Behaviour Support

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 131515 Inspection date 10 May 2005 Inspector Helen Mary Ball

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 outstanding. 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 has been registered since 1989. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a house in the Lordswood area of Southampton. A dedicated playroom together with a covered and enclosed outside area are used for childminding. The family has no pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years and three children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive at this setting because the childminder follows highly effective procedures and practices which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. Children are keen to become independent in self-care routines due to the excellent and sensitive support offered by the childminder. Children are protected from cross-infection as the childminder provides individual toothbrushes, flannels and hand towels which are colour-coded so that children recognise their own. Children explore, test and develop physical control in stimulating daily indoor and outdoor experiences. Children are confident to try out new skills. For example, two-year-olds are elated when they successfully cross a narrow beam when walking in the woods. Children are beginning to notice the effect of exercise on their bodies and show an awareness of when they need to rest. Children enjoy nutritious snacks and meals. Children are encouraged to make

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Helping children to be healthy

choices to develop their independence, using picture cards to choose what they would like to eat.

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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 safe, stimulating and vibrant environment. Children show a secure sense of belonging which is supported by photographs of themselves on the playroom walls, together with displays of their art work. Children are well cared for and risks of injury to children are minimised due to the childminder's vigilant supervision. Children understand the need to cross the road safely and are learning the Green Cross Code. Younger children wear reins to keep them safe on outings. Children are given opportunities to experience freedom within safe limits, and are actively involved in learning about the environment and recognising plants which are harmful, such as stinging nettles. This allows children to learn some sense of danger and knowledge of how to protect themselves. Children practice fire evacuation procedures with the childminder, which helps to develop their confidence and understanding. They share their experience with

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

parents as the childminder provides a written evaluation of each drill for children to take home.

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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 relish their time in this lively setting. The childminder's enthusiasm is infectious and this directly impacts on children's experiences with her. Children's sense of trust and sense of self are as a result of the close and caring relationship that has been fostered with the childminder. Children are inspired by the extensive range of well chosen resources but equally enjoy their regular nature walks. Children are eager to learn and are inquisitive: they are fascinated about the world around them and enjoy using their imagination in the outdoor environment. For example, each bridge in the local woods has been named "The Wishing Bridge" and as each child passes over the bridge, they make a wish. The children are captivated by the concept of magic woods and their excitement on these walks is irrepressible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn the names of wild flowers and to respect living things during these nature trails. Children are animated and enthusiastic as they make choices about their activities, developing their confidence and self esteem. The childminder carries out regular observations on children, and uses these to help her plan future activities. This ensures that children receive a balanced curriculum and enables the childminder to offer activities which develop children's individual learning and thinking.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are welcomed and are respected by the childminder who is an excellent role model. They behave well, sharing and taking turns with little intervention needed by the childminder. Children care for each other and are helpful. For instance, one child helps another to take off his coat and boots after a walk, without adult prompts. Children understand the boundaries set by the childminder and this helps them to learn to negotiate with others. Children are helpful and join in with tidying toys away before selecting another range. Children have extensive opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through planned activities and outings in the local environment. They show respect for their surroundings, noticing litter and commenting that this should be in a bin. An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder and parents exchange information verbally and this ensures continuity of care for children. Parents are provided with a comprehensive welcome pack so that they are able to support their child's transition from home to the childminder which enables children to settle quickly.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The provision meets the needs of children who attend. Children have ample space to move and play freely both indoors and outside as the childminder has enclosed the car port, creating a covered outside space which can be used in all weather

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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 conditions. Children gain maximum benefit from their days with the childminder as she plans activities and outings around children's individual routines, taking account of when they may be tired. The childminder is committed to updating her knowledge in childcare issues and is currently working towards the Quality First accreditation.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, it was recommended that the childminder ensures that medication records are countersigned by parents both before and after administration. This system is now in place.

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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 outstanding. 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

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

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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