Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY339470 Unique Reference Number 01 February 2007 Inspection date Denys Rasmussen Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and three children aged six, five and two years. They live in a house in Beckenham, Bromley. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children. Currently she has four children aged three to eight years on roll. The ground floor is used mainly for childminding and includes a front room and living room with dining area. Children also have access to the first floor bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health is very well supported by the childminder's excellent procedures and practice. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene practices through well established every

p.2

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 day routines. They know; for example, they need to wash their hands after using the toilet. The childminder uses liquid soap that smells like berries so the children are enthusiastic about using it. The childminder keeps excellent records that are clear and accurate; for example, recording any administered medication, recording any allergies, children's food preferences, sleep periods and home routines. This ensures the childminder has information to ensure children's health needs are met. She is qualified in first aid and has adequately stocked first aid boxes; one is taken on outings. This ensures accidents are dealt with appropriately. The childminder has an effective sick child policy which informs parents when she will not care for their children, both for their own benefit and those of other minded children. She gives parents

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

information about contagious diseases and the exclusion periods. This helps stop the spread of infection.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because the childminder provides a healthy and well balanced diet, she ensures the children are offered fruit and vegetables every day and encourages them to drink water. She ensures the children enjoy the food she provides because they have listed the foods they prefer, for her information. There is a written four weekly menu for parents information. The children spending time outdoors in the fresh air is an important part of the daily routine. This all contributes to children learning about a healthy lifestyle. The childminder supports the children's emotional well-being by being affectionate and valuing highly their choices in play. She has a book with photographs of all her toys and activities which the children use to tell the childminder what they would like access to. She has a warm and supportive manner which promotes children's confidence and helps them feel secure.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Space is organised effectively to create a child friendly environment which enables the children to move freely, explore and take risks because the childminder supervises appropriately. Clear and comprehensive policies and practice are effective in safeguarding children. Children have access to an excellent range of good quality play resources which they can play with safely as they are age appropriate. The childminder gives high priority to children's safety. She has thoroughly risk assessed her home and put measures in place to keep children safe. For example, the front door is kept bolted, there is a home made gate restricting children's access to the kitchen and door stops are in place to prevent injury to children's fingers.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are exemplary fire safety precautions in place and the children practise a fire drill every month which is logged. This means they learn to evacuate the premises quickly and calmly. The risk of accidents outside the home is reduced because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring children are safe on outings. For example, she uses reins when young children are walking and makes sure they have appropriate restraints in the car. They also wear a contact bracelet stating the childminder's mobile phone number. This helps to protect them. The childminder recognises her responsibility to the children in her care and has a very good understanding of procedures to follow to safeguard children. She has attended training in child protection ensuring her knowledge is up-to-date.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder's exceptional understanding of child development and how children learn contributes greatly to the quality of activities and experiences that the children are offered. The childminder gives children's learning high priority every day. She plans the weeks activities following the children's interests as their contributions are highly valued. Children thrive as they enjoy an extensive range of activities and have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise. She enables the children to have fun because she knows them well and understands their needs. Children become engrossed in a wide range of purposeful activities that offer high levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. For example, they enjoy role play when they go shopping with their babies then bath them. They enjoy cooking their own pizza and eating them for tea. Their finer manipulative skills and control are actively

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encouraged through interesting craft activities such as making hot air balloons with paper mache and cutting and sticking material to make a collage. They are encouraged to explore, using their senses to experiment and express themselves. They use malleable materials such as clay, play dough and sand. The children attend regular groups and meet up with other children. This enables them to make friends building their confidence and social skills. Children develop a sense of belonging through the consistent routine and positive relationships they have with the childminder and each other. The childminder records what the children can do through skilful observations and photographs. These are measured by learning outcomes and help her share the children's progress with their parents.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder is pro active in promoting equality and anti-discriminatory practice. Her activities and equipment are not gender stereotyped and she behaves in a manner that helps children feel good about themselves. The childminder respects children's home language by learning and using key words and phrases that the child can understand. This has had a positive effect on the other children as they too are learning another language. Children have access to resources and outings that promote a positive view of the wider world. For example, by acknowledging a variety of festivals and traditions and providing play resources that reflect positive images of race, culture and disability. The childminder has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment and meets children's individual needs well. Her up-to-date training allows her to assess the needs of all children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a consistent approach to managing children's behaviour, and an excellent understanding of the differing needs of different aged children. Her realistic expectations, use of praise and distraction, help children to behave well. Her gentle guidance ensures children play well together. Children understand rules are made to keep them safe such as not throwing the sand. The childminder goes to a great deal of effort to ensure the individual needs of the children in her care are met. The childminder discusses useful information with parents at their first visit and encourages regular settling in meetings, which are flexible and parent led ensuring that children settle well. Parents have clear information about the childminder and the service she offers in her port folio, displays on the wall and their own copy of her policies and

p.4

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 procedures, ensuring that they are well informed about the service offered. Her exemplary records of children's achievements and effective communication channels ensure parents are kept well informed about their child's progress. The contact book ensures there is a daily record of the child's day which the parent is encouraged to contribute to. Parents are more than happy with the service provided and made comments such as 'innovate approach and a sensitive understanding of the needs and interests of my children', impressed by quality, professionalism and dedication'.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is significantly enhanced by exceptional organisation. The childminder has clear written policies and procedures which fully support her excellent childcare practice. The childminder is very well qualified and experienced which means children's play opportunities are maximised. She ensures she understands the children's interests, she inspires them to learn and promotes their enjoyment of the outdoors. Children feel at home and at ease in the bright, colourful and welcoming home which is organised to encourage children's independence. Her exemplary observations and children's records of achievement ensure that children are fully supported to help them progress. Documentation is well maintained to a very high standard to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children's needs are well met because of the good relationships and effective communication with the parents. Parents are well informed

p.5

Organisation

about their child's progress and the service provided. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6