Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY267628 Unique Reference Number 12 February 2007 Inspection date Anne Felicity Taylor 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and eleven years in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire. The whole ground floor, and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding four children aged between one and five years for day care and before and after school care. The childminder is registered to care for two children under one year old. She attends the local childminder's group. The family has a cat and a rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the local childminding network. She belongs to 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 enjoy various opportunities for physical play and fresh air. They have fun playing in the garden after the snow and take part in outdoor sand and water play in summer. These activities contribute to their health and well-being. Children benefit from regular trips to Charlotte Park where they can run freely and safely and develop physical skills using adventure play equipment. Older children are offered activities to help them develop increasing finger and hand control, for example, collage and drawing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing an understanding of simple hygiene routines as they are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times, for example, after messy play and before snack. Paper towels and liquid soap are available. Clear nappy changing and nappy disposal procedures are in place ensuring younger children stay clean and comfortable. The childminder discusses healthy living and eating with the children, for example, what they have brought in their lunch boxes. Therefore the children develop an understanding of keeping their bodies healthy. Parents are well informed about any events during the day, as effective procedures are carried out, for example, accident and medication recording. Medication is stored safely. The childminder is first aid trained and a fully stocked first aid box is in place ensuring children are very well cared for if they have an accident or become ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have all meals provided by their parents and some snacks and drinks provided by the childminder. They are well nourished. Good procedures are in place for the safe storage of food and the reheating of children's meals and therefore safe food handling is assured. Parents are always consulted regarding dietary needs and preferences and therefore all individual needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have the benefit of a quiet room for rest and quiet activities. They sleep safely with the childminder nearby, making regular checks. Individual sleeping patterns are discussed regularly with parents ensuring needs are met well.

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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 safe, child-friendly environment, with secure doors and safe boundaries. There is plenty of play space and children have free access to the ground floor of the childminder's home. Much of the equipment in the dedicated playroom is stored at child height, enabling children to make independent choices. There is a very wide variety of appropriate toys and play equipment, ensuring children have fun and develop well. The appropriate procedures in place for checking and cleaning all equipment ensures that it is suitable for the children to use. The positive images of society reflected in toys, books and posters means that children gain a positive attitude to others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant and supervises the children herself at all times and therefore they are kept safe. They discuss and practise road safety when they are out and about and safety

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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 measures in the house ensure children are safe, for example, safety film on glass. Younger children are safely strapped into high chairs and buggies, therefore avoiding accidents. Older children discuss fire evacuation and all the children practise the procedure and therefore children become familiar and comfortable with the safety procedures. The required fire safety equipment is available and well-maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a professional understanding of child protection issues including the referral process, which is detailed in the clear written policy. Her policy is shared with parents, which means they understand her responsibility to report any concerns. Therefore children are well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are making outstanding progress in the loving and stable environment created by the childminder. They are well occupied and happy. The childminder and the parents develop strong open relationships, constantly exchanging information about the children. Alongside the keen observations made by the childminder, this means that children's individual needs are met very well. Children feel valued and settle down quickly in the childminder's care. The children are offered a stable daily routine which incorporates an extensive range of interesting activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder and the children are part of a very active local childminding group which meets regularly in the local school and a church room. This enables the children to form relationships with others and to build links with and become more aware of their community. They celebrate Chinese New Year, dressing up, completing art and craft activities and eating Chinese food with chop sticks. They enjoy an exciting trip to Twycross Zoo, and regular visits to Charlcotte park for outdoor play and picnics in the summer. Children develop an excellent attitude to books as they enjoy stories with the childminder and visit the library. Comfortable areas in the playroom and the quiet room offer the children excellent opportunities to share a book with a friend or to look at a book quietly on their own. Children are very confident and secure in the friendly environment, displaying great warmth and affection towards the childminder. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

talk about the shapes they are making with the play dough and the 'feel' of chalk pictures. Children's play and learning is consolidated as the childminder develops activities around themes and projects children are taking part in at the childminding group, for example, musical activities. Parents appreciate the regular feedback about their child's day, including activities and achievements. Children are proud of the work they take home and work which is displayed around the childminder's home, effectively boosting their self-esteem. Photograph albums show parents the marvellous variety of activities offered to their children when they are in the childminder's care. Children's progress is monitored effectively with the use of daily diary books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children are very well supported by the childminder as they develop their independence and confidence, for example, as they are learning to crawl and walk and potty training. They are delighted as they listen to musical toys and clap their hands. Younger and older children build valuable relationships as younger ones watch the older children play and as older children involve younger ones in their chatter, therefore learning to be kind and considerate.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals and all their needs are met. They develop positive attitudes to others following the example set by the childminder. Children are supported appropriately because the strong lines of communication between the parents and the childminder ensures that the childminder is kept fully informed regarding the children's needs

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a strong sense of belonging as the childminder offers them lots of individual attention. There are procedures in place to meet the needs of children with special educational needs, working alongside parents and others involved in the child's care. Incidents are recorded. Children are encouraged to share and to be kind and helpful, effectively developing an awareness of the needs of others. They begin to understand right from wrong through the consistent boundaries which are in place and the age-appropriate methods the childminder uses to manage behaviour, for example, distraction and explanation. Children respond positively to the praise offered and their self-esteem is enhanced.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good. Parents are fully involved in all aspects of their child's care and learning. There is a complaints policy in place, however, the procedure to record complaints is not clear. This may mean that an accurate written record will not be in place. Parents appreciate the daily exchange of information. Parents have the opportunity to read all the policies and procedures put in place by the childminder, increasing their confidence in the care offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder displays experience and an excellent understanding of providing high quality care for young children. Their care and learning is significantly enhanced by the exceptional organisation. The childminder has developed detailed policies and procedures that support her very good childcare practice. She has an excellent attitude towards keeping up to date with developments in early years and has taken advantage of many courses including 'Birth to three matters', sensory development in children, and story boards. Children feel secure and are confident in her care, where they are offered an excellent variety of well-planned activities and have lots of fun.

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Organisation

The welfare and safety of the children is the highest priority for the childminder and correct ratios are always maintained. The marvellous organisation of the childminder's home and her forward thinking plans ensures that the children have plenty of stimulating play space indoors and outdoors, with easy access to a wide range of appropriate and interesting activities and equipment. Opportunities to meet other adults and children are exceptional and therefore children make excellent progress as they are cared for within the flexible routine.

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Organisation

The children thrive in the caring and stimulating environment. Children and parents benefit as their families are welcomed into the childminder's home and are fully involved in their care and learning. The childminder evaluates and monitors the quality of the care she offers, always

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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 looking to improve and ensuring children are fully supported in reaching their full potential. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder was asked to extend the range of toys and resources which reflect positive images of diversity. Children now have the opportunity to develop positive attitudes to others as the childminder provides books, posters and toys that reflect wider society and they celebrate a variety of different festivals.

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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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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): • ensure clear procedures are in place to record complaints.

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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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