Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY102215 Unique Reference Number 07 June 2007 Inspection date Esther Darling 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 registered in 2001 and may care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time. She lives with her husband and two children in a detached house in the Wollaton area of Nottingham. Rooms on the ground and first floor are available for childminding with accessible toilet facilities. There is an enclosed outdoor play area to the rear of the property. The family have 2 pet goldfish. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is being accredited under the quality assurance scheme and has been awarded a certificate for stage one.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy a superb and varied range of activities that contribute to their excellent all-round health. Daily opportunities are provided that develop their fitness, coordination and large physical skills. These include playing with bats, balls, different types of bicycles, a climbing frame, swing and many more toys in the childminder's rear garden. Children benefit from walking with the childminder to various parks where they have the freedom to practice and extend their

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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 skills whilst climbing and running around. The childminder offers specific support to children who need it, such as throwing and catching a ball, and this greatly enhances their sense of achievement and confidence. Children rest and sleep according to their needs, and in line with parental wishes. The childminder shows an enhanced understanding of the need to respect what is important to young children, such as the provision of a familiar blanket at nap-time. This has a beneficial effect on children's sense of self-worth.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children gain significantly from being cared for in a very clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. This is done via the childminder establishing a routine that encourages children to wash their hands with increasing independence whilst using good quality equipment that makes the experience a pleasant one. The childminder promotes this by supporting children when they need it and giving explanations so that they understand the necessity of taking good care of themselves. A clear sick child policy serves the best interests of the child in the event that they are ill, and this is shared with parents so that they know what to expect. Systems such as written procedures to follow in an emergency and the maintenance of the current first aid certificate, as well as consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment ensure that children's welfare is paramount. The childminder has

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Helping children to be healthy

an excellent understanding of the requirements for the administration of medication, and how to deal with any accidents including keeping a record of all relevant information including existing injuries. The meticulous detail included and shared with parents ensures that children's continuity of care is promoted to a high standard.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children gain a praiseworthy understanding of how important it is to have a well balanced diet. The childminder's comprehensive understanding of how to achieve this gives children many practical experiences from which to learn. For example, the weekly delivery of an organic vegetable box is treated enthusiastically by the childminder and children alike. This involves having a look to see what is in it and discussing the contents whilst they are put away. Children have fun being involved in preparing some of their own meals and snacks such as pizza with a mixed vegetable sauce. They experience a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables and food which is freshly prepared and meets with the dietary requirements of all. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that children's needs are met to a very good standard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are welcomed into an environment that is organised to meets their needs effectively. The childminder's home spacious, tidy and in good decorative repair. The various rooms are used to good effect, enabling children to explore confidently and safely, thus gaining a firm sense of belonging. Children's creativity is valued and celebrated by displaying their artwork for all to view. The inviting rear garden is used regularly, and well-stocked with equipment. Children have access to a wide range of good quality equipment that is clean, safe and well maintained. The storage of the toys enables children to make informed choices about their play, and help to care for their immediate environment by tidying away afterwards. Children enjoy using resources that are appropriate to their age and stage of development and which offer the necessary challenge in order to help them progress, such as completing successively

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because the childminder maintains supervision of them at all times and is vigilant about checking those who are asleep. They are encouraged to keep their play areas tidy and thus understand about promoting their own safety and that of others. The thorough written policies are shared with parents so that they know what procedures the childminder

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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 uses to maintain the highest standards of safety in her provision. This includes using appropriate restraints for all children whilst travelling in a vehicle, and evidence of the regular servicing of household appliances. Twice yearly practices of the fire drill ensure that the childminder is well prepared in the event of an emergency and children know what to do. Systems are in place to ensure that children are collected by authorised adults only, and this includes the collection of children from school. The childminder has detailed written procedures and relevant documentation to guide her and parents in line with safeguarding children regulations. She has a thorough understanding of her personal responsibility to ensure that children's welfare is paramount due to recent, relevant training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children interact well with each other at a young age whilst playing imaginatively with the toy cooking utensils, making cups of tea and pizza. Children are learning to co-operate and are forming early friendships which are fostered by the childminder who joins in their play. Her positive influence enhances the quality of children's play, due to the questions she asks to improve their understanding and vocabulary. Children enjoy the company of adults and are confident to speak to visitors. They initiate conversations and have excellent language development, with much laughter whilst playing on a one-to-one basis with the childminder. Children use their imaginations during their play and adapt it to follow their own lines of interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in a wide range of activities that fully promote all areas of their development. The childminder has a particular aptitude for creative pursuits and children have fun whilst making cakes, biscuits, hats and footprints with the paint to name but a few. Young children have superb number skills which are acquired through play, such as the clock puzzle. The childminder has a sound understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. However, this is not used to assess individual children's progress or plan activities to specifically promote their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children concentrate well for sustained periods of time and respond positively to the childminder's suggestions, for example, if a child would like to do some puzzles. Children relish challenge and persevere until the chosen puzzle is finished, moving on to more difficult one. They notice the changes that occur in nature when they plant and monitor the growing of seeds. The childminder skilfully supports children to increase their skills and confidence, giving praise for their achievements. This therefore makes the child's effort feel worthwhile and fosters confidence and ability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are assertive and express their opinions and wishes freely. The childminder is fully supportive of this, and encourages older children to make decisions about how they would like to spend their time with her. This in turn promotes thinking and independence and has a wonderful effect on children's confidence. They show initiative and make suggestions about their play. Children are cooperative, well mannered and take personal responsibility at a young age. For example, tidying up unprompted when told it is time for a nappy change and sleep.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children know what is expected of them because the house rules are shared with them and their parents, thus promoting the very good behaviour that they exhibit. The childminder has a thorough understanding of appropriate methods to use to encourage children to behave well,

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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 her robust written policy supports this. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are supported effectively due to the very good effort made by the childminder to communicate by methods such as baby signing. This helps towards them progressing to their maximum potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the differences in society and learn to value these. This starts with the childminder treating them as individuals and with great respect. For example, all children join in when celebrating each other's birthdays and anticipate the occasion whilst making party hats to celebrate. Children use superior equipment that depicts positive images of race, gender, religion, disability and culture. This helps them to make connections between their own life experiences and those of others. Play is non-stereotypical and children benefit from experiences where they can select resources of their choice, such as dressing up. Children receive superb continuity of care due to the consistently high standard of information that the childminder and their parents exchange. This is done via written information in the form of an extensive portfolio as well as a communication diary and daily chats. Details of the weekly plan, including

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Helping children make a positive contribution

outings and the menu are on display so that parents feel included in the care of their children. Parents and children make positive comments about the high quality care that the childminder provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very settled with the childminder in her home. They relish in the one to one care that she ensures they receive and flourish due to the care and affection bestowed upon them. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children and is fully committed to improving her knowledge of current practice through the attendance on many regular short training courses. For example, different and challenging behaviour, top play and top sport, foundation stage planning, and every child matters - the child's perspective are a selection of those attended in the last few years. She childminder has a good understanding of the changes and significant events that she must notify Ofsted of.

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Organisation

The organisation of the routine, environment and resources makes for an efficient and high quality provision. This is a setting where children learn self-help skills such as hanging up their own coats on child height pegs and learn about their own safety through notices such as how tall one has to be to travel without a booster seat. Systems such as a signing in book for all visitors serves to enhance the protection of children. An extensive and most impressive set of written policies and procedures that the childminder has devised herself are relevant, informative and user-friendly. These, coupled with detailed and confidential record keeping serve to provide a service that promotes the care, safety and welfare of all children who attend. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children. She has made very good progress in addressing this, and now provides equipment to enable children to benefit from learning about diversity in a practical way through play.

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Improvements since the last inspection

For example, children use puzzles depicting positive images of minority races, age, gender and disability. They have access to a sound range of multicultural musical instruments, books,

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Improvements 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 including those from the library, and figures of different race, and disability. These are part of the every day provision and children access them regularly.

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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 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 that the planning of activities helps children's development in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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