Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345369 Unique Reference Number 23 May 2007 Inspection date Suzette Butcher 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 was registered in 2006 and she lives with her four year old child in Ellesmere Port. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house and one designated bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play and the family have a pet rabbit. The childminder is registered to provide overnight care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently four children on roll, of whom, three are under five years old. The childminder takes and collects children to and from local schools. Children are taken to local toddler groups and on outings in the local area. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children and their families are warmly welcomed into a clean and comfortable environment, where rigorous health and hygiene routines are in place to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and infections. For example, checklists record details about the areas and equipment that are

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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 cleaned regularly with sterilising fluid. This provides a healthy and hygienic environment for babies who are beginning to move around and practising their grasping skills. Clear guidelines are in place to explain procedures to parents for children's illness and medication. The childminder is qualified in first aid, which enables her to respond appropriately to minor accidents and sickness. Good routines are followed when changing nappies and regular discussions are held with parents to provide excellent continuity of care for young babies. Children are encouraged to develop independence in all their self-help skills when, for example, they practise making their own sandwiches or help to cut up fruit. Every child knows where to find their bag which holds their distinctive red towel and items for their personal care. Good hand-washing

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Helping children to be healthy

procedures are modelled by the childminder and young children are skilfully encouraged to understand why they need to wash their hands before eating or after contact with the family's rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. Daily walks to and from school and adventures in the garden in all weathers, provide challenging opportunities for children to improve their physical skills. They have fun crawling through a tunnel or playing on the swing in the garden. Babies are warmly encouraged to explore and move around areas in the childminder's home, as they gain confidence and learn to move with control. They are regularly taken for walks, allowing them to benefit from the fresh air and to gain an appreciation of their local environment. Children are able to rest and play according to their needs, providing an environment that is consistent with home. Babies sleep in cots where they are able to stretch their limbs and their movements are not overly restricted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Systems are in place to record children's health and individual dietary needs. Parents' preferences are acknowledged and the childminder is in regular contact with parents of young babies to discuss their dietary needs. Children are offered a balanced and nutritious diet to support their physical growth and development. They enjoy home-cooked food and are encouraged to experiment with different tastes and textures. For example, they have fun mixing their own special fruit cocktail drink with sparkly decorations and interesting fruit slices. Mealtimes are social occasions where everyone sits around the table and enjoys each other's company. Children are well hydrated and confidently access their own drinks to keep themselves refreshed. Babies and young children are offered drinks on a regular basis.

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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 homely environment where they have space to move around freely. They are well-supervised at all times and the house is maintained at a warm temperature, ensuring children's comfort. Areas are organised within the home to provide children with a range of activities and promote independent learning. The garden is organised to provide a wealth of opportunities in a safe environment with, for example, a gazebo to protect children from the strong sun. There is a designated playroom with a wide range of toys for children across the age ranges. Resources are organised well and stored in baskets and boxes in low units for children to help themselves. The safety of babies and younger children is considered by putting resources for older children at a higher level. Equipment is checked regularly and resources, provided by the childminder, are of good quality, safe and in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risk of accidental injury is minimised as the childminder regularly reviews her procedures to identify and respond to potential dangers and hazards. For example, the childminder has completed a safer driving course to promote children's safety and comfort when travelling in her car. Appropriate equipment is in place in the home to ensure children's safety and systems,

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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 such as smoke alarms are checked regularly. Procedures for emergency evacuation are clearly recorded and practised with children. Children are encouraged to learn about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe when they travel in the childminder's car or following the Green Cross Code on outings. Books and posters provide further information for children on recognising and responding in dangerous situations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She informs parents that it is her responsibility to follow the required written policies and procedures if she is concerned and she has all the relevant contact details and information documents from the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy themselves and are helped to achieve in the childminder's care. They are keen to learn and sensitively supported as they try out new skills, such as pulling to stand or reaching out to grasp objects. This encourages them to develop independence and self-motivation. Babies beam in delight and enjoy cosy cuddles when the childminder lifts them from their cot. They share very warm relationships as the childminder chats warmly to create a relaxed, secure atmosphere where children are helped to feel good about themselves. Babies' early language skills are skilfully encouraged as the childminder responds positively to their babbling and acknowledges the importance of non-verbal communication with gestures, body language and facial expressions. Young children are offered a wealth of tactile and sensory opportunities as they explore stimulating treasure baskets or sing lively songs together. The childminder has

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

recently introduced aspects of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to further enhance her current good practice. Observations are recorded to establish what each child knows and can do although recording systems are still in the early stages. They require further development to successfully share information on children's individual progress and next steps in learning with their parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn more about the world around them and about their natural environment on adventurous outings. For example, they have fun investigating the rock pools at a nearby beach or learning through hands-on experiences as they make their own candles at a local craft centre. Learning opportunities are maximised in everyday activities, such as enjoyable shopping trips to the local supermarket. Children learn to follow the childminder's instructions as they eagerly find the items on the shelves nearby. They skilfully count four bananas or complete basic calculations, such as adding one apple and two oranges together. Imaginative play opportunities are offered and children initiate and develop their own role play games. For example, they dress up and pretend to be a doctor who carefully removes a piece of glass from their doll's foot. They proudly create their own attractive cards from a wide choice of interesting resources and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

colourful pens or crayons. Experimenting with different tactile materials, such as play dough, paint or water further develops their sensory skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Young children enjoy each other's company and share warm relationships with the childminder. They are offered regular praise and encouragement to promote their confidence and positive self-esteem. Babies respond eagerly to the childminder's many smiles, hugs, cuddles and words of reassurance when they are unsettled or learning new skills. Young children gradually learn

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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 to recognise right from wrong as they are gently reminded to respect house rules and the realistic boundaries within the home. They are offered appropriate explanations, according to their level of understanding, to help them to consider the consequences of their actions. Children learn to share and take turns as they play and they are encouraged to consider other people's feelings. Minor disagreements are skilfully dealt with in a way that is appropriate to each child's age and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued as individuals and their needs and preferences are clearly identified and acknowledged. Activities are adapted to ensure that children are all actively involved and fully included. For example, babies are supported on the childminder's knee to enable them to share an interesting book. The childminder is very aware of the different needs of older children with learning difficulties and she works hard to organise appropriate group activities or outings to involve everyone. Children are helped to consider and value diversity as the childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity. They have access to a broad range of resources, play opportunities and activities, which reflect diversity and acknowledge cultural differences. For example, small world toys and books promote positive images of race, age, gender and disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A strong, effective partnership with parents promotes good continuity of care for children. Parents have clear information about the setting in comprehensive sets of policies and procedures. The childminder regularly ask parents for feedback and suggestions and children's details are reviewed on a regular basis. Information is shared verbally and parents often communicate with the childminder via text messages during the day to confirm that their child is happy and comfortable. Parents write that they are very happy with the overall quality of care provided and describe the childminder as 'warm, welcoming.. highly professional ..with a passion for all aspects of childcare' and 'a good sense of humour'.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment towards continuing her own personal development and, consequently, achieving continual improvement in the quality of the care that she provides for children. She attends regular training on subjects, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework or information technology, to increase her knowledge and understanding. She regularly reflects on her current practice, identifies areas for development and implements appropriate plans for improvement. For example, she plans to attend a local toddler group to learn Makaton signing to support children's early communication skills. A clear timetable of daily routines is in place during term-times, to accommodate the dropping off or collection of children from pre-school or school. The childminder makes effective use of local facilities and children are taken on exciting outings to the beach or to feed the ducks

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Organisation

A comprehensive set of the childminder's policies and procedures are available for parents and inform them of daily routines and practices. Policies are reviewed on a regular basis and any changes in regulations are recorded. Confidentiality is maintained throughout and information is stored securely. The childminder is a member of a local childminder support network where she benefits from shared experiences and learns from examples of good practice.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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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): • further develop systems to share information on children's individual progress with their parents.

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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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