Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY338473 Unique Reference Number 26 February 2007 Inspection date Margaret Coyne 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 husband and adult son, in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. The whole of the ground floor and one bedroom and bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for three children under five all day and two children over eight years before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local toddler group and childminding support group. The family have a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 good. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene from an early age, through well-organised routines and practise. They know to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating meals and snacks. Children put an apron on before taking part in messy play activities knowing this will help keep their clothes clean. They contribute to their own good hygiene practice by using flannels and hand wipes. They enjoy helping around the home and wash some of their own toys and equipment. The children are protected from infection because the childminder is well informed about their health and employs suitable methods to prevent infections spreading, such as working with parents when implementing her sick child policy and ensuring the cleanliness of the home, toys and equipment. She has developed procedures and records to protect the children and safeguard their welfare. Information is shared with

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Helping children to be healthy

parents relating to any aspect of their child's health. Written consent has been obtained from parents to administer medication and to seek emergency treatment or advice. The childminder's first aid certificate has recently been obtained and enables her to administer appropriate care when required to protect the children and prevent them from becoming distressed. The family pet dog is well cared for which further protects children's health and their understanding of good hygiene practice around pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. They enjoy home cooked meals, which the childminder prepares. Meals include all the food groups and are healthy and nutritious for children. Children take part in some cooking activities which help develop their awareness of different types of food, healthy eating and encourages them to try new tastes. Children's needs are met in a capable manner through the childminder's experience and with the information provided by parents of any child's dietary needs. Children have drinks available at all times and they remain hydrated because they know they can ask for a drink or get one for themselves. The childminder is interested in extending her knowledge about healthy eating by working towards the 'Healthy eating for under fives' award. A sample menu is displayed for parents to enable them to see what food is on offer for the children during the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take pleasure in a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are opportunities to play outside or engage in indoor activities which improves their all-round physical skills. They walk to and from school each day as part of their routine and access other areas of interest such as walking in the lanes and visiting the local parks and activity centres. Here, children can be adventurous using different equipment while extending their physical development and skills. The children's fine control is developed as they use small toys and equipment such as painting, gluing, building with construction and managing jigsaws. They have fun as they put together the large floor alphabet puzzle interlinking the pieces with growing dexterity. The childminder has an understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and applies this when planning activities. Children have access to highly varied

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Helping children to be healthy

activities and excellent levels of support which give them confidence to try new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help. The childminder supports the children and is on hand to guide their play. Children are able to rest and sleep in accordance to their own needs and the wishes of parents.

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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

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a safe, clean and well-maintained environment. The childminder safeguards their welfare and has an excellent awareness of safety. An effective visual risk assessment is carried out on the premises, toys and activities to ensure potential risks are identified and minimised and the childminder intends to produce more formal written assessments to further promote safety around the home. Children are able to move around the home and garden and explore and take risks in a safe, controlled environment. Space and resources are organised to allow maximum free space for the children to access safely and the play areas are separated into free play and messy play. Children benefit from an effective range of safety measures, for example, safety gates, socket covers, fireguards and a range of fire safety equipment. Children's knowledge of emergency evacuation is extended through regular

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children learn about keeping themselves safe both in and out of the home. They learn about acceptable behaviour and the impact this has on their safety, for example, children know to stay together always in sight of the childminder when out of the home and learn about crossing roads safely. Supervision is of a high standard and a baby monitor is used if any child is sleeping in another area of the home. Children have access to well-maintained, developmentally appropriate toys and equipment. These are selected according to their age and ability to ensure they gain maximum benefit from them and can play safely with them. Well thought out activities ensure the children's safety at all times and these are attractively presented to encourage children to take part. Children are able to play and take risks in a safe and controlled environment with suitable adjustments made to meet their needs. If caring for

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

any child overnight the childminder is able to ensure she can fully meet their needs and maintain their safety and well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. The childminder is attentive to her responsibility to protect the children in her care and shares responsibility with parents. She has all supporting documents in place to reinforce her practice including a child protection policy and a system to record any concerns. She keeps all records up-to-date to provide a clear record of her practice and to ensure the protection of the children. The childminder is aware of the procedure to follow in the event that any allegations are made against her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, secure and contented as they take part in a wide range of activities both in and out of the home. They have excellent opportunities to socialise with others as they get together with other childminders and their children and attend toddler groups. They enjoy trips in the local community. The childminder arranges outings to the park and activity centres where children benefit from new experiences and can explore new areas of interest, particularly with their physical capabilities. Outings are extended into learning opportunities such as shopping for ingredients prior to taking part in cooking activities.

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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 Children are very well supported and are provided with a range of stimulating and challenging opportunities and activities. These include creative activities as they make daffodils for Saint Georges day and experiment with different ways to paint, for example, with sponges and brushes. Books play a large part in the children's day as they enjoy shared reading and look at books to both educate and interest them. A range of books have been purchased to help children understand about the needs of others, look at different families and deal with feelings about going to the doctors. Free play is incorporated into each day where child-initiated play is encouraged and supported by the childminder. Children have free choice and activities are readily available and well presented to encourage children to take part. Activities are appropriate

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

for the individual children's development, enabling them to move forward at their own pace. The childminder listens and talks to the children throughout their play, engaging them in conversations and helping them to develop different aspects of their play. However, there is limited resources and play materials available for children to take part in familiar role play situations which hinders children's abilities to use and develop their imaginations further. Children gain simple mathematical understanding as they count and increase their vocabulary for colours, shapes and letters through activities such as shopping and cooking and as they take part in songs and discussions. Their individual needs and stages of development are considered and activities are often adapted to ensure all children can participate. The childminder has found the 'Birth to three matters' framework a useful aid to her practice and she is adept

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

at understanding the children's needs in order to help them grow and extend their development. This is achieved through her planning for the different aspects of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans her days and has a flexible routine she follows with the children. Children benefit from this as they know what to expect and which activities will be available. Children have warm relationships with the childminder because she values each child and helps them feel good about themselves, raising their self-awareness and esteem. The childminder interacts at the children's level, encouraging communication and independence skills. For example, as children put on their own coats and shoes. Children's learning and development is extended by the childminder's awareness and knowledge of child development. She involves them in suitably challenging, fun activities and has an excellent knowledge of them as individuals. Children are encouraged to learn new skills, for example when painting with different brushes and sponges. They make connections with other experiences as they join in discussions about

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the different shapes of the sponges such as cars and tigers and relate this to their experiences at other times. Their self-esteem is developed carefully with consistent praise for their achievements. The childminder has a caring and attentive manner which has a positive impact on the children's behaviour and attitude.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a sensitive awareness of diversity and an understanding of the needs of others. This is achieved through the caring and respectful attitude the childminder has and how she develops this with the children. Books are readily available and children have opportunity to develop an understanding of each others differences through the stories and information. However, there are limited resources available to promote all aspects of equality of opportunity

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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 and to give children a secure understanding about diversity and the wider world. Children accept each other as individuals with the childminder setting a lovely example by valuing and respecting each child. Their needs are met in a sympathetic manner through her open, honest and effective communication with parents and children. Activities can be adapted to meet the needs of all children and a sensitive approach ensures children can play without fear of discrimination. The childminder has experience working with children with learning difficulties and disabilities and would ensure she can provide care for all children while operating an inclusive environment. The childminder knows the children very well and is responsive to their needs ensuring she can tailor the care she provides to meet individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children know and accept the realistic boundaries in place and this impacts positively on their behaviour. For example, sharing with others and showing respect for each other. They respond well to the childminder and the high level of support and consistent strategies help them understand what is acceptable behaviour. Children are happy, secure and confident. They ask for help when needed and praise and encouragement for their positive behaviour is freely given. Their confidence and self-esteem is enriched by the support and praise provided. When the childminder asks a child to respond she provides a reason for them to do so which is given with simple explanations. This helps children feel valued and respected and helps them make a positive contribution to their own behaviour. Children are absorbed and enthusiastic when playing which confirms the happy and relaxed environment that has been created.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed information for parents detailing all aspects of her practice. A portfolio is in place which provides them with useful and clear information about activities, consent forms, contracts and many other items of useful information. Policies and procedures are in place to support her practise and provide parents with additional information to enable them to gain a further insight into the care provided for their child. Daily information is shared verbally to enable parents to gain information about their child's day and the progress and achievements they have made. This supports parents and helps them play an active and important role in their child's care. Children's care and development is fostered due to the childminder's commitment to working closely with parents and to the value she places on this partnership. Written agreements are in place between the childminder and the parents outlining the level

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Helping children make a positive contribution

of care provided and the contracts between both parties. This further develops the trust of parents which impacts on the children's sense of security and confidence with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and secure as they play in this well-organised environment. The childminder organises her routine to allow the children the freedom to choose the activities as well as providing structured activities throughout the day. Children benefit as the childminder offers them the time, space and opportunities to explore and experiment during their play. This ensures the children are positively supported in the care, learning and play in most areas. Children are confident when initiating their own activities in this secure and safe setting.

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Organisation

The childminder has a professional, attentive and sensitive approach to her practice. Her organisational skills are enhanced and benefit both children and parents. High regard to the organisation of documentation impacts on each child's care and all records are secure and up

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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 to date. Records are shared with parents and communication contributes to the trusting relationships developed between them which impacts on the children's feelings of security. The childminder has developed purposeful policies and procedures which are clearly reflected in her practice. Ratios are met at all times and the childminder has an excellent awareness of the impact these have on the children's health, safety, socialisation and learning.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to the care she provides for the children to ensure they can play in a safe, stimulating environment. This is clearly demonstrated in her plans for the future development of her practice and with her commitment to extend her knowledge through additional training and workshops. She ensures each child's potential is recognised and activities support, challenge and stimulate each child. Overall children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last 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 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 children have access to a varied range of resources, activities and play materials to develop their imaginative play • ensure children have access to a varied range of age-appropriate toys and play materials to extend their development and promote positive images of equality of opportunity.

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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 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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