Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY221760 Unique Reference Number 27 February 2007 Inspection date Maria Lumley 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 to care for children since 2002. She lives with her husband and children aged 18 months and 6 years in Poole.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a total of four children at any one time. When an assistant is present, registration is for a total of 10 children at any one time. There are four children currently on roll. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a designated play room on the first floor and two bedrooms are used for children that need to sleep.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a pet cat and two guinea pigs which children have contact with. 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 outstanding. Children's health and welfare are of high priority to the childminder, who ensures they play in a clean environment. Children learn from an early age about the importance of good personal hygiene through effective well organised daily routines. For example, children know to wash their hands prior to their snack and the reasons why they do so. A three year old says, "I washed the germs off, I don't want germs in my tummy". The use of anti-bacterial liquid soap and individual paper towels minimises the spread of infection. The childminder has devised an excellent range of polices and procedures. These are shared with parents, to support her childminding practice and to promote children's health. For example children who are infectious are not allowed to attend in order to prevent the spread of contagious ailments to other children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and complete first aid kit. Consequently, she can give appropriate care to children when an accident occurs. The childminder is thorough about recording any accidents in a log book, which is then shared with and signed by parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a wide range of very good home cooked meals, which are both healthy and nutritious. This helps children to develop healthy eating habits. Comprehensive menus are devised by the childminder and displayed on the wall, these include a balance of protein, vitamins and carbohydrates. Children learn about healthy eating and lifestyles through a range of well planned activities. For example, the childminder introduces a different food each week. Children sample slices of fresh pineapple and melon and talk about how they taste and smell. They also plant and grow their own fruits and vegetables and take them home to share with their families. At snack time one child says, "grapes and cereal bars are good for you, chocolate is bad for you". Children are kept hydrated as the childminder is very aware that children need to drink throughout the day. She is vigilant about ensuring they always have a drink to hand.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children frequently help themselves to individual containers of juice, one child says, "I'm very thirsty".

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive on being physically active. They enjoy regular fresh air and exercise, necessary for their well-being, when walking to and from school. They take part in many activities that promote their physical skills, such as active sports in the park and beach. The childminder plans time for children to play in the well equipped garden regardless of weather. They use slides, climbing frame, trampoline and cars, developing their confidence and physical skills. Children's fine motor control is actively encouraged through routines and activities. They knead dough and manipulate pieces of meccano to fit together.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in a secure environment where they can move around safely and where high priority is given to their personal safety. The childminder takes precautions to prevent accidents, for example by using socket covers and stair gates in areas where children could be at risk. Recorded checks of car seats each week ensure that children are kept safe whilst travelling in

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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 the car. The childminder is proactive in ensuring her home is as safe as is can be. For example, she organised a fire safety course for local childminders. She sought advice in relation to her evacuation plan and the fire equipment needed to ensure her home is a suitable environment for children. Extremely well planned and resourced fire drills are practiced with the children. The childminder uses a fog machine which sets off the smoke detectors, children are escorted off the property then dressed in reflective jackets. A grab bag is kept by the front door, this contains the jackets, contact numbers and first aid kit which could be needed for an evacuation to assure children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are taught, from a young age, how to negotiate stairs under the direct supervision of the childminder, who encourages independence whilst making children aware of any dangers. Children are familiar with negotiating the stairs feet first on their tummies and do so with confidence. Children are reminded of ways to keep themselves safe at every day activities. For example, when seated for their snack the childminder tells them that they need to be strapped into their seats to prevent them from falling out and injuring themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access an excellent range of age appropriate, very well maintained resources and equipment. The childminder carries out regular visual checks of toys and resources, to ensure there are no broken parts that could compromise children's safety. Resources are stored in labelled boxes on low level units, this promotes children's independence. Resources with small parts are stored in the designated play room located on the first floor. Younger children use the room under close supervision from their carer. Older children use the room independently. Their activities are monitored closely by the childminder as she watches the close circuit television from downstairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and a very good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. Children's welfare is promoted within the setting as the childminder has a reciprocal arrangement with another local registered childminder to leave children in each others care in the case of an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy and well cared for. The weekly plans include a variety of inspiring activities that cover all areas of children's learning. Children help themselves to a wide range of resources and are focused in their play. One child chooses to use the wall mounted chalk board and carefully writes their name. Their work is rewarded with high levels of praise, this inspires the child to extend the activity and they look around the room and point out letters they recognise. Children are confident and they approach their carer for cuddles and support. She is quick to respond to the children and meets all their needs in a caring manner. The childminder takes a genuine interest in what the children do and say, building their confidence and self esteem. Children use their imagination and instigate play. For example, as the children listen to music they seek out the instruments and start to shake tambourines, beat triangles

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and march in time to the music. Children go on regular trips to baby bounce sessions, the library, parks and outings with local childminders. Consequently, they have further opportunities to socialise with their peer group where they develop skills such as sharing and co-operation. Children's confidence and self-esteem are skilfully nurtured. They take immense pride in sharing

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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 photographs showing themselves taking part in all kinds of stimulating activities and recall their activities with great clarity. Children's progress and development is well monitored. The childminder uses tracker books to record children's achievements and uses this to plan the next steps of children's play, learning and development. For example, one child has mastered walking with confidence and control. The childminder plans activities to include opportunities to climb and jump to further develop the child. Children feel very secure and have their individual needs met as routines are adapted accordingly. The childminder shows great sensitivity and understanding of their needs and preferences to ensure that activities and routines are fulfilling. For example, children have opportunities to be active, rest and eat at times that suit their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children gain a keen understanding of the wider world through imaginative resources and activities. They use an extensive range of multicultural resources in their play, and books and play figures that promote diversity. Children's awareness of diversity is further developed through practical first-hand experiences. They celebrate festivals such as Chinese New Year, making lanterns and flags and cooking a stir fry to taste. The children recall these activities with excitement and point to their Chinese flag secured to the flag pole in the garden. Children participate in fund raising activities for a children's hospice. They take part in a Toddlethon and know that the monies raised go towards helping children less fortunate than themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder enables children to develop a sense of belonging whilst in her care, for example by displaying their art work and photographs of them around the rooms. The childminder responds to children wanting a cuddle and they sit close together during story time. She has developed a close and loving relationship with them and they look to her for support. Children's contributions are highly valued as they play a lead role in planning and organising activities and routines. For example, they are involved in discussing and writing house rules that support respect, kindness and safe play. Children thrive on praise and clearly understand boundaries for their behaviour. They say "please" and "thank you" without being prompted and show consideration for each other. From an early age the children are encouraged to tidy away after using activities and they do so willingly. The childminder has some effective systems in place

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to ensure fair play, such as the use of a timer for the trampoline. This reduces conflict when several children want a go, they understand the rules and respect them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children who have learning difficulties or disabilities are welcomed to the setting. The childminder uses Makaton to ensure that all children can express themselves and respond. All children's progress is well monitored through the use of tracker books which are shared with parents. The childminder is very supportive of families and excellent links have been established between both parties. Parents are kept very well informed about their children's day through daily contact books and discussions. Parents are encouraged to phone the childminder out of minding hours to discuss any confidential matters. Photographs of the children and samples of their work are taken home for children to share with their extended families.

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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. Children's care is significantly enhanced by exceptional organisation. For example, the childminder prepares cooked meals and resources for activities in advance to ensure that her time is dedicated to meeting the needs of the children. The childminder has developed substantial policies, documents and records that support her very good childcare practice. She is meticulous in her record keeping and ensures her records are purposeful and effective. She keeps detailed records of children's progress, ensuring children are fully supported in reaching their potential.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to her role. She strives to improve and develop her practice through attending training and extending her already extensive knowledge. She has a detailed individual training record and training plan. The childminder has a high regard for developments in early years and successfully follows an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage curriculum. She makes good use of support provided through the childminding network.

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Organisation

Children flourish in a setting where there is exceptional organisation of space and resources. They use two wonderfully inviting dedicated play rooms that are extremely well-equipped. All areas of the home and garden that are used for childminding have children in mind so opportunities to promote their care, learning and development are maximised. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous care inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that all records relating to childminding activities were readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection at all times. The childminder has developed a comprehensive range of well maintained records that support children's safety and weldare. These are organised in files and accessible for viewing.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder also agreed to ensure that carpets were in good repair and that they did not pose hazards to young children. This recommendation is not applicable as it relates to a previous address.

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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 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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