for in a extremely safe and secure environment. Risks of accidents and injury are effectively minimised as the childminder is vigilant in ensuring the premises and garden do not pose risks to children. As a result no hazards were identified on the day of the inspection. Children's safety is a priority. A number of safety precautions are in place. For

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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 example, the childminder places thick pillows on the hearth to prevent children from falling onto this. She places children in safety harnesses when using high chairs and booster seats on dining chairs. Detectors of carbon monoxide poison are in place to indicate early signs of this. When cooking the childminder prevents accidents to children by using a safety gate and placing younger children in a travel cot with toys where she can see them. As children sleep they are regularly checked by the childminder to ensure they are sleeping soundly. As a result the risk of cot death is effectively minimised. Children clearly understand the emergency evacuation procedure. A map of possible exits is displayed and documentation shows that the procedure is regularly practised. All fire exits are kept free from obstruction. The childminder is vigilant

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

in ensuring that buggies for children do not block fire exits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have excellent access to an extensive range, of bright, safe toys and resources which are developmentally appropriate and comply with the required safety standards. Additional toys are provided for children by the childminder who access these from a store cupboard to prevent children getting hurt. All toys are cleaned at least weekly and toys for babies are sterilised after use. Documentation shows that the family cat undergoes regular health checks and inoculations. Therefore, children are protected from infections which are associated with animals. Excellent security and procedures means children are only collected by authorised adults. Identification of visitors is checked on arrival. As a result children are protected from unknown adults.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Following the new laws regarding the use of appropriate restraints for children when travelling in a car. The childminder has taken exceptional steps to ensure parents understand this and children are restrained appropriate. Consequently, all children use the correct child seats. Therefore, if an accident should occur, they are protected to the best possible standard. Children are actively involved in learning how to cross the road safely by checking if the road is clear and only crossing when instructed to do so by the childminder. As a result children learn how to keep themselves safe. The childminder has completed child protection training. She has an excellent understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect. She is confident to put the Local Safeguarding Children Board reporting procedures into place. By sharing her responsibilities for child protection with parents, they understand and willingly share information

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

about injuries children receive in their care. As a result an accurate picture of the child is recorded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive due to the extremely caring and stimulating environment and interaction they receive. The premises are made welcoming to children who can easily access an extensive range of good quality resources. Children develop extremely positive relationships with the childminder and others. Therefore, they develop a clear understanding of good behaviour and demonstrate this well. Excellent behaviour is achieved as the childminder shows a very high regard for praise and respect for the children. Consequently, children respond positively to this. Younger children are confident to communicate in their own way and are finding a voice to gain attention from others around them. This is evident as young babies smile, gurgle and reach out to the childminder when they want attention. Children show sustained interest in what they are doing.

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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 For example, children play with dolls, talk about the dolls name, feeds the doll with a play bottle and covers the doll, explaining she is cold. This highlights children's ability to use their imagination and incorporate their prior daily experiences effectively into their role play. Consequently, they consolidate what they already know and use this to develop their play further. Younger children also show this as they press buttons on a toy and know they can make different sounds by pressing other buttons.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are making strides in their development as the childminder has an exceptional understanding of child development and early years guidance. For example 'Birth to three matters' is effectively used to plan and promote children's learning and play. As a result children receive an extensive range of activities and experiences. Children are extremely happy and confident. They are motivated to learn and develop through play as the childminder spends dedicated, quality time ensuring they are stimulated through very effective interaction. For example, the childminder shares books with children, asking them questions and encouraging younger children to point to pictures. The childminder is highly skilled in allowing children to explore their environment and ensures that children have time, space and resources to do so. Consequently, children move assertively around the premises actively engaging in play. Older

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children receive an excellent range of activities as the childminder is innovative in her planning which is flexible to take exceptional account of children's preferred experiences. Harmonious relationships between children are extremely good as the childminder uses team games to encourage interaction and social skills. Younger children also have the opportunities to develop these skills by attending carer and toddler groups throughout the week. The childminder places a priority on developing children's life skills, for example the use of good manners. As a result all children show this and treat others with respect.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Every child receives an extremely warm welcome by the childminder who shows absolute commitment to caring for the children's individual needs. Discussions with parents ensures these are known and supported by meticulous documentation and records. Children's learning and play is effectively supported due to the childminder's commitment and enthusiasm when playing and interaction with the children. Children receive affection and are very confident. As a result they have extremely high self-esteem and thoroughly enjoy themselves with the childminder. Children are confident to approach unknown adults who visit the home and initiate conversation and interaction with them. Consequently, they bring and share their toys with the inspector. Children's emotional development is a high priority for the childminder. Younger children have their comforters when they sleep and older children are encouraged to discuss

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their day. As a result they feel an acute sense of belonging and know they are important to the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder welcomes diversity and shows this as she cares for children from a range of cultures. An extensive range of activities and experiences are planned for children to ensure they develop an understanding and respect for those who are different to themselves. Visits and walks in the local community ensure children actively learn about the changing seasons and their local environment. Children are currently learning simple words in French and Spanish

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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 as the childminder encourages all children to use their home language. Consequently, children feel they are valued and special. Children with additional needs are very effectively supported because the childminder works very closely with parents, As a result the childminder makes concerted efforts to fully integrate all children into the setting and ensures they receive the individual support they require.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children show exceptional high standards of behaviour in relation to their age and stage of development. Older children are clearly involved in making the rules. Therefore, they are meaningful and personal to them. This is evident as the poster for the rules is written and illustrated by the children. The childminder sets realistic boundaries, successfully using developmentally appropriate strategies to help children understand when they are not being kind. An example of this is a very young child who pats another child on the head. The childminder calmly informs the children that they must be kind and gently moves the child's hand to stroke the other child's hair. Younger children show an exceptional ability to share toys as they play together in a very harmonious way. Children are beginning to understand the needs of others as they can explain that a young baby is placed out of danger while the childminder gets their snack or takes them to the toilet.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive very comprehensive policies and information about the service provided at induction. This is supported by relevant information which is available on the notice board and through discussions and diaries each day. Consequently, they are kept fully involved in their children's care. Letters from parents of children currently being minded show they are exceptionally happy with the care their children receive. For example they highlight the childminder's high standards, their children's attachment to the childminder and the loving, safe environment provided for their children. Very clear records and routines for children are in place due to significant partnerships with parents. As a result these successfully underpin the care the children receive and promote continuity of care. Parents are fully informed of how to make a complaint. Therefore, they have the necessary information should the need arise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents know they can approach the childminder for advice and information. There is a comprehensive file of information available to them with advice and guidance about the National Standards and information from other appropriate agencies.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides. The childminder has a very high regard for the safety and well-being of the children in her care. Consequently, they are actively engaged in an extensive range of stimulating activities and experiences which underpins their overall development. Interaction between the childminder and the children is excellent as she dedicates quality time to playing with them. Consequently, their individual developmental needs are effectively met. Children are positively encouraged to participate in group play or to play alongside their friends. However, their choice to play alone is accepted and respected.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed a wide range of training which undoubtedly expanded her knowledge and understanding of child development. This result in the effective use of early years guidance, for example 'Birth to three matters'. Consequently, children in this age group

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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 are positively supported to reach their developmental goals. The childminder's forward thinking attitude shows unquestionable dedication to further develop the service she provides. Detailed records which are extremely well-organised certainly supports the care of the children. Excellent relationship with parents who receive very comprehensive information about the service provided and consistent clear information about their children's day and achievements, ensures they are kept fully involved in their child's care at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that the required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National standards. 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

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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