Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY248708 Unique Reference Number 26 July 2005 Inspection date Mandy Gannon 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and pre school aged son in a three bedroomed property in Ludgershall, near Andover. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding. An enclosed garden is available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for 5 children under the age of 8 at any one time, with only 2 children under the age of 5. She currently cares for 5 children under the age of 8 on a part-time and full-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a N.N.E.B certificate.

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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 enjoy a wide variety of activities, which contribute to their good health. They have daily access to outdoor activities including walks, visits to local parks and an enclosed garden where they have large equipment and also participate in planting.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual needs are met. The childminder adapts routines to meet these needs. Children are reminded that they need to drink and sleep and are asked if they wish to sleep, for example the childminder asks a child after a tiring walk back from the cafe ' do you want to sleep before or after lunch?', child decides after lunch and goes off to play. Childminder asks children'…..do you have a drink ,shall I get you one?'

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a high awareness of health and hygiene. Children actively wash their hands before snacks, preparation of food, meals and after going to the toilet. The childminder ensures she promotes and reminds children of the importance of hand washing. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Children have nutritious, balanced snacks and meals that the childminder provides. She takes into account parental wishes and dietary requirements and shares a planned menu with the children and parents. Children's risk is minimised from the spread of infection by a childminder who is committed to good hygiene practise. She is aware to minimise the risk of the spread of infection through wearing gloves when changing children's nappies. She has robust policies in place, which are adhered too.

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Helping children to be healthy

Younger children are supported by a childminder who has recently completed Birth to Three training and introduced into her practice. She plans and ensures that the child's growth and emotional well-being are being met. She has introduced development records, which she shares with the parents to monitor the child's progress.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are safe, secure and protected in a well-resourced environment. The childminder ensures she gives thorough attention to safeguard the children and makes their safety a top priority. Children have sufficient space to move freely and independently without compromising their safety. A substantial selection of toys and resources are available, which are safe and suitable for use, conforming to British Safety Standards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have an excellent understanding of safety both inside and outside of the home; they have an active role in writing the house rules. Children are developing an awareness of dangers around them; they walk sensibly to the local café. They pay attention to comprehensive explanations given by the childminder, regarding their safety in crossing the road and remaining within sight. For example, childminder finds a safe place to cross the road and explains to older children to walk slower so that they remain in sight due to younger children unable to walk as fast.

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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's welfare is a high priority and the childminder promotes having all required procedures and documents in place and well maintained. She holds a current first aid certificate, has a secure knowledge of child protection and is aware of procedures of the local Area Child Protection Committee.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children relate extremely well to the childminder and each other. They are developing their confidence and self-esteem through praise and encouragement received from the childminder. Children are independent in many tasks, they select their own toys and resources, support each other with tidying up and preparing for meals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's individual needs are met through a childminder who has an accurate view of those needs, through training and in discussion with parents, and is committed to meet them. She understands that due to circumstances those needs may change and is willing to adapt to fulfil the needs of the child. For example, after a long walk to and from the café the childminder asked a younger child,' do you want a sleep before or after lunch?' A child made an individual choice to have a sleep after lunch and the childminder met that need.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to take part in planned activities and are able to self-select activities from clearly labelled boxes with pictures. They have an excellent variety of activities, which contribute to their development in all areas. For example, the children were looking and discovering about National Swiss day. They had planned activities. They made a Swiss flag, discussed activities that they might take part in if they were in Switzerland. They looked on the globe where Switzerland is and visited the local Swiss café. The children all walked to the local café. They discussed safety and items of interest along the way. They observed the local bus on its way to Salisbury. They found sufficient chairs in the café for eight persons, realising they required three extra chairs for the table. They decided what they wanted to drink and, with the support of the childminder, ordered their drink. Some children are able to discuss

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All children's individual needs are met exceptionally well. The childminder has attended Birth to three training and is implementing in her practise and planning activities. Daily diaries are maintained for sharing of information and development charts are kept for younger children to inform parents and plan next step's in children's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children develop an awareness of the local community and the wider world through visits to the park, surrounding area, café and library. They borrow books from the library in different languages and look at other cultures, festivals and traditions on a regular basis through topics, for example, National Swiss Day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive a warm welcome on arrival and are valued as individuals. The childminder ensures children get individual attention. For example, while two older children are involved

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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 on the computer she uses this time to share a book with the younger child. The childminder has a childcare qualification and has experience of working with children with special needs and outside agencies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behaviour is exceptional; they are confident, polite and courteous. They make very good relationships with each other and the childminder. They support each other and arrive at the setting happy and confident.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works very closely with the parents and carers; she exchanges information on a daily basis and maintains daily diaries for younger children to ensure all parties are well informed. Parents are aware of robust policies in place. Parents receive information about their child's progress and development and work closely together with the childminder to meet children's individual needs. Younger children benefit from the positive partnership with parents and the childminder's understanding of their individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend the setting. All children benefit from the childminder's careful planning and organisation of the day.

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Organisation

Children are comfortable, settled and at ease in a well-organised environment. Children are confident and secure, they initiate and select their own play and are engrossed in planned activities. They are aware of behavioural expectations and some children are involved in the setting of the 'rules.'

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Organisation

Children's continuity of care is in place due to robust, clear policies and procedures, which are shared with the parents. The childminder keeps up to date with information and training.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection one recommendation was made. This related to ensuring that sufficient detail was recorded in the accident book. This has now been addressed satisfactorily.

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Complaints 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

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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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