Greaves, Helen

Inspection report for early years provision

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320762 Unique Reference Number 08 November 2006 Inspection date Ingrid Pine 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 January 1998 and is currently caring for five children. She offers part and full-time care in term-time or school holidays and provides an after school service from several local primary schools. She has two registered assistants working with her.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives in a semi detached house with her husband and three children. It is close to the ring road, motorway networks and the centre of Rothwell. Nearby there are local parks, shops, a children's music and toddler group and a soft play centre.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to the whole of the ground floor and there is an enclosed garden to the rear of the premises suitable for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is qualified to Level 3 in childcare. She is a member of the South Leeds Childminding network and 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. Children's health is exceptionally well promoted and the childminder gives very high priority to ensuring that children's individual needs are provided for in relation to hygiene. The childminder involves children safely in her daily hygiene routines so that they fully understand the reasons for keeping furniture and equipment clean. Children confidently manage their own personal routines. For example, they go to the toilet themselves from an early age, fully understand the importance of washing their hands and regularly clean their teeth.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a comprehensive written sickness policy including details of communicable diseases and exclusion periods. She also has an extra procedure to deal with the situation in the event of a flu pandemic. The policy is shared with parents who are very clear about the risks of cross contamination and comply happily with the rules. This ensures that sick children are looked after in a sensitive manner whilst parents return to collect them and effectively reduces the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is very aware of the many learning opportunities to promote an understanding of healthy eating. She accesses the internet and health organisations, such as the British Heart Foundation and the British Dental Association in order to provide publications that are child orientated and show them how very important it is to lead a healthy lifestyle. Bright, informative posters depicting 'Healthy Heidi' ensure that even the youngest children understand the concept.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has an excellent understanding of food nutrition. All ingredients are fresh and healthy. Meal times are relaxed, social occasions and children all sit around the table to enjoy their food and each other's company. They are often involved in preparing food for themselves and try a wide range of unusual dishes. She has a policy which includes eating at least five different fruits or vegetables a day. After discussion with parents the decision was made to replace low sugar fruit juice with even more healthy options, such as water and milk. Children have excellent opportunities to choose their own meals but within the set healthy boundaries. Children are offered very healthy choices at snack time and they are encouraged to try a wide variety of different foods. For example, young children are offered familiar options, such as bananas with the addition of kiwis to try. She joins them at snack time and actively encourages

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Helping children to be healthy

them to taste these new experiences without pressure.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a wide range of well planned and spontaneous activities that actively promote their physical growth and development, both indoors and outside. They have many opportunities to develop their confidence and of using their bodies in different ways. For example, they play football, use the climbing frame and the large trampoline. Young children thoroughly enjoy jumping and stamping in puddles on a rainy day and they competently manoeuvre wheeled toys around in the spacious conservatory. During the school holidays there are planned activity days to local amenities where all children enjoy the fresh air and exercise in a relaxed, fun and very active way.

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder is very aware of the needs of young children and has accessed 'Birth to three matters' training. Children's individual needs are exceptionally well catered for and they feel special and emotionally secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has built on her existing very good practice to provide outstanding measures within the home, ensuring that children's safety and security is paramount. She carries out very thorough assessments of the provision, including an access audit for disability. Very clear risk assessment documentation is maintained and regularly reviewed. The childminder has also carried out an audit for disability access in order to ensure that any individual needs are well catered for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

An extensive range of toys and equipment are kept in pristine condition. They are of very high quality and stored appropriately so that children can safely and independently choose their own resources and activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children effectively learn and understand about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe. They learn about fire safety and are reminded in everyday situations of the risks and effects of not being careful and vigilant, both indoors and outdoors. For example, the childminder organised a visit from the fire service to the childminding group at the local drop in centre and she discusses safety in the car and on the roads through meaningful play situations with the small world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. High quality toys and equipment support a very comprehensive, enjoyable range of activities that stimulate and challenge children to develop their skills in a rich learning environment, according to their individual needs. Children's own art work is used to create a warm, bright environment along with many excellent examples of word and number. They are proud of their work and this builds up their self-esteem. Extremely warm and caring relationships between the childminder and children are evident. They communicate easily with one another and this enables children to enjoy and achieve. Children are very happy, relaxed and confident. They attend competently to their own personal needs and make their own independent choices.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder spends all her time with the children, encouraging them to try out new skills and experiences. For example, at snack time they are given familiar fruits but also encouraged to try out new ones, such as kiwis. The childminder sits and plays with the children at their own level. She provides a rich learning environment and joins in enthusiastically with their games, using appropriate questions and explanations to enhance their play. For example, she gets involved with an activity with the play dough. Children clearly respond and confidently show their skills and knowledge of number, shape, colour and texture. Children are encouraged to use their skills and to learn more as the childminder gives meaningful explanations about magnets and how they work. During the inspection, an aeroplane flew over head and the

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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 childminder used the opportunity to talk about familiar situations, such as going on holiday, encouraging children to make connections and relate stories about their own home life.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit greatly from planned activities outside the setting. Younger children attend a fun music class where they explore a variety of different instruments, learn to socialise and have fun in a large group. Parents are invited to attend if they wish. Older children are encouraged to make their own suggestions for holiday times. During these weeks children go for walks to the local park or visit local stately homes to learn about the animals in the farm. The childminder extends this learning process by joining up with the local childcare centre and taking the children to see chicks hatching in an incubator, an activity that cannot easily be managed in a home setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder provides children with excellent first-hand experiences of equal opportunities. They visit local groups where they socialise with children from differing backgrounds and abilities. Children thoroughly enjoy celebrating a range of festivals which teach them to value their own culture and that of others. The childminder effectively teaches them to respect others and be considerate to those less fortunate than themselves. For example, children take part in a regular Christmas shoe box charity appeal along with other members of their local school and community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children's individual needs are paramount and the childminder ensures that she discusses these with parents, providing ways and strategies that positively enable children to overcome their difficulties, feel included.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are effective strategies to manage behaviour and high expectations in line with children's individual age and stage of development. The childminder is an excellent role model. She is calm and consistent and children have very clear boundaries that they understand. Children respect the rules because they are fully involved in the process of setting these up. Children are busy and content, therefore behaviour is very good and they respond to a high level of positive praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is very strong. The childminder works closely with parents and carers to provide for all children's individual needs, ensuring that children are settled and secure. Parents are giving a wealth of clear information about the provision and their children's progress, through, for example an information pack, photographic displays and developmental profiles. Comprehensive policies and procedures are clear and readily available for parents to view. The childminder regularly asks for feedback from parents and values their suggestions, often using questionnaires. Parents are very confident in the care and education their children receive and their comments are very positive and supportive.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder is very well qualified and has outstanding commitment to continuing her development through a programme of relevant training and short courses. She applies the same ethos to her assistants and positively encourages them to access training and supports their learning. This training and experience is used well to plan and provide exciting opportunities for children. The childminder is willing to share her experience and knowledge with other childminders in the area and is building up very strong links with the local children's centre as well as being responsible for co-ordinating and organising special events for the local childminding group.

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Organisation

The childminder has developed an extremely welcoming environment which gives children a wealth of exciting learning opportunities. Space and resources are effectively organised to encourage children to make choices. They initiate their own play and the childminder extends their learning through relevant activities that arise from children's own interests.

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Organisation

There is a very comprehensive range of well organised documentation which includes all required regulatory records. This documentation is very well organised, easily accessible and stored securely. Children's development files are well kept and record their progress. All this information is shared with parents, demonstrating that children are provided with stimulating and fun activities that enhance their learning and sense of enjoyment.

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Organisation

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 it was recommended that the childminder complete training up to Level 3. She has successfully completed an NVQ Level 3 in Early Years and Education. This has developed her skills and knowledge and enabled her to offer a very high quality service.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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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Complaints 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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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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