Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY222601 Unique Reference Number 13 November 2006 Inspection date Margaret Webster 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her partner and 1 child aged 5 years in the market town of Bridgnorth, Shropshire. The whole of the childminder’s house 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 5 children at any one time when working alone and 12 children when working with her co-minder. She sometimes works with an assistant. There are currently 21 children on roll who attend at different times. She walks and sometimes drives to the local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. Both registered childminders have joint responsibilities for the childminding practice.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a qualified nursery nurse and 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. Children receive excellent levels of hygiene due to diligent routines that effectively promote their health and maintain clean premises. The childminder effectively implements a comprehensive range of policies and procedures to prevent the spread of infections and germs. Consequently, the requirements for children's good health are substantially enhanced. The children have an excellent understanding of why routine hygiene practices such as hand washing promote a healthy lifestyle and minimise the risk of the spread of infection. Parents are informed that the childminder protects herself and all the children from the risk of infection by only caring for children after they are recovered from infections for at least 48 hours or on advice of a general practitioner. Accident records are maintained accurately. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and a well stocked first aid box, the contents of which are checked

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Helping children to be healthy

regularly. She takes a first aid kit with her on all outings, ensuring children's well-being should an accident occur. She has a clear procedure in place to ensure children receive appropriate care following accidents. All consent forms are in place, they are signed by the parents and reviewed at regular intervals.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are well nourished because the childminder works closely with the parents, who provide packed lunches for the younger children. Children's individual dietary needs and requirements are addressed as information is recorded on their records. Drinks are available at all times during the day. Menus are displayed on the kitchen wall to inform the parents of the food that is provided at snack time for the younger children and for the after school children. For example, fruit, soup, yogurts, dried fruit, rice cakes, crumpets, cheese, bread sticks and pitta bread. Children are made aware of eating a healthy diet by the brightly coloured posters that are displayed in the kitchen and discussions with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children experience an extensive range of stimulating, developmentally appropriate opportunities to explore, test and reinforce their physical capabilities. They enjoy playing in the childminder's garden where they can run freely, manoeuvre wheeled toys, or climb the different sized slides which challenge their physical skills. They are confident when using the extensive range of excellent outdoor equipment, promoting their movements, balance and clearly controlling their bodies. They are taken to the park and places of interest in the local community where they are able to use larger equipment. This physical activity keeps the children healthy and develops their gross motor skills. Babies and toddlers benefit from well organised, safe space in which to practise and become skilful in a range of movements. Children are able to rest or sleep according to their needs and daily routines. Young children can sleep comfortably, without

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Helping children to be healthy

disturbance, in the cots provided on the first floor, promoting their well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and child friendly environment where they feel comfortable and secure. They have easy access to an extensive range of developmentally appropriate resources and equipment that is of a high quality and maintained in good condition.

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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 select toys from brightly coloured and labelled storage boxes or open shelving. All the toys and equipment are stored in the downstairs playroom, kitchen or the second playroom on the first floor promoting their independence and enabling them to pursue their own interests. Children are able to move around the premises freely and play safely, with good levels of supervision to ensure their safety. Additional resources are available and rotated regularly to provide children with a broader range of experiences. The childminder regularly checks resources for cleanliness and safety and monitors the children's choice of toys, ensuring these are appropriate for their age and stage of development, therefore safeguarding children whilst they are playing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is very well fostered. The childminder has completed careful risk assessments of the premises. She is aware of the children's constantly developing abilities and ensures that effective safety measures are in place around the home to effectively safeguard children. There are two monitor screens in the kitchen so that she and her co-minder can observe the babies and young children while they are asleep in the bedroom on the first floor. The childminder provides good levels of supervision and monitors children's activities in order to maintain their safety. Clear explanations from the childminder help children develop an understanding of their own and other children's safety. The childminder has a written emergency escape plan in place and regularly carries out drills with the children so they are familiar with the procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children regularly enjoy outings with the childminder who has clear strategies in place in order to keep them safe, for example, holding onto the buggy, holding hands and using reins. The childminder plans outings carefully, ensuring these are suitable for the children attending and is well prepared for any eventuality. Children are well supervised and effective systems are in place in the eventuality of a child being lost. Topics such as road safety, water safety and 'stranger danger' are introduced to raise children's awareness of how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is effectively safeguarded as the childminder has a secure understanding of local child protection guidelines and procedures. She has attended relevant training to update her knowledge and has a written policy on child protection which she shares with parents in order to protect children. Children's welfare is further promoted as the childminder has thought about what steps to take in the event of a serious accident.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and settle quickly with the childminder because she is kind, caring and sensitive to children's needs. Her warm approach ensures children are at ease and eager to participate in the broad range of activities available. Children are very well supported by the childminder, who displays her interest in their activities and ensures the children feel secure and loved. Children play well together and enjoy one another's company. They have started to form firm friendships and ask about children who are not present, anticipating when they will play with them next. Children talk as they play together and share their ideas. They show consideration and are aware of the principles for taking turns and sharing, enabling them to engage in meaningful play harmoniously.

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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 Children thrive on the wealth of play equipment and activities provided by the childminder. They are able to make choices from the extensive, well organised and easily accessible resources available, promoting their independent learning. The childminder involves herself in children's play, listens carefully to their news and ideas and provides thoughtful support and encouragement in order that children achieve. She uses good questioning techniques to develop children's ability to recall events and to communicate their ideas. The childminder carefully plans a broad range of interesting activities, based on themes, which extend children's learning. Planned activities include a wide range of experiences, for example, visits to the library, local places of interest and the local shops. They plant sunflower seeds, runner beans and pumpkins

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

in the childminders garden. They water and care for the plants as they watch them grow, fostering their understanding of nature. They take the produce home to share with their families. A wide range of resources provides inviting opportunities for pretend play, such as the puppet theatre, home corner resources, dressing up clothes or dolls house. Children are inspired by the craft resources available and use their own ideas and designs when making items from play dough, painting or gluing. The children's art work is displayed all over house. This encourages the children and makes them feel valued. They have opportunity to prepare cakes and different foods which they take home for their families to share. Children enjoy playing outside where they can climb, play games, for example, football or explore the sand pit. Children's learning is enhanced as the childminder has a good understanding of child development and enables

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children to explore and learn at their own pace. Activities are balanced to include active play and time to rest, when enjoying books or games with the childminder. She is aware of 'The birth to three' framework and has incorporated some of the play and practical support ideas onto the activities she provides for younger children. Consequently, children are making very good progress in all areas of their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are highly respected and valued by the childminder. They benefit from the childminder knowing them well and responding to their individual needs and personalities during the day. Children's differing stages of development are accommodated as the childminder skilfully adapts activities and uses developmentally appropriate equipment to enable each child to participate fully in activities and to successfully develop their independence. There is a wide range of resources which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. Children learn to appreciate and respect others' similarities and differences through an excellent range of planned topics and activities, for example, Chinese New Year celebrations, when children ate Chinese food with chop sticks and recently made faces out of the pumpkins that they had grown. They celebrated bonfire night and Diwali with art and collage work that are displayed

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Helping children make a positive contribution

on the walls of the setting. The childminder has experience of working with children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She has a knowledge of Makaton sign language having attended an introduction course. She is able to liaise closely with parents and other agencies to ensure the needs of the child are met within the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and well behaved. The childminder uses positive strategies to manage children's behaviour which are appropriate to each child's age and level of understanding. She has incorporated a behaviour management statement into the information she provides for

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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 parents, ensuring they are fully aware of the strategies, thereby encouraging consistency. Children are involved in the setting of 'ground rules' helping them to manage their own behaviour through the establishment of clear boundaries. They are encouraged to share, take turns and play co-operatively through the childminder's good example. Children are spoken to in a polite, positive manner and thrive on the praise and encouragement they receive.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the strong and effective partnerships that have developed between the childminder and parents. Children's individual needs are accommodated as thorough discussions take place prior to the commencement of care, enabling children's needs to be fully met. Parents are provided with a wealth of information on the effective care practices used, daily routine, activities and future events, enabling them to keep up to date with their child's care and experiences and feel included in the daily events of the setting. Photographic displays and children's individual record books show children enjoying a range of activities and experiences. Parents were made aware of the proposed Ofsted inspection and were able to contribute their comments on the childcare provision. There were many written letters highly commending the service that she is providing. Their satisfaction is reflected in their extremely positive feedback.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. In June 2005 the childminder and her co-childminder received a Certificate of Achievement award for their success in meeting the exacting standards set by Shropshire County Councils Early Years and Childcare division. This is a Nationally Recognised Quality Award Scheme.

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Organisation

She and her co-childminder are working towards becoming members of Shropshire Community Childminder Network. They have successfully completed eight of the 10 modules and they are in the process of completing two more and they will become members of the Network.

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Organisation

Children's care and welfare is significantly enhanced by the professional attitude and commitment the childminder has to her business. She is proactive in seeking training to enhance her own personal development, for example, attending courses on child protection, areas of the Foundation Stage curriculum, 'Birth to three' foundation training. She has a diploma in nursery nursing and has completed a Montessori nursery foundation teaching course. She has 15 years experience of caring for young children. Children's learning is promoted as the childminder uses her knowledge of child development to effectively plan a varied and stimulating programme of activities, based on children's first hand experiences. She skilfully organises the setting to make it welcoming and child centred and as a result children thrive. The whole of the house is a dedicated child friendly area and it is set out with a stimulating range of resources

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Organisation

which children can independently access. Posters, children's art and craft work and displays, create an inviting environment where children are settled and comfortable. Quiet sleep space is provided which enables children to rest undisturbed. Children make maximum use of the garden where they can run freely, use a range of equipment to test their physical skills or observe the sunflowers and vegetables they have grown.

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Organisation

Checks have been completed to ensure that persons living in the household are suitable. A very effective working partnership is established with her co-minder. This ensures that the children's needs are met and they have constant attention. Personal information regarding the children

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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 and their families is filed securely to ensure confidentiality. Parents are made aware of the documents and records held prior to the commencement of care. They may have access to any records relating to their child and frequently contribute comments or information in the child's diary or record book. The required record keeping is maintained to a consistently high standard and as a result children's health, welfare and development are promoted successfully.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete the following recommendations.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Ensure all existing injuries are appropriately recorded.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She has introduced a form that records all existing injuries. All entries are signed by the parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Ensure policies made available to parents include all elements as outlined in the National Standards and Guidance.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She has a comprehensive set of policies and procedures that cover the National Standards for childminders.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The completion of both of these recommendations ensure that the childminder and the children are protected and the parents are fully informed of her child care practice.

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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 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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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