Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY297078 Unique Reference Number 05 September 2006 Inspection date Anneliese Fox-Jones 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 registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged six years and 14 months. The family live in a house in Watford Fields which is close to local shops, parks and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding two children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 good. Children play in a clean environment. Their care is well fostered through effective hygiene routines. The childminder remains alert to reinforce good practice as necessary to give children an understanding of good hygiene, such as not sharing beakers. Children's health needs are respected and clear records are well-maintained. The childminder holds a first aid certificate and can therefore act appropriately if an accident occurs. Individual and personal information is discussed to ensure health and medical needs are identified, adhered to and recorded through efficient documentation.

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Helping children to be healthy

Everyday children benefit through either planned or spontaneous activity to promote their physical well-being. Children benefit from regular walks and visits to the local parks and soft play centres. Children gain new skills and develop their confidence because the childminder has a good understanding of the appropriate activities and level of support individuals require. Children enjoy fresh, healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. Older children are encouraged to make healthy choices as they learn through talking about food and what is good for them. They learn that biscuits are treats and vegetables and fruit are essential for vitamins and to help them grow. Opportunities to rest and sleep according to children's needs are also built into their routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a welcoming, comfortable and safe environment in which risks to the children's safety have been minimised. Children enjoy an extensive range of good quality equipment and toys that are safe and well chosen for the ages of the children. Items are checked regularly to ensure that they remain safe. Children have access to low storage boxes in which toys are easily accessible. This allows children to freely move around and make choices. The childminder rotates resources regularly to develop new interests and skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate procedures on outings keep children safe. Older children learn to keep themselves safe as they discuss road safety. Children learn house rules and good practice to avoid accidental injury. As a result, older children avoid playing with small items when they are near babies. The childminder has full knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and has a commitment to safeguarding children's welfare. Children benefit from the childminder's recent training in this area. She has the relevant details to hand should she need to report a concern or seek advice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a varied range of activities that contribute to their development inside and outside the home. Children develop a good sense of security because they are very comfortable and settled in the provision and the childminder is fully aware of their needs. Children acquire

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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 new skills through the childminder's careful interaction as well as learning through doing rather than being told. Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude to providing a bright, resourceful and stimulating environment. Children show an interest in what they do. They enjoy playing with the 'aqua draw' pens, where they are creative in making colourful marks and squiggles on the floor mat. Young children are safely able to crawl around their surroundings and explore the environment with intentional and increasing mobility.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy outings out in the local environment, they go to the local parks, various toddler groups and soft play centres. Further opportunities are made to socialise with others as the childminder regularly meets up with other adults and children. The childminder is beginning to implement activities in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She has many more ideas to plan and carry out with the children to ensure that they receive a balanced curriculum appropriate to their needs. Older children who attend at the end of their school day are active in accordance with their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and cared for according to their needs. Children feel a sense of belonging and so confidently explore and participate in activities available to them. They learn to share, take turns and form a harmonious group. Adults and children form strong bonds very quickly which results in children being at ease and very well settled. Children have equal access to toys and resources and they receive equal attention from the childminder. They begin to learn about differences within society as they have access to a good range of resources reflecting positive images, such as dolls, books, puzzles and dressing up materials. The childminder has a clear understanding that children with special needs may require additional support to help them reach their potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder's gentle and calm approach helps children learn appropriate and responsible behaviour. If necessary, children have time out to think about their behaviour. Children develop confidence and self-esteem because consistent support and meaningful praise encourages children to become independent and know when to seek help or reassurance. The childminder has effective strategies for building good relationships with parents and carers, which contributes significantly to children's well-being. She ensures daily records of activities and events are comprehensive and clear, and religiously shares information to ensure consistency. Well documented polices and procedures keep parents informed and are readily available for parents perusal.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from an extremely well-organised environment. Clear and comprehensive polices help keep children safe and give consistency. The childminder organises her paperwork effectively to ensure it is confidential but easily available if needed and meticulously keeps all the detail required by regulation. The childminder's extensive portfolios evidences her commitment to providing good quality care for children. As well as well written policies and

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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 procedures, it includes examples of activities and menus on offer as well as many certificates from additional training courses attended.

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Organisation

Children are looked after in a welcoming and homely environment. Children's space is organised well to meet the children's requirements. They benefit from the childminder's forward thinking and flexible approach to the day. Pre-visits to new places of interest are tested first before planned and carried out with minded children to ensure that children get the maximum out of the outing. Individual needs are met through the childminder's attention to children's routines and requirements. Children benefit from the effective relationships developed with parents. Overall the children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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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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): • develop knowledge and plans of activities to enhance children's development in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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