Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY217056 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2007 Inspection date Julie Wright 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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her partner and two-year-old child in Sale. The premises are situated close to local shops, Sale centre, local schools and main bus routes. The whole of the ground floor, upstairs toilet and bathroom, and one bedroom, are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The family have a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for up to five children at any one time. There are currently two children on roll. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis and 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 outstanding. Extensively detailed policies and procedures are in place, which are effectively implemented in practice. These securely promote the health and welfare of children in the setting. The childminder collates and shares a wealth of information on health and medical issues with parents. Emergency procedures are clearly written and the contingency plan is discussed and agreed to safeguard the welfare of children. The childminder has meticulous health and hygiene practice in the home, which protects children from the risk of infection. All areas are maintained in a very clean condition and children wear slippers in the house. Floors, tables and toys are frequently wiped and disinfected. Children are supervised in the bathroom, which has age-appropriate aids to support their independent development. For example, children use a step to safely reach the sink and soap dispenser. They wash their hands at very regular intervals

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Helping children to be healthy

and also use accessible wipes in the play room.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are successfully met by the childminder. Menus take account of individual needs, are carefully planned and displayed. Children benefit from well balanced meals and healthy options. The childminder takes every opportunity to extend children's learning, for instance, they consider the colour, taste and texture of foods as they eat. Children also use their senses to experience and explore food in creative play, such as when they make vegetable prints. They also enjoy the opportunities to make their own open sandwiches with a variety of toppings. Mealtimes are fun and sociable occasions for the children as they help to set the table with cutlery and their home-made placemats. They take an interest in food and begin to develop an understanding of health and their growing bodies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's comprehensive knowledge of their stages of development. Resources are used imaginatively to promote the children's physical skills and coordination. The childminder makes constructive use of outdoor play, for example, children talk about nature at the park and road safety when out walking. Children have fun as they confidently use park equipment, or play ball games and egg and spoon races in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are very safe and well protected in the care of the childminder. The premises are secure, warm and welcoming. Children are familiar with the environment and they move around with confidence. They show a good sense of belonging in the child-focussed, designated play room. Space is clearly defined and used well to provide children with varied and interesting activities. Resources, toys and equipment are very well organised and regularly checked to ensure a good standard of maintenance. The storage units are labelled with photographs to help the children make choices and to sort the toys appropriately when they tidy up. The childminder rotates toys to promote interest and changes the activities to ensure that children are consistently engaged in their play. She models the importance of looking after things so that children learn to respect and take care of the toys.

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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's safety is assured in the home and on outings as the childminder is very conscientious about all safety issues. She helps children to be aware of keeping safe as she introduces elements of safety during activities. For example, in role play the children talk and think about things that are hot, or may burn. The childminder ensures that children are not frightened by the fire drill and they respond positively as they 'march' together outside. Children interact enthusiastically with familiar songs and a story about traffic lights. They confidently recall the key points which help the children to learn about road safety. They wear fluorescent safety jackets in darker weather or on outings to busy places, which means that they are easily seen and closely supervised. The childminder assesses all possible risks and implements effective

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The safe welfare of the children is paramount to the childminder. She has a clearly detailed policy which informs parents of the responsibilities to safeguard children. The childminder attends appropriate training to ensure that her knowledge and understanding of the procedures are up to date.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children develop excellent relationships with the childminder and with the other children. They are very sociable and confident in the setting. The childminder interacts with them exceptionally well, engaging in their play and taking every opportunity to extend their thinking and learning. They take part in an extensive range of activities, in which they develop their concentration skills. Children are very willing and enthusiastic in their play and activities. They show great interest in their surroundings, games and toys. Children are good communicators and happily share their thoughts and ideas. They are frequently creative and use a wealth of natural play materials, for example, they make musical instruments with dried foods. They recognise and name the contents; pasta, barley and lentils, then decorate the shaker with a face and hair. This gives the children the opportunity to talk about facial expressions or feelings as they play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is creative in her ideas, which promote the children's interest and a positive attitude to learning. For example, to develop fine motor skills, the children experiment with a variety of lids and tops on bottles and jars. They make kites and silver crowns as they consider colours and shapes. Children help to make a 'Touch and Feel' book, which includes a wide range of textures for them to experience. A treasure basket provides younger children with interesting everyday objects and materials for them to explore. The written weekly planning takes account of the individual children's ages and abilities. The childminder makes constant observations on the children's activities and uses these to record their progress. She knows the children very well and plans clearly for their next developmental steps.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual needs are comprehensively met by the childminder. She actively seeks relevant information from parents to support the care of the children. This ensures that her knowledge of the children is secure and that they quickly settle-in. Children become aware of

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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 diversity in the wider world through activities, celebrations and access to a wide variety of toys which provide them with positive images. The childminder looks for information to support the activities and to ensure that the play and learning opportunities are very well informed. The childminder has confident awareness of equal opportunities and a clear policy which promotes inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children form strong friendships, they are affectionate and develop confident personalities. Children share readily and learn to have respect for each other and their belongings. The childminder acts as a very good role model and reinforces positive manners and behaviour at all times. Children are very clear in their understanding of the expectations of behaviour. They talk about being a 'team' as they do things cooperatively together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes very effective and positive working relationships with parents. She provides a wealth of information for parents on policies, procedures and various aspects of child welfare. Frequent discussions ensure continuity of care for children and the childminder reviews her care each week. Parent’s comments and opinions are valued by the childminder. Individual development files and photographs of the children playing provide parents with excellent examples of progress and activities. Thank you cards from parents give positive comments and commend the care given.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from the skilled care of the childminder. She demonstrates a robust knowledge and understanding of children's development. An extensive programme of activities is planned around the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage curriculum. This ensures that the children are set interesting and age-appropriate challenges to promote their development. Children are highly stimulated and make excellent progress in all areas of learning.

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Organisation

The childminder has a childcare qualification and continues to attend training for her personal and professional development. She researches relevant information in order to update her awareness of childcare aspects, such as health and safety guidelines. The childminder is highly motivated and enthusiastic in her approach to childminding arrangements. Space, routines and resources are very well organised to securely meet the individual needs of the children. Clearly detailed records are consistently maintained in good order, which effectively contribute to the health and welfare of children. The childminder has a very good understanding of the childminding regulations and her responsibilities. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to maintain the current good quality provision and continue to evaluate toys, play materials and equipment. Since then the weekly planning continues to include assessments of the children's development and the use of resources. The childminder consistently maintains very good quality care for children.

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Improvements 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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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 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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