Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY341538 Unique Reference Number 30 March 2007 Inspection date Paula Durrant 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 registered in September 2006. She lives with her husband and two children, aged three and one years, in a house in Ware. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently minding one child aged four years before and after school. The family has no pets. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She also makes full use of community based amenities such as parks, library and the shops. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from infection and are well taken care of if they become ill or have an accident as the childminder rigorously adheres to environmental health and hygiene guidelines. For example, children who are unwell are discouraged from attending in line with stipulated exclusion periods for childhood diseases. Appropriate measures, such as the childminder's maintenance of a valid first aid qualification, sufficient medical supplies and written consents

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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 from parents for the administration of medication or emergency medical intervention all contribute to maintaining children's health care needs. Good practice, such as suitable storage and preparation of food, use of antibacterial solutions to cleanse work surfaces and equipment used means that children's welfare is not compromised as cross-contamination is effectively minimised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to understand simple good health and hygiene as they follow the daily routine, such as when washing their hands. They know the reasons behind the hand-washing process as the childminder frequently introduces discussions about germs and the effects they can have on their bodies, making them poorly and unwell.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a varied, balanced and nutritious diet. All meals are home cooked from fresh ingredients and consideration is given to children's preferences when planning menus. The childminder acknowledges that some children do not like certain foods, therefore she actively involves the children in the selection and choice of meals. She also encourages children to extend their preferences and tastes through the introduction of new ingredients such as when introducing culinary delights linked to cultural events. All individual dietary needs are known and complied with. Children remain well-hydrated as drinks are offered regularly and their cups replenished when empty. The childminder provides milk, water or fresh fruit juice as she recognises that these are healthier options that do not affect the children's diet or damage their teeth.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities which contribute to their good health. Trips to the local playground and activity centres are frequent. Children also have access to a secure and safe garden area which is suitably equipped with a range of challenging resources to develop increased control and coordination. They understand the importance of regular physical activity as the childminder openly talks to them about fresh air being good for them and exertion, such as running, jumping or skipping assisting in oxygenating the blood in their bodies. Children rest and are active in accordance to their needs. Younger children sleep in line with home-care routines whilst older children sit quietly looking at books or watching favourite child-centred television programmes to recuperate their energy levels.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe family home where all necessary safety precautions remain in place. The childminder is highly vigilant undertaking daily checks of the home prior to children's attendance. Children remain in sight and hearing at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access a diverse range of good quality resources that are well maintained. The childminder abides to manufacturers recommendations providing age-appropriate equipment that holds a recognised safety kite mark. Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder explains about dangers in and around the home. For example, children know not to play with doors as fingers may get trapped and that when eating they must remain seated as there is a potential to choke on undigested food. Children also know to listen and follow the direction of the childminder when away from the home holding hands alongside busy main roads and waiting until the road is clear before crossing. Children stay safe in the event of a fire as the childminder regularly talks through and practises her written evacuation procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is high priority in this household. They are cared for by a suitable adult who has a clear understanding of child development. The childminder has completed vetting checks

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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 and demonstrates a strong knowledge of child protection. She knows where and how to record and report concerns 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 thrive in this inspirational setting where the childminder intuitively plans a range of interesting and engaging activities for the children. For example, they enjoy the challenge of using a pictorial map to find chocolate eggs on an Easter egg hunt. They support one another in locating the items as they search around the room to match the picture from their map to the location of the hidden treasure. Children express sheer delight from the activity as they remain completely intent in their task right until it's completion. They spend little time munching on their rewards as they quickly move on to another activity instigated by the childminder of role play, acting out familiar Disney stories.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children promptly make an informed decision as to which story they would like to mime, choosing the fable of Cinderella. They search out props in preparation for their roles such dressing up clothes, shoes, crowns, a booklet and cleaning materials. The childminder awaits the children's prompt before she starts to retell the story. She carefully does this in stages so that the children are able to act out their parts. Children follow the theme of the storyline as they work hard cleaning the house until they hear the knock at the door. They quickly answer the door and dance around with sheer glee on receiving an invitation for a ball. They prepare themselves in their beautiful dresses and depart in their pretend horse and carriage to go to the palace. They talk amongst themselves as they travel remembering the last words of the fairy godmother 'be back by 12 midnight. The children dance to music until they hear the stroke

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of the clock, they quickly run home leaving behind a shoe. The children return to their cleaning as the poor Cinderella character. They await the arrival of the Prince with their shoe. They try the shoe on which fits perfectly and off they go into the sunset living happily ever after.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children truly do benefit from the complete dedication and inventiveness of the childminder who gives significant consideration in the types of play activities she promotes. She uses her intuitive mothering skills, knowledge drawn from her childminder training to promote activities which interest the children. She is very aware of children's preferences and uses this to guide her in the delivery planned events. She is skilled at using open-ended questioning to make children think, extending language development. For example, children continue with their creativity in design as they progress to take the lead of narrator with the story of Snow White.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual needs take high priority in this home from home provision. A superb partnership with parents enables children to receive extended family care. The childminder knows the children well and uses information gained from parents to implement highly effective care plans for each child. Mutual respect, love and understanding all play an integral part of the childminder's practice. Children are exceptionally polite, courteous and respectful of the childminder and her home. They know the house rules and use social graces such as please and thank you without prompt. Children play an active part in their own learning. They make independent decisions in their play. They have positive levels of self-esteem and respect the opinions and actions of others because the childminder consistently praises their efforts and

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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 reaffirms their achievements, guiding their social and moral development. Behaviour is outstanding.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a conscientious practitioner who has a secure understanding of child development and the way that children learn through play. She makes full use of her childcare training, her life skills as a mother and child-centred literature, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework to implement practical age-appropriate activities that appeal and stimulate interest and a desire to learn. For example, she provides a balance of focused adult-led activities in addition to promoting free choice in order for children to reaffirm and practise their skills. Children feel part of an extended family and are comfortable in this well-organised and inviting environment. They confidently make independent choices in their activities and extend their own play and learning in an imaginative way. The childminder effectively uses her written procedures and routines to promote the welfare, care and learning of all the children. Although

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Organisation

the childminder has in place all required records, some documents are not completely effective. For example, fire drills undertaken are not recorded and there is no current structure to how the childminder manages parental concerns in line with the addendum annex. Revision of these systems will promote greater unification and purpose to the maintenance and use of records to support children's development and welfare. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration.

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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 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 full effectiveness of records, this refers to implementing a system for documenting the frequency of fire evacuation drills and using the addendum to the

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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 National Standards to outline the structure of how to record and report on complaints made by parents.

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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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