Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY246687 Unique Reference Number 11 June 2007 Inspection date Lesley Anne Cannon 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 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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and two children. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The childminder is member of an approved childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a home which has a wonderful child-friendly, welcoming and clean environment. They are offered a wide variety of healthy and nutritious snacks. They are stimulated by the selection and variety of how it is presented, for example they have fruit kebabs. The children are inspired as they are given an opportunity to prepare food when it is safe to do so. The children are often involved when purchasing the food, for example they may have an outing to buy fruit and vegetables from the local supermarket. This encourages children

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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 to value healthy eating. Children are able to help themselves to drinks; younger children are offered drinks at various times to help them understand the needs of their bodies. The childminder holds a Food Hygiene certificate, which reflects hygiene standards maintained in the kitchen. The childminder's knowledge of food hygiene encourages the children to extend their understanding when they prepare foods or participating in a baking activity. Menus are chosen carefully to ensure children are offered a good selection of nutritious food. This works well for parents, although they do have the option of providing their own meals if they prefer.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn personal hygiene procedures through excellent daily routines; with posters to encourage hand washing when they are using the toilet independently, or on outings, the childminder is prepared with antibacterial gel to maintain the routine. Children are able to access the toilet themselves where they have their own labelled towels that help prevent cross infection. They also benefit from the highly effective and clear policies in place for sick children. Parents receive a copy of this and are aware of the need to follow it when it is relevant.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a First Aid certificate so child benefit from appropriate care following an injury. A fully stocked First Aid kit is available to aid the treatment of children's minor injuries. The accident book is maintained and contains clearly written information about all injuries and parents always sign each entry.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from daily physical exercise and fresh air as they walk to and fro the school. They have an extensive range of play equipment available both in the garden and indoors that encourages coordination and physical development. They take regular walks to the park, and have extending outings to local attractions which motivates children to develop a healthy life style.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from a well organised, child-orientated environment. Regular risk assessments are carried out, recorded and any necessary action taken. This gives children space to move around safely, whilst having the opportunity to take risks and face new challenges in safe surroundings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can access a wide range of equipment from low storage boxes allowing them to accomplish task for themselves safely. The childminder has installed high quality and appropriate safety equipment such as stair gates, safety harnesses in high chairs, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and a security alarm on the front door. There is an emergency evacuation procedure in place that is carried out with the childminder regularly and a notice is displayed in the hall. This helps children to understand the need to keep them selves safe in different situation. All children's individual needs and stages of development are taken into consideration when safety measures are planned and put in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The equipment and toys available are check regularly and any damaged are broken items are disposed of. The childminder gives a high priority to safety ensuring that children have the correct equipment, for example a seat at the dining room table, correct restraints fitted in the car, or walking reins incorporated in to a back pack. High chairs, cots, car seats, all conform to safety standards, and are checked and cleaned regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are also kept safe when outdoors. Very well thought out procedures are used by the childminder to cover local trips, road safety is reinforced with verbal instructions. For outings

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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 to local attractions the childminder carries out a separate risk assessment and implements necessary changes to her plans. This helps children understand that there are times when we need to use different safety strategies to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder also ensures she has all relevant information for the safe collection of children. The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and shares this information with parents, ensuring they know her commitment to safeguarding children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children can relax and make themselves at home in the welcoming environment. There are several areas where they can play. The play room has a vast range of resources available for all ages, the kitchen diner offers a selection of low toy boxes available for children to select from, and the dining room is used for large pieces of equipment such as pop up tents and tunnels, or the lounge for those who need to rest. The childminder provides and extensive range of high quality resources that she makes available appropriate to the age of the children attending. Resources such as construction, play people, puppets, role-play, simple board games, puzzles for various ages, books, and imaginative play equipment, providing children with a comprehensive range that enhances their development and knowledge. Children individual needs are extremely well catered for, for example, babies are provided with an exciting treasure basket full of natural

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and every day items and textures enabling their young and active minds to flourish.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a close relationship with the childminder, younger children gain the childminder's attention in purposeful babble that the childminder understands and respond to. This encourages the child expand their communication skills. There are lots of vibrant photographs showing a large selection of activities that children take part in, making cards, body painting, baking, spin painting, creating dens, having a party and group outings. There is also visual evidence of the children creations that enhances their environment. The photographs also show children of all ages actively involved in the exciting and dynamic activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans activities for the children, providing comprehensive resources and activities that offer children a challenge with opportunity to consolidate ideas and learning from other activities they have completed with the childminder, in pre-school or full time education.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a broad range of creative activities for example, vibrant coloured paper and card for cutting and sticking, high quality drawing and colouring materials, and paper and crayons reflecting skin tones. This encourages children's creative skills and gives the children opportunity to build and expand their imagination.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All the children are valued and respected as individuals, for example young children’s sleep routines are maintained in a way that parents feel appropriate for their child. Children have their own personal hook with a bag for their treasures. The hook is identified with their photograph and name. There are photographs of the children displayed, along with their art work. This all helps children develop a sense of security and belonging. The childminder has a highly professional approach to promoting diversity. There are pictures displayed and an extensive range of books that reflect others around the world. Children can access role play

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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 costumes, pretend food, cooking equipment, music and figures of people from other cultures that are integrated in to every day activities. They also learn about different countries and celebrate festivals from around the world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a clear behaviour management policy, and sets clear boundaries for the children. Children receive praise and encouragement building their self esteem. The childminder uses a variety of strategies to encourage positive behaviour dependant on the age and understanding of the child. Sometimes this is through play where they are encouraged to share activities and develop their skills, learning right from wrong in a safe environment, or they could be helped through a personalised reward chart. This helps children to develop their social skills and how to show respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are currently no children on roll who have learning difficulties or disabilities; however the childminder is proactive and is forward thinking as to how she could support and assist children and their parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the professional working relationship the childminder has with the parents. The have a copy her portfolio which includes policies and procedures and references from parents who have used the service for their own children. Daily diaries and exchange of verbal information at the end of the day ensures routines are maintained providing children with continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder has completed the relevant training and holds a current first aid certificate. She is motivated in keeping her childcare knowledge up to date by attending training, such as food hygiene and Safeguarding children. She is pro-active in researching ways to improve the quality of care and learning for children, making it imaginative and exciting. She continually evaluates what is provided for the children and how she can improve. This is reflected in her professional approach and the level of care and attention provided to the children. All adults in the household have been appropriately vetted.

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Organisation

Children benefit from an exceptionally well organised environment. She manages her time efficiently and dedicates time to the children to ensure they are given the relevant care and attention needed whilst in her care. The childminder recognises that children may also need their own space, and time to play at their own pace. The childminder has a very secure understanding of child development and provides children with a busy, stimulating and fun environment in which they can learn through play and day to day activities.

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Organisation

The childminder's paper work is clear and concise and maintained to a high standard. She maintains a portfolio that is shared with parents, and they are given a personal copy of relevant information to keep. The childminder has a high standard of paperwork completed on each child. Daily contact books are kept for younger children, sharing information about what they have eaten, when they required changing, how long they slept, activities they have enjoyed, and where they have been. Parents also complete individual written permissions for the administration of medication and sun creams, going on outings, and transporting children in the car. Children benefit from these clear methods that are in place for communicating and sharing information with parents. The childminder ensures the documentation is stored securely and that confidentiality is well maintained, helping to maintain continuity of care for the

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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 The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now records when risk assessment and emergency evacuations are carried out enhancing the safety of the children in her care.

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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 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

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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