Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY341803 Unique Reference Number 20 April 2007 Inspection date Ann Doreen Burford 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 2006. She lives with her partner and three children aged 11, eight and two years. The family live in a house near Bromsgrove. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five on a part-time basis. There are shops and schools within easy walking distance. The whole of the house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have two rabbits. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are starting to learn about leading a healthy lifestyle because of their participation in a suitable range of activities. They are starting to understand simple good health and hygiene practices. Children can develop their independence in taking care of their own personal hygiene needs. They can easily access the downstairs toilet situated off the play room. They can then

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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 wash their hands in the kitchen. The procedure for nappy changing follows high standards of hygiene. For example, the childminder wears disposable gloves and thoroughly cleans the changing mat after every use. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and takes appropriate measures to care for children when they are ill. Children who have an infectious disease are excluded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because they are offered a daily choice of fresh fruit. Parents provide a packed lunch which is safely stored because the childminder shows sound awareness of current food hygiene guidance. Children are always encouraged to eat the healthier options first from their packed lunches by the childminder and she gives parents advice about healthier choices if they wish. Snack and meal times are well organised so children learn social manners as they learn to feed themselves.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have ample daily fresh air and exercise. They have a wide range of outdoor toys to develop their coordination and to offer challenge. Children enjoy physical activity indoors and outdoors. They have rest and sleep according to their needs because the childminder uses the child's daily routine at home and blends it into the childminding day.

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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 homely, welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. This is achieved because the childminder has organised her home to create an exceedingly stimulating child-friendly environment. There is a specific play room for the children and in addition they may use the lounge. The play room has been well designed and organised to specifically meet the needs of the minded children. The room is vibrant because of the exceptionally, imaginative decoration using relevant posters about 'Birth to three matters' and the creative displays of children's work. The kitchen is used for creative play as well as mealtimes. There is a vast range of age-appropriate, safe resources available so children use suitable and safe equipment. All of the equipment and toys meet current safety standards. The childminder has used her considerable experience and knowledge of play to provide resources that engage

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children in purposeful play. These are stored at child level so children can self-select many of the toys to initiate their own play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because of the childminder's systematic approach to risk assessment. Her knowledge and understanding of identifying possible hazards enables her to be proactive in taking action to maintaining a safe environment without impacting on the challenges set for children. For example, babies are encouraged to crawl and explore their surroundings because the childminder has assured herself that the possibility of unintentional injuries are minimized. The detailed polices and strategies are shared with parents so expectations are clear for both parties.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder understands her role and responsibilities in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. She shows a clear understanding of who to contact and has developed a written policy to share with parents. The childminder has experience and has completed relevant training to ensure her knowledge and understanding of child protection is well developed.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children make excellent progress because the childminder takes every opportunity to extend their learning in a fun and stimulating way through play. The childminder completes comprehensive assessments that inform her innovative planning which is shared with parents. The informative assessments use photographs of each child involved in a variety of activities which is recorded against age-appropriate developmental stages to show the progress of the child. The childminder knows the children in her care very well so children participate in exciting activities, topics and experiences that support the children taking the next step in their development. This means children have their individual needs met. She uses her knowledge and understanding of 'Birth to three matters' and the Foundation Stage to underpin her provision and choice of activities. She is accomplished at absorbing new theory and adapting it into her

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children use their initiative and express their curiosity as they explore. They make choices and take decisions for themselves. They can self-select toys from the broad range of equipment and in association with the childminder's flexible approach this means children can lead the play. She applies her planning flexibly so there is an effective mix of adult and child-led play. This helps children to develop as autonomous learners. The childminder is particularly adept at following the lead of the children and extending their ideas to stimulate their natural curiosity and their sense of awe and wonderment. For example, when a baby rolls around the floor to reach and touch furniture and toys others are added by the childminder to further enhance the baby's awareness of the surroundings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have fun and learn through their play because of the wealth of experiences the childminder provides. A dynamic range of tactile play with natural materials enables children to express their sense of glee and excitement. For example, the children love playing with shredded paper as they cover themselves and the floor. The childminder's commitment to evaluating her own practice with parental involvement means the childminder is dedicated to continually improving her practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging because of the settling-in procedure and the close partnership with parents. This enables the childminder to establish each child's starting point and provide care that meets their individual needs. Children receive appropriate support because the childminder develops a strong relationship with them. She quickly gets to their level and because of her clear knowledge and understanding of child development she is able to engage the children. The childminder is committed to providing activities and resources that help children become aware of the wider society. However, at the moment there is limited availability of a suitable range of play equipment to promote equal opportunities through play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties or physical disabilities are actively welcomed to the setting. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or physical disabilities. The childminder has had experience of being a special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) in a pre-school so is used to writing and planning to help children reach their full potential. She works closely with parents and other professionals. The childminder has a positive approach to inclusive practice and promotes developing a positive attitude for all the children.

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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 Children receive appropriate support, because the childminder uses age-appropriate strategies to enable children to learn about good behaviour. Her detailed knowledge of each child helps her to know and read their individual moods. The childminder distracts the child and adapts the activities to fully occupy them. The childminder presents as a calm, caring person so children react positively to her. The written behaviour policy is shared with parents so consistency is promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for by the childminder who works with parents to meet each individual child's needs and ensure they are included fully in the life of the setting. There is an excellent portfolio of written policies and procedures. It also includes information on how children learn enabling parents to be involved in their child's learning. There is a sensitive written policy about working in partnership with parents which is implemented in the day-to-day practice. This ensures they are fully informed about the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has high regard for the well-being of all children, she accesses relevant training and formally evaluates her own practice. She is currently completing a quality assurance scheme. The childminder reflects on her practice and involves the children and parents in how to improve her service. This is achieved through informal conversations and a regular review of the play plans and children's assessments. She keeps her knowledge and understanding of current legislation, policy and new initiatives up-to-date and effectively analyses the impact on the children in her care and how this affects her practice. This means she is constantly striving for improvement and identifies best practice to promote the outcomes for children.

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Organisation

Children are well protected and cared for by the childminder who shows a sound knowledge and understanding of child development. She takes every reasonable step to protect children from persons who are not vetted and this information is shared with parents.

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Organisation

All the required policies, procedures and record keeping work in practice to positively promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. The childminder is extremely well organised. All of the documentation is readily available for inspection. It is reviewed and updated in accordance with changes in legislation. Children's information is stored securely and confidentiality is maintained.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the 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 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): • improve the opportunities for children to explore issues of diversity through play.

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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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