Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY344848 Unique Reference Number 03 July 2007 Inspection date Susan Hoult 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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her husband and three year old child in a village near Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Shops, parks, a nursery, a pre-school and schools are within walking distance. All areas of the home are available for childminding except for one room on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has two pet cats, two rabbits and tropical fish in a covered tank.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and currently looks after five children aged under three years on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends local group meetings.

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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 cared for in a very clean, warm home where excellent routines are in place to minimise the potential for cross-infection. For example, the childminder uses anti-bacterial spray to clean surfaces, dedicated knives and chopping boards for food preparation and provides individual, clearly labelled flannels and towels. Children learn about good personal hygiene habits through the childminder being a very good role model and using clear explanations. The childminder has a current allergy and anaphylaxis awareness certificate and a detailed sickness policy. She makes sure parents are aware that she does not care for children who are unwell as part of her approach to keeping children healthy. The childminder has a current first aid certificate so she that can deal with any accidents appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive on being physically active and their development is significantly enhanced by the childminder who encourages children to play outside in the fresh air on a regular basis. Children have great fun wearing ‘wellies’ to splash through puddles and using umbrellas in wet weather. The childminder is a trained fitness instructor. She enthusiastically motivates children to take part in a wide range of activities that actively contribute to their good health, developing their large physical skills and strengthening their bodies. They use equipment in the garden such as slides, a netted trampoline, pedal and sit-and-ride toys, enjoy ball games, dance and other musical movement activities. In addition they visit parks, soft play areas and enjoy regular walks. Children’s small muscle control is actively encouraged through routines and the challenging but achievable activities provided. The childminder discusses young children's

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Helping children to be healthy

individual sleep and rest patterns with parents to ensure these are fully considered when planning activities. Children's emotional well-being develops extremely well through the excellent warm relationships they develop with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are very well nourished. The childminder has a superb understanding of healthy eating. She makes sure that children's food and drink is properly prepared, is nutritionally balanced and meets any dietary requirements through liaising closely with parents. When children bring meals from home these are stored and served appropriately. Snacks include options such as fresh and dried fruit, fresh vegetable sticks, yoghurts, cereal and fruit bars. Drinks are freely available to children to ensure they do not become thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has an excellent understanding and attitude to keeping children safe whilst still giving them plenty of opportunities to develop their independence and be able to explore their environment. She regularly reviews her risk assessments and completes a safety checklist of the home and garden each day prior to children arriving. This, and the way she actively supervises the children is extremely effective in minimising risks. Children feel very secure and relaxed in the childminder’s home where they have plenty of space to enjoy different, purposeful activities at the same time. They happily move freely and safely between the different play areas because the childminder has given great care and consideration to the layout of the areas used. Named coat and towel hooks are at children's height, child-height table and chairs as well as cutlery help encourage independence.

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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 Children learn how to keep themselves safe by the childminder consistently reminding them of safe practices. For example, she talks to children regularly about the importance of road safety. Children are kept safe in the car because the childminder is aware of and implements the latest legislation relating to seatbelts and car seats. Reins are used as needed when taking young children for walks. Smoke alarms are tested daily and children are fully involved in fire practices so that they learn how to evacuate the home quickly and safely should the need arise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access a wide range of extremely well-maintained, good quality toys and equipment creating an exciting, stimulating environment. The childminder rotates resources to maintain children’s interest and ensure all children experience a variety of opportunities. Small or hazardous items are accessed under supervision so that they do not pose any risk to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s health, safety and welfare are the childminder’s main priority and she takes her responsibilities very seriously. She puts children first at all times and has a very good understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse and child protection procedures. She makes sure parents are aware of her responsibility towards safeguarding children in a clear policy. The childminder agrees with parents who is permitted to collect their children and has a written agreement with them detailing the action to take in case of an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children relish the time they spend with the childminder as they enjoy many stimulating experiences that promote all aspects of their learning and development. They gain new skills and knowledge as spontaneous opportunities are seized to extend their learning. For example, whilst preparing to plant in their area of the garden children find a worm and then some insects. The gardening activity then becomes an exciting ‘hands-on’ exploration of mini-beasts. As well as making a herb garden children have planted beans and are currently eagerly helping the childminder record the growth of a sunflower. Children’s creativity is nurtured extremely well. Even the youngest children enjoy a variety of ‘messy’ play activities including painting, gloop, sponge printing and playdough. They regularly bake and take great delight in making birthday cards and cakes for their parents. Children make a house using large packing boxes and fix a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

play tunnel into one end as an entrance. They draw windows with chalks and spend hours playing in and around their creation. Children are regularly involved in simple household tasks such as pegging out the washing. They enjoy replicating other familiar experiences such as ironing and mopping the floor through pretend play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are extremely confident and independently access their toys and resources because they are so well-organised, displayed and labelled. Children become thoroughly absorbed in their play, receiving excellent support from the childminder to challenge and extend their understanding whilst she follows their lead to ensure they are learning whilst having fun. Two young children laugh together as they construct a rail track, the older child taking the lead and working out how the bridge works. They compare the engines to those in a ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ magazine confirming their names and purpose with the childminder. They then choose to draw pictures, self-selecting colouring pencils.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a thorough understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework which she implements very effectively to enhance young children’s experiences and learning.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are highly respected as individuals. Their contributions are greatly valued as they play a key role in planning activities. The childminder makes all children welcome, valuing their backgrounds and individuality, treating them with equal concern. As they enter the home, a large welcome poster in many languages greets them with bright posters and children’s art attractively displayed at child height. Children feel a sense of belonging as they are actively encouraged to make choices and decisions such as which art work they display and which they want to take home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has an equal opportunities policy and an extremely positive attitude to diversity and to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is pro-active in arranging training in these areas to develop her skills and understanding. The childminder provides a varied range of resources that positively reflect gender, disability, culture and religion using the library to add to these. A young child is fascinated shaking a maraca selected from the music box and plays happily with a selection of multi-cultural dolls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn a high level of control and responsible behaviour through the childminder’s positive, consistent, approach. She takes account of each child’s level of understanding and has high, but realistic expectations of them encouraging good manners at all times. An effective behaviour policy and house rules support children's understanding of respect, kindness and safe play. Children express their needs appropriately and become sensitive in their relationships with others. Two children play co-operatively together with the younger child copying the elder. They have great fun trying on sunglasses and spend time looking at the difference they make to each other’s appearance. They learn about caring for animals through activities such as feeding the rabbits, giving them hay for bedding and celebrating National Pet week. Children learn about their local community through activities such as nature walks, visits to the library

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder develops excellent relationships with parents, recognising them as the prime carers and respecting their views and opinions. Parents are kept extremely well informed about the service the childminder offers. They receive a comprehensive handbook informing them of her policies and procedures as well as having access to her detailed portfolio. Parents learn about what their children do each day and how they are progressing through daily chats and diary sheets. This very effectively supports continuity of care for children. A gradual introduction and the opportunity to meet the childminder’s family is offered to new children to help them settle.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Exceptional organisation significantly enhances children’s care. Although the childminder has only been registered for a relatively short time she has developed policies, documents and records that support her very good childcare practice. She is meticulous in her record keeping and ensures her records are purposeful and effective. She continues to refine and develop her practice to ensure children are fully supported in reaching their potential.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's enthusiastic, conscientious and, above all, caring approach. She has an extremely high regard for the well-being of children and effectively leads by example creating a happy, homely, stimulating atmosphere where children thrive. 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 childminder actively listens to children, is interested in what they say and do and is sensitive to their feelings which helps raise their self-esteem. She strives to improve and develop her practice through reading relevant publications, attending training and meeting with other childminders. She has used these to develop highly effective procedures and practice. All areas of the home and garden used for childminding have children in mind maximising opportunities to promote their care, learning and development. Overall children's needs 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 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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