Clark, Tina Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY152821 Inspection date 08 June 2005 Inspector Jane Mount

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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 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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since April 2002. She lives with her son who is almost six years old in a three bedroom terrace property which is built on three floors. All areas of the house are registered to be used for childminding purposes except for the top floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The property is situated on the outskirts of Tring. A local park, Dundale school and shops are all within easy walking distance. Overnight care is not provided and the family have no pets.

p.2

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 The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years at any one time. She is currently minding three children, all of whom are under the age of five years and attend on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of Tring childminding group and a childminding buddy. She has been accredited with Herts Quality Standards which is a quality assurance award.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive because the childminder follows highly effective procedures and practices which meet the physical, nutritional and health needs of all children who attend. The exceptional guidance and support she provides help children gain an excellent understanding of hygiene and promotes a real desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care. Children eagerly wash their hands before eating and understand the reason for doing so. The visual bathroom prompt card is an effective reminder to children of what they need to do when visiting the bathroom. Children enjoy an extensive range of activities which contribute to their good health and physical fitness. They keenly participate in stimulating planned physical activities on a daily basis both within the home and outside. They always walk to school and pre-school and regularly visit a local park and indoor activity centre where they climb,

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

run, jump and bounce. Older children delight in practising their balancing skills, walking along a skipping rope and particularly enjoy hop scotch. Younger children are encouraged to explore the environment and practise new found skills as they become more mobile. Children can rest or sleep according to their needs with the day organised to fit in with their individual requirements. The childminder's excellent understanding of each child's stage of development ensures children are motivated and keen to try out new skills. Children are increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or rest. In a recent topic they learnt about the heart and are able to talk informatively about their bodies and staying healthy. For example they are able to confidently demonstrate how a stethoscope is used to listen to each others hearts and they all delight in making the boom, boom, boom sound of the heart.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs met effectively and are provided with a nourishing, freshly prepared, balanced diet. The childminder compiles menus taking account of individual and cultural needs in close discussion with parents. She uses seasonal fruits and vegetables whenever possible and parents receive their own copy of the menu. The recommended five fruit and vegetables a day are encouraged and after each meal the children actively participate in discussing and completing charts counting the fruits and vegetables they have eaten. On a weekly basis they visit a local market to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables and enjoy trying different and new varieties, discussing where in the world they can be found. Drinks are readily

p.3

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 accessible and children can independently access their own cup or beaker.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children flourish in a safe, stimulating, child friendly environment where they are actively welcomed and which promotes their development. The ground floor has been organised specifically for childminding purposes and includes an outside decking area which allows children to confidently, safely and independently move between the inside and outside environment throughout the day. Subsequently this provides opportunities for children to have choice in an environment kept safe but allows a balance between freedom and safe limits. Children have access to a wide range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate resources which provide high levels of challenge. This includes a varied range of resources and activities for older children. The childminder monitors and supervises the children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development and

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children are able to select independently. Children are animated and motivated by the resources available. Risk of accidental injury to children is minimised through a comprehensive written risk assessment which is regularly reviewed. Children show an excellent understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe. For example when sand was spilt during play a child spontaneously began clearing it away and understood that someone might slip and hurt themselves. Children are actively involved in checking that smoke detectors are in good working order and understand why they are in place. Fire drills are regularly practised and the children delight in practising leaving the house, crawling along the floor under a blanket in case of smoke. The children have visited the local fire station and older children particularly enjoy a board game involving fire safety. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

themselves safe when outside the home. When out walking they discuss road safety and this is reinforced through role play. The children enthusiastically recall how they dressed up as a lollipop lady, policeman and children crossing the road and confidently are able to retell the experience. The children are well protected by a childminder who has an excellent understanding of child protection policies and procedures and gives top priority to children's safety and welfare. She has attended both basic and designated persons training on child protection.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children's learning is purposefully promoted through the childminders excellent knowledge of child development, the Birth to three framework and the curriculum guidance for the Foundation Stage. For example, when compiling the children's

p.4

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 weekly activity plan the childminder ensures she covers the six areas of learning with the Birth to three framework incorporated. Developmental records are maintained for all children and these are also used when planning activities and topics. Children are making excellent progress in their learning and personal development because of strong relationships between the childminder, children and parents. The childminder knows the children extremely well through effective communication with parents and talking about home and families with the children. Children relish talking about past events such as when they were babies and become excited looking at photos of when they were younger. Children relate well to each other They are confident, happy and very settled and have a strong sense of belonging. Children learn right from wrong through example

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

from the childminder. She shows them how to respect and co-operate with others and helps them to become aware of the effect their actions has on others. Children are encouraged to talk about their feelings and recently covered emotions in a topic. The children delight in making happy and sad cards which are used to effectively express how they are feeling. All the children are involved in making the cards, including the very youngest child and also the childminder. Children regularly socialise with others outside the setting attending local toddler groups and an indoor activity centre. Early communication skills are extremely well supported through high quality adult-child interactions. The childminder is skilled at extending children's language, listening and talking with them. She effectively supports the children in their play developing their self esteem. Children are self assured and attentive, regularly asking questions and show a high level of interest in

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

what they do. Children become engrossed in a range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor resources and activities which provide high levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children play a dynamic role in their learning as they offer their own ideas and respond to challenges with great enthusiasm. All children are included and treated as individuals with self help skills encouraged from a very early age. Children are given responsibilities, for example regarding tidy up time, helping bring out the snacks and making decisions on what to eat. They are enthusiastic and keen to participate.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children have extensive opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them. They develop a positive attitude to others and a good understanding about the wider world and community. Children's awareness of diversity and other religions is promoted through celebrating festivals. For example, recently the children enjoyed making candle lights for Chinese New Year, they then pulled the curtains and lit the candles and listened to stories all about the festival. Children have opportunities to experience and taste food from around the world. For example, they regularly visit the local market to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables. They try different and new varieties of produce and discuss where in the world they

p.5

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 grow. Positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability are experienced through stimulating and varied resources and activities. For example, the children have recently learnt some sign language with the childminder. They all delight in demonstrating their new found skill and confidently sign a variety of words. Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest such as the farm as well as through routine walks, visiting the local market, toddler groups and parks. Children are highly valued as individuals. Their self esteem is built through excellent use of praise and encouragement and their behaviour is exemplary. Children show concern and freely help each other, regularly discussing their feelings and emotions. For example when a child is unhappy the childminder begins singing a song about

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

having a happy face. The children enjoy singing and all participate very enthusiastically including the child who is upset. When it comes to the part of the song to guess if the face is going to be happy or sad the children delight in shouting the type of face they think it will be. Children have a clear understanding of their own needs and a mature respect of the needs of others. Younger children are supported effectively by the childminder in sharing and taking turns and older children are learning to negotiate with others and take responsibility for their own behaviour. Children's understanding of right from wrong is increased as they respond to gentle reminders from the childminder to care for each other, their environment and resources. Children play an active part in the setting and this results in them being secure in their surroundings and feeling confident in making choices. Children regularly demonstrate exceptional good manners.

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well being. Parents views about their child's needs and interests are actively sought before the child commences and on a regular basis throughout their time with the childminder. An effective settling in programme, designed to meet the individual needs of the child and parent ensures children settle well. The childminder instantly captures children's interest when they visit through the use of a bubble machine. The childminder ensures all parents are informed how their child is progressing and developing and she works closely with them to meet specific needs and to ensure all children are included fully and receive appropriate support.

p.6

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is significantly enhanced by exceptional organisation and the outstanding commitment of the childminder. She has a high regard for the well being of all children and she organises and plans her time to ensure children are positively supported in their care, learning and play. The childminder strives to promote the children's sense of identity both individually and within the group which helps them to feel they belong. She understands the importance of giving individual attention as well as working with the children as a group. The childminder regularly evaluates her practice and is very pro-active in looking for ways of improving the quality of care she provides. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well being are in place.

p.6

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 Comprehensive policies and procedures are used effectively to protect children, promote their well being and support all to develop their potential. Parents are kept well informed of their children's progress with information shared on a regular basis including an informative portfolio and parent pack. Contracts are reviewed every six months and update and amendment sheets are given to parents regularly to ensure health records and emergency contact details are up to date. Children benefit greatly from a childminder who is continually updating and increasing her knowledge of child care and child development. She is committed to continuous improvement and development and has attended extensive on going training. She is currently in the process of completing a two year NVQ level 3 qualification in Early

p.6

Organisation

Years child care and Education. In 2003 the childminder was awarded Herts Quality Standards which is a quality assurance scheme and this has recently been awarded to her again. She is a childminding buddy, giving her the opportunity to share her outstanding knowledge and practice with other childminders. Overall, the provision meets the needs of all children who attend.

p.7

Improvements since the last inspection

The previous care inspection recommended the childminder should obtain prior written permission from parents to administer medication and written consent forms have now been completed and signed by all parents. It was also recommended that there should be sufficient and suitable play materials available and appropriate for the developmental needs of older children. Although the childminder is not currently minding any children over the age of five years she has increased the resources for older children significantly including a large selection of games and specific art and craft materials.

p.7

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

p.7

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.7

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.

p.7

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

p.7

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 procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.7

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

p.8