Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY264024 Unique Reference Number 11 January 2007 Inspection date Sylvia Cornock 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and 10 years in Nantwich, Cheshire. The whole of the ground floor and upstairs bathroom is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden 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 and is currently minding one child under five years one lunch time and four children before and after school on a part-time basis.

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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 thrive because the childminder follows consistent highly effective procedures and practices, which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. The exceptional adult support and guidance helps children to gain a good understanding of hygiene and become increasingly independent in their personal care. They learn to develop a healthy lifestyle through daily physical activities using stimulating outdoor experiences and activities, such as playing in the garden, this extends their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop a very good awareness of the benefits of a healthy diet, through rich, varied, imaginative activities and topics, such as healthy eating. They have good access to drinking water and fluids throughout the day. The children have a broad and varied range of well balanced snacks, which meets their individual needs well and is of good nutritional value, such as fruit and vegetables. All children's dietary needs are well documented.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's medical health needs are managed very consistently. There are procedures in place for the administration of medication and protecting children from the spread of infection. The records of accidents and medication administered are clearly well maintained. Expert practice and consistently high standards of hygiene throughout the home significantly enhance children's health and actively prevent the spread of infection. The childminder has a current first aid certificate. This helps to meet children's needs in the event of an accident or emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a very good range of outdoor activities that support and help to develop their physical skills. They benefit from excellent access to a very well-maintained outdoor area and activities that promote their large physical development and coordination. They are given wide and varied opportunities to choose from equipment to stimulate development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a highly motivated environment where safety is high priority. Excellent safety procedures are in place to protect children from hazards and dangers through completing risk assessments. Children move around freely, independently and safely. The childminder discusses with all children how to keep themselves safe, including their understanding of safety outside the home, as they walk to and from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children show a consistently high level of independence as they select toys and activities from a wide range of exceptional high-quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder is robust in her observations, and carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys, to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The welfare and safety of children is significantly enhanced and promoted as the childminder ensures that the required procedures and documents are in place. The childminder has a written

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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 policy on the procedures to follow in the event of evacuation of the premises. This is regularly practised with the children; this enhances children's safety. The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's. They achieve well because the childminder is motivated and highly skilled, and uses her positive understanding of how young children progress to provided high quality care and education.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well settled, relaxed and happy at the childminder's house. Children play exceptionally well together and relate well to each other, adults and the childminder. Children show a wealth of independence as they choose between a rich variety of activities which appeal to them and are suitable for their ages and stages of development. They show excitement and enthusiasm as they share and use their imagination well as they design their project on healthy eating. They have opportunities to use their skills as they play games and engage in art and craft activities. Skilful intervention from the childminder encourages children to develop their own independence as they discuss and plan their preferred activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are welcomed into the family home where they experience a sense of belonging. The childminder has an excellent understanding of each child's stage of development. This means that children are confident to try out new skills, ask for help when needed and set their own limits within an inspiring and superb environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy talking about their school day, families and home-life, creating plenty of discussion. The childminder extends their interests, responds to their questions and challenges their ability as they engage in their chosen activity. This has a positive effect on the quality of children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into the home and play a full part within the family structure. The childminder values and respects their individuality and the family context for each child. Children gain a very good awareness of their local environment and the diversity of the wider world through planned activities in relation to other cultures. However, activities to promote children's understanding and appreciation of disabilities or additional needs within the diversity of today's society is limited. Children are able to access a selection of resources that promote positive images of other cultures. All children are included in the activities provided and individual needs are very well met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play well together, they share and take turns, they show respect and concern for each other and their behaviour is exemplary. The childminder has high expectations and sets consistent boundaries, taking into account children's stage of development. She meets individual

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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 needs well with regard to behaviour management. Children respond well and as a result, show a growing awareness of right and wrong. They are settled and make themselves at home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An exceptional partnership with parents exists, which contributes significantly to children's well-being. Children are being cared for in accordance with their parents’ wishes. Individual needs and requirements are discussed carefully and in detail with parents and carers prior to placement and on an on-going basis, as they develop new skills and achieve milestones in their development. Feedback on children's development and general well-being is given on a regular basis in an informal verbal way. Parents and carers have access to information on what the childminder has to offer, and information about Ofsted and records. This contributes to continuity in the children's good health, safety, development and learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for within a very well planned and organised environment. The childminder is very clear about her role and responsibility in providing a high quality service to the children and their families.

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Organisation

Children access toys, equipment and activities, which are well planned and prepared prior to the children arriving, enabling children to feel welcome, confident and happy. Children confidently access and are involved in a range of interesting and age appropriate activities within the childminding setting. Children's other commitments are considered by the childminder who carefully plans activities around these. The childminder has, and continues to undertake appropriate training to enhance her existing good practice and enthusiastic knowledge, enabling her to provide high quality childcare.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation and records relating to the minded children are retained, ensuring that the childminder is able to care for children in a safe and confident manner. She ensures any incidents or accidents are dealt with in an efficient and prompt manner. Children's individual needs and requirements are well known and discussed with parents and carers prior to their child starting, ensuring their individual needs are well addressed and provided for. Children's safety and enjoyment is given a high priority as the childminder obtains parental consent for several aspects of her care.

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Organisation

Observations relating to the child's minded day, development and general well-being are fed back to parents and carers informally as they collect their children at the end of their minded day. The childminder also completes a scrap book for each child, which is shared with parents. Children benefit from the excellent communication between the childminder, parents and carers.

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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 the childminder was asked to obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and to ensure that written contracts and child record forms are completed for all minded children. The childminder has written contracts with

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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 all parents of children currently attending and these include a statement giving parental permission to the childminder seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to obtain written information regarding child protection and local child protection procedures. The childminder has obtained relevant documentation on child protection and has a good understanding of the procedure to follow. She has also booked herself on a child protection course which will further develop her understanding and practice. These measures enhance the safety and welfare of children.

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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.

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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 then 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): • introduce appropriate activities which continues to promote children's understanding and appreciation of disabilities or additional needs within the diversity of today's society.

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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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