Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY278689 Unique Reference Number 30 November 2006 Inspection date Andrea Caroline Snowden 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?

This childminder registered in 2004. She lives with her sister and parents in a small rural village in Norfolk. The childminder works closely with her sister who is also a registered childminder.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of eight children when working with her sister and six when working alone. There are currently 22 children on roll, attending on a part-time basis. The setting supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children use a lounge, designated play room and an upstairs bedroom for sleep. There are kitchen and bathroom facilities available on the ground floor. There is access to an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder keeps pet cats which the children occasionally see. She 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's good health is well promoted. The childminder ensures she understands the clear information which is sought about children's health needs, dietary requirements and any allergies before they are left by their parents. She is able to respond to accidents quickly because she has the necessary knowledge and equipment in place to do so. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene and self-care. They use and dispose of tissues and place their hands over their mouths when they cough or sneeze. Children routinely wash their hands before main meals, but not always prior to eating snacks. This could result in cross infection. The childminder works to appropriate policies concerning the care of children who are ill to ensure they are well cared for and do not pose a health risk to other children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing an understanding of healthy eating. They eat varied, healthy food at snack times such as fresh fruit. They walk to the local farm shop where they purchase fresh fruits to take home and eat. The childminder cooks a quick but hot mid-day meal which meets children's dietary requirements. Food brought in from home is stored appropriately to ensure it is fit for consumption and children access fresh drinks when they are thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good physical health. They use apparatus in the garden and become involved in activities such as raking up the Autumn leaves. Many opportunities are given to walk to the local farm, visit the park to use more challenging apparatus and enjoy nature walks in the surrounding country lanes. Babies are supported in their physical development as the childminder encourages them to pull themselves up on the furniture and holds their hands encouraging stepping movements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children have ample space to play in a stimulating child-centred environment where substantial steps have been taken to ensure their safety. Children of all ages are able to confidently explore their surroundings because the childminder is vigilant about safety in her home. Regular written risk assessments and daily checks for safety of equipment mean that children's exposure to hazards is minimised and their safety assured.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use high quality toys and equipment which are immaculately maintained and attractively presented. Toys are safe and suitable for children's different ages and stages of development. Robust monitoring of play equipment ensures that children are safe and their developmental needs are met. Children of all ages can independently select their own play equipment because the childminder has taken utmost care to ensure storage is appropriate and very young children cannot get hold of small bits and pieces.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to keep themselves and others safe, for example when walking out with the childminder they discuss road safety and the dangers of traffic. older children are given more independence when walking out with the childminder. They walk in pairs with one

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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 childminder at the front and one at the rear. This enables them to take some responsibility for their personal safety whilst not placing them in danger. They have been introduced to the local police officers who talk to them about safety issues, giving them posters to colour in and reflective zip tags. Children understand the rules for playing with toys, for example, that they should not walk around with toys in their mouth and that they should be careful with small pieces when babies are present.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected by the childminder who has an excellent awareness of child protection procedures and gives top priority to children's welfare. Information about her responsibilities is shared with parents via the policy document. It is a clear indication to parents of the confidence she has in fulfilling her role as a registered childminder in these matters. Children's welfare is further promoted as the childminder works to clear procedures about what steps to take in the event of a child becoming lost.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy and settle quickly with the childminder because she is calm, kind and sensitive to children's needs. Her warm approach to them is very reassuring and young children respond well. The childminder shows genuine interest in the children and their lives outside the setting and works very hard to ensure children feel secure and loved. Children play well together and enjoy one another's company. Friendships have formed. As one child leaves for the day, all of the other children wave goodbye.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children thrive on the wealth of play equipment which they use during their time at the setting. They are steering their own learning experiences by choosing from a well organised selection of resources. A child is thrilled when they complete a lace of threading beads, showing it to the other children with immense pride. Activities are stimulating and children become absorbed in them. They investigate the noises musical instruments make. they enjoy painting, explore textures when making tree rubbings and love baking. They have made maps of where they live helping to give them a sense of place. Children enthusiastically join together to play a board game where they successfully match sounds to pictures, talking about the pictures and the game as they play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities are well balanced thought about to include active play and time to rest, when children enjoy books and share a story and pictures with the childminder. Children's work is valued by the childminder and there are displays of art work so that parents can be involved in what their child has been doing. Children enjoy a variety of outings in their local community and each week attend a drop-in coffee morning in the village. This helps them gain a sense of the world around them and promotes their social development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals by the childminder. They are cared for effectively as the childminder knows them well and understands their developmental and emotional needs.

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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 Children access all play equipment equally and when a child says that another cannot wear the flowery shoes because he is a boy the childminder sensitively explains to the child that 'everyone wears shoes'. There is a good selection of resources which reflect diversity. Through using these along with meaningful activities children are learning about similarities and differences in the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a sound understanding of child development and demonstrates skill in supporting children and their parents. Activities are provided which all children can take part in and enjoy at their particular level of ability and the setting is able to source specialist equipment to meet children's individual requirements. Regular discussion takes place with parents to ensure children's needs are met appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and they respond well to the childminder's fair approach. Her consistency in dealing with unwanted behaviour and ability to give clear explanations means that children are beginning to learn right from wrong. Clear boundaries are set and appropriate reasoning used when talking to children about their behaviour. The childminder acts as a positive role model for children and speaks to them politely, for example, she thanks them for clearing away the toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers is effective. Children's care and welfare is enhanced because the childminder and parents work closely to meet the children's needs. Information for parents is both professional and comprehensive, although there are no up to date details informing parents of how to contact the regulator. There is a good exchange of information regarding the child's welfare at arrival and departure which enables both parties to provide the care the child needs at any given time. Parents appear relaxed in the childminder's company and many positive testimonials have been received, setting out their views about the high quality of care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care and welfare is promoted by the positive attitude and commitment the childminder shows towards her work. The setting is well organised and as a result children thrive. Children are safe because they are never left with persons who have not been vetted. The childminder is suitably qualified and attends a variety of training courses. She has enrolled on a level three qualification in order to improve her knowledge and skills to further benefit the children.

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Organisation

The children benefit considerably from the organisation of resources, adults and space in the setting. Activities are well supported and children have designated space for messy activities, quiet play or sleep. The two childminders work very closely together in all aspects of the care they provide. They both take equal responsibility for the care and welfare of the children in their joint charge.

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Organisation

The required record keeping is maintained to a high standard and as a result children's health and welfare, development and learning needs are promoted successfully.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 the childminder was asked to develop resources which raised children's awareness of disability issues. The childminder has engaged children in learning some sign language and the children often watch a television programme in which children with disabilities enjoy taking part in different activities with success. This has helped to promote some awareness of people with disabilities.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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. 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): • improve hygiene procedures to ensure children routinely wash their hands before snack time • ensure parents are given information which enables them to contact Ofsted should they wish to.

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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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