Pieri Sandra

Inspection report for early years provision

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161812 Unique Reference Number 28 June 2007 Inspection date Beverley Blackburn 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 lives with her husband and children in a four bedroom house situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in Corsham. The minded children have access to all downstairs areas of the house and an upstairs bedroom for sleeping. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play and the childminder also uses the local facilities including the toddler group, park and Sports Centre.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1997 and has gained the Developing Childminding Practice qualification, she is a member of the local Childminding Network. Her son is aged 14 years and her daughter is aged 12 years. The family have one pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for four 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are developing a good understanding of healthy eating through encouragement, they are provided with very nutritious healthy snacks from both parents and the childminder. Meals provided by the parents are appropriately stored. Children have access to regular drinks throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their physical skills because the childminder provides plenty of different types of activity and creates space in which they can move around in different ways. For example running in the garden or driving sit in cars, skilfully manoeuvring them and parking them into spaces chalked out by the childminder. They also are able to enjoy physical activities at Boomerang. Children have exercise and fresh air every day when they walk to the local park or play in the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides a very clean environment and children have a good understand of simple good health and hygiene practices such as when to wash their hands and why. Excellent procedures such as using individual flannel/towels for children sustain high levels of hygiene and prevent the spread of infection. The exceptional support and guidance from the childminder helps children gain an excellent understanding of hygiene and real desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are relaxed and safe in the warm and welcoming environment. The ground floor is organised to meet children's needs. The childminder ensures the area is safe for young children to play safely. There is a strong child focus in the play area, where many of the resources are kept in boxes which are easily accessible, so that children are able to help themselves from an interesting range of toys and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with a wide range of safe and robust toys and equipment which are suitable for their ages and stages of development. The childminder ensures all resources are clean and maintained to a high standard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The carefully written policies and procedures for safety are consistently put into practice with children such as practicing and recording fire drills and reinforcing children's understanding of road safety through discussion and making the children aware of their environment when out and about, for example using the zebra crossing. Children begin to learn how they can help to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a high awareness of child protection procedures and is clear about her responsibilities. She has written information, a clear and well written policy and relevant phone numbers at the ready if she has any concerns. Children are protected and their welfare paramount.

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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 settle well, have fun and enjoy being at the childminder. They are confident and make themselves at home. Children are happily and actively occupied.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn effectively through their play because the childminder purposefully asks them questions about what they are doing, she listens to what they say to find out what they know and then extends their understanding; for example talking about and reinforcing the children's knowledge and understanding of colours, numbers and use of the language of size.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder skilfully plans activities, provides time for free play and knows the learning outcomes for the children well. She instinctively knows when to support them in their play and when to stand back. Children learn to use their imagination well, try out new things and are effectively challenged in their learning. They are growing in confidence because the childminder gives them time and encouragement to develop new skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy being close and interacting with the childminder through sharing books and singing songs. They are learning rhyme and rhythm and developing a love of stories and books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children learn to work harmoniously with others because the childminder encourages sharing and co-operation between them. They are encouraged to apologise to one another as they are beginning to understand each other's feelings by the childminder talking through their actions. Praise and encouragement are given for positive behaviour. As a result children know the boundaries. They are polite, well behaved and use please and thank you appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children feel valued because the childminder puts considerable care into meeting their individual needs and takes time to speak regularly with parents. She has a good understanding of the issues surrounding the care of children with learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities and how this affects both parents and children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the diverse society in which we live through discussion and resources reflecting positive images of cultures, race and gender and disability, being included in everyday play. Children are actively encouraged to develop an awareness of their own environment as they visit the local recycling centre or visit the park. There is a strong, close and effective partnership between the childminder and parents, based on mutual trust and respect.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for according to their needs because the childminder uses the information she holds effectively to promote their well being. She keeps her records up to date and reviews them regularly to ensure she has all the correct information about the children.

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Organisation

Good routine enables the childminder to provide a high level of support and maximise the time she spends playing with the children.

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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 has undertaken a number of short courses and a first aid course and has put her skills and knowledge thoughtfully into practice to provide an exceedingly high standard of care. She evaluates her own practice by working closely with her network co-ordinator. She is interested in further training which will influence her continuing practice for the benefit the children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop knowledge and understanding of the Area Child Protection Committee procedures, to obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder now has a good understanding of the child protection procedures, and is therefore able to effectively safeguard children's welfare. Her documentation now includes written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, this will ensure the children's safety.

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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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