Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343472 Unique Reference Number 25 April 2007 Inspection date Anne Barnsley 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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her husband and five children aged 18 months, six years, eight years, 12 years and 17 years, in Ruskington, Lincolnshire. The whole of the house is used for minding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The home is within walking distance of the main village where there are many amenities. The family has a dog and a kitten as pets. She is registered to care for four children and currently has four children on roll who are under eight years of age. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health is promoted to a very high standard through excellent routines and practices, in which children are fully involved . Their growing independence is encouraged through purposeful discussions and support that take place during these routines so that children learn, not only how to do things, but also learn the reasons why. Children are protected from the risk of cross-infection through the comprehensive procedures that are implemented by the

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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 childminder. Health and hygiene policies provide parents with excellent information about sickness which enables the childminder and parents to work together to ensure that children do not spread infectious illnesses and receive the best possible care at all times when ill. The childminder has a current first aid qualification and can treat minor accidents appropriately. Documentation relating to medication is kept current and is comprehensively maintained, and the relevant consent for emergency medical treatment has been obtained so that the childminder can seek help in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat an extensive range of food that fully supports the childminder's healthy eating policy. Food is attractively presented to children so that they are encouraged to eat it, and also learn to value and respect the concept that food is important. Meal times are arranged so that all children eat together as a social activity and derive pleasure from the experience, which further enhances their learning and developing attitude towards food. Children have plenty to drink and have water bottles so that they can take water with them as they move around to different areas in the home. The childminder has a wealth of information about healthy eating that is shared with parents, and provides examples of menu plans, ideas for healthy lunch boxes and nutritional advice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to rest according to their needs and their sleep routines are discussed fully with parents which provides children with continuity of care. Outdoor play is highly featured in this setting and children engage in many activities that promote their physical development and ensure they have lots of fresh air. Additionally children walk to places of interest and attend toddler groups where they benefit from active engagement with peers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, welcoming environment. The premises is secure, and risk assessments have been undertaken that identify potential hazards. Appropriate and effective safety measures are in place that reduce the risk of accidents and injury, and all children learn why these are necessary and how to be responsible. Children move around in a safe home and can explore and express themselves freely. Resources and toys are good quality and are regularly checked for damage and cleanliness. Children learn how to take care of their resources and keep them safe by knowing where things are stored and the importance of tidying away when they have finished playing. The playroom is extremely well equipped with age and stage appropriate toys, books, musical instruments and toy boxes, and there are sofas and comfortable areas in which children can relax. The room is well-organised and set out safely to provide

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

different areas for different purposes which enhances play and freedom of expression without imposing on others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to be safe when they are out and about as they have meaningful discussions about road safety and practise implementing this under the careful guidance and support from the childminder. Children are protected from fire as appropriate equipment is in place and a written evacuation plan, which is discussed with children, develops their understanding of what to do in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has completed training and has a strong knowledge of child protection. All the necessary information is available should she need to refer to it. The policy is comprehensive and is shared with parents so that they fully understand the childminder's duty of care towards all children and the procedure she will follow if the need arises.

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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 good. Children's individual needs are met well and their welfare is promoted because the childminder has obtained solid information from parents about their routines, likes and dislikes. She knows the children well and, through discussions, includes them in making choices and planning. Planning for children aged three years and under is of an exceptionally high standard and fully supports the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children of this age range are occupied and stimulated through a wide range of varied activities and experiences that develop all areas of learning and are fun to participate in. Records for each child are maintained and are shared with parents so that future planning can reflect children's individual progress and include the views of parents if they wish. There has been less opportunity for the childminder to implement aspects of the Foundation Stage as the older children only attend for short periods of time

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very settled in this setting and are confident, relaxed and happy. The interaction between the childminder and children is warm and caring, and children relate extremely well to her and to each other. Children communicate well and they are given high levels of attention which makes them feel valued and promotes their self-esteem. This is a homely environment in which children are treated as part of the family. They have a large playroom which is very well resourced, and older children can engage in play of their choice. They are treated with great respect and are secure and have a sense of belonging. Younger pre-school children who attend during the day are extremely well supported and have a consistent home routine which promotes play and learning, and also accommodates their personal and individual needs, such as meal times and rest times. This ensures that children are happy, healthy, safe and secure,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder promotes each child's needs as she knows the children well and works closely with parents to ensure that changing or developing needs continue to be met. Children are very well supported and are respected and listened to. They learn to care for each other and to be respectful of each others' individual preferences. Children are kind and play harmoniously as a family group. They learn about the wider world through activities, conversations, and a wide range of resources that promote diversity through positive learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave extremely well and are co-operative and polite. They learn to take turns and to share, and understand that their actions have consequences, either to others or in the form of re-dress. Any inappropriate behaviour is dealt with instantly so that it does not escalate and children are always given clear explanations about this, and guidance to help them learn better approaches. The childminder has clear and consistent expectations for children that are realistic, fair and age and stage appropriate. She uses positive strategies to promote and manage a wide range of behaviour from the different age groups of children she cares for. This is having a positive impact on children's learning because they are very well behaved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The care of children is enhanced because the childminder works very closely with the parents. She gathers strong information about the needs of each child, and in turn provides parents with comprehensive details that she maintains about what their child has been involved with and how their day has been. Information about the setting is displayed on a notice board in the entrance foyer so that it is accessible and readily available for parents at all times.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The overall organisation of this setting is achieved to an exceptionally high standard. The childminder is extremely focused and plans all aspects of her work thoroughly. She is fully committed and has a dedicated approach to improving her own knowledge by attending relevant courses, and additionally by undertaking a high level early years qualification. She has organised her home very well, and further work, such as a vegetable garden and a wet room, is currently being organised to enhance the provision further. Records and parent information is professional and thoughtfully written. It provides the reader with a clear, detailed account of all aspects of the service she provides, and the standard of presentation is extremely high.

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Organisation

Overall the needs of the children attending are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 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 must 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): • continue to develop knowledge of the Foundation Stage of learning to ensure that the needs of all age groups are met.

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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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