Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY344387 Unique Reference Number 05 July 2007 Inspection date Patricia Webb 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight years and four years in Stafford. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years of age at any one time and is currently caring for one child.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and receives support from the early years team of the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's on-going health is very effectively promoted through the childminder's diligent attention to reducing the risks of the spread of infection. This is demonstrated by the use of

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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 disposable aprons and gloves when changing nappies and providing separate individual towels for the children. The children are introduced to the highly effective routines for their personal care from a very early age as for example, a baby is encouraged to wash their hands after having had a nappy changed. This encourages the development of good habits as they get older and learn to maintain their own health. Children are gently and warmly reassured should they have any accidents. The childminder takes time to comfort them and attend to simple injuries with skill and knowledge gained from having attended a suitable paediatric first aid course. All the required records are very carefully maintained regarding accidents and medication and parents are asked to sign indicating they have been kept fully informed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children heartily enjoy healthy and nutritious meals and snacks provided by the childminder. Time is taken to discuss dietary needs and specific requirements with parents in order to meet individual needs. Where possible, organic foods are provided to promote children's healthy eating and regular drinks are provided with care taken to ensure they are sugar-free and suitably diluted where necessary. Fresh drinking water is available at all times as the childminder reminds them about having plenty to drink during their day. Diligent attention to correct storage procedures eliminates the risk of any spoilage of foods or bottle feeds for the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are regular daily opportunities for the children to engage in activity designed to promote their physical development. The childminder uses her sound knowledge of child development to offer activities and toys that encourage children to move easily to the next step in their progress. For example, with a child who is just at early pre-walking stage she offers moving and musical activities that require the child to reach and pull to standing in order to develop balance and confidence. Daily walks to and from the school and visits to the local park ensure that children receive plenty of fresh air and physical activity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are very settled and secure in the warm and friendly family focused environment. The home is clean and well maintained offering children ample space to explore, play and relax as they wish. The space is effectively organised to enable even the youngest children to make choices about their activities and enjoy a wide range of experiences in their daily routines. Careful and diligent attention is given to cleaning and checking the resources and equipment to significantly minimise hazards to the children in order for them to be safe and happy in their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Detailed health and safety policies are in place and are stringently carried out in order to minimise risks to children. For example, when setting out for the walk to school, the childminder ensures that the harness on the buggy is securely fastened, all the necessary contact details for the children are taken along with a first aid kit and some hand sanitizer for use in an emergency. Children are encouraged to become aware of their own safety as they participate in fire drills which are carefully recorded and they are beginning to take notice of crossing the road safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A sound knowledge of child protection issues ensures that children's welfare is fully safeguarded. All the necessary contact details are kept readily to hand during the daily routines. A carefully worded policy is in place and is discussed with parents and carers to assure them of the childminder's commitment and duty of care to act in the best interests of the child at all times.

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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 are extremely well-cared for as the childminder offers sensitive support and takes time to get to know the children in her care. For example, she keeps a close eye on a child who is sleeping as she knows he has gone over the usual length of sleep time. Upon waking the child is warmly greeted with a smile and gentle chatter as time is give for the child to awaken fully. She constantly chats to the child reassuring him about visitors and preparing to offer suitable toys and games. Again, she uses her breadth of knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to three' framework to prepare and offer appropriate activity such as shape sorters, baby books and musical toys to develop hand and eye control, hearing and manipulative skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Sitting on the floor with the young child enables him to crawl to her for support and cuddles during their play, pulling to standing and bravely letting go of the childminder's hand for a few seconds in complete confidence. The child's recent introduction to play-dough has been noted and his enjoyment of exploring the texture and the taste is recorded in the diary and shared with mum. Detailed information is kept by the childminder with regard to the activities she will offer closely linked to the 'Birth to three' guidance. This ensures that all aspects of a child's development, progress and overall enjoyment are addressed over a period of time. Plans are based on simple but very effective assessments done shortly after a child begins to attend and enables appropriate challenge and experiences to be offered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued and respected by the childminder. She takes time to get to know them well following in-depth discussions with parents in order to meet their wishes. Her policy outlines her commitment to identifying and meeting children's individual needs to promote their self esteem and confidence. A keen awareness of gender and cultural issues enables the childminder to offer activities and experiences that will extend children's understanding of the wider world around them as for example, they visit local amenities in the community and have access to a range of toys and books depicting positive images of the diversity of society. Images of disability are limited at present although the childminder has a very positive attitude to promoting children's awareness of the differing needs of others. There is a policy in place for special needs outlining her commitment to working in partnership with parents and other

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Helping children make a positive contribution

agencies if appropriate in order to meet individual needs effectively. She has some additional skills which she is able to implement if necessary such as using British Sign Language.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a high emphasis on positive behaviour management with children's self esteem being promoted strongly. The childminder is acutely aware that for younger children some behaviour traits are an integral stage in their development and require sensitive attention in order to address them effectively. Such issues include biting and tantrums borne from frustration. Careful planning of activities and time set aside for individual support significantly reduce risks of such events occurring. Older children receive stickers and are encouraged to decide on their own rewards within reason. Praise for positive behaviour is offered at every opportunity to develop confidence and self worth as their achievements are shared with parents and carers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The friendly but very professional approach of the childminder results in a firm sense of trust being developed with parents. This enables both parties to feel confident that the children are happy, settled and content and that their needs are fully met. Detailed information is recorded and shared with parents about their child's day outlining their routines, sleep patterns and

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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 activities. This is currently being expanded into a pictorial record in scrapbook form providing parents with an attractive record of their child's growth and developmental progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's health, safety and welfare are effectively promoted as the childminder is extremely organised and enthusiastic about her role. She demonstrates a very caring and skilled understanding of how children learn through everyday activities and routines and ensures that the space is carefully prepared to receive the children. They benefit from regular routines which help them feel settled and secure, enjoying a high degree of individual attention offered throughout the day.

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Organisation

The childminder is very knowledgeable, taking advantage of various training and one-off courses to expand her skills base and enhance the service she offers to the children and their families. This is demonstrated in the set of policies and procedures she has put together outlining the ethos and expectations of her practice in a clear and concise manner for parents and carers. All of the required documentation and records are meticulously kept with confidentiality acknowledged at all times.

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Organisation

Overall, the needs of the children 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 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): • expand the selection of resources depicting positive images of disability

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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 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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