Snaith, Joanne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 301722 Inspection date 13 June 2005 Inspector Jean Davison

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 a registered childminder since 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and nine years. They live in a three bed room semi detached property in Holywell Village, Northumberland. The whole of the ground floor, and upstairs playroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and at present is caring for seven children on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and

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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 toddler group on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive because the childminder follows highly effective procedures and practises, which meet children's physical, nutritional and health needs. The childminder has been on a recent training course and has obtained the Basic Food and Hygiene certificate. The exceptional adult support and guidance helps children gain an excellent understanding of hygiene and a desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care, for example, they have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet to reduce the risk of cross infection. Children learn to understand the benefits of a healthy diet from an early age. They are able to make choices from a variety of healthy snacks, and help themselves to easily accessible drinks and fruit throughout the day. The childminder provides nutritious home made meals for the children. There are comprehensive records in

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Helping children to be healthy

place to ensure that children are provided with a healthy, nutritious diet, which takes account of children's individual dietary needs and parental wishes. Children enjoy, explore and develop physical control, in stimulating indoor and outdoor experiences. Daily visits to local parks, parent and toddler groups, soft play, walking to school and the extensive range of out-door play equipment, including a trampoline, improve children's physical skills. The childminder's excellent understanding of the developmental stages of the individual children she is caring for means that even the youngest of children are confident to try new skills, ask for help and set their own limits within a safe environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder is extremely vigilant and uses effective risk assessments to reduce potential hazards both, in and out of the home. The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to achieve a balance between freedom and setting safe limits. This allows children to learn a sense of danger and knowledge about how to protect themselves from harm. Children independently select activities from a wide range of stimulating and high quality equipment and resources, which are appropriate to their age and stage of development, and provide an excellent balance of activities that promote learning in all areas. The childminder has a comprehensive fire drill which is recorded and practised with the children she cares for.

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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 are very well protected, as an up to date first aid certificate and a very good understanding of child protection procedures that are in line with local Area Child Protection Committee guidelines underpin the childminder's good practise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children settle extremely well in the childminder's house, they are very enthusiastic and confident within the well organised and welcoming home. Children arrive happy and eager to participate. They socialise and relate very well to each other. Children are very independent as they choose between an extensive variety of toys, books, and musical activities. All children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy exploring a wide range of activities, which contribute to their creativity, such as painting, cooking and listening and responding to music. There is also a vast range of age appropriate out-door play materials available including a large trampoline with safety net, which all of the children, including the childminder, thoroughly enjoy while singing nursery rhymes. An adaptable approach to planning and an excellent balance between adult and child led activities allows children to learn at their own pace.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The close and caring relationship increase children's sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. Early communication skills are extremely well supported through high quality adult and child interactions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routines as discussed with their parents. Children show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously, their behaviour is exemplary. The childminder supports children in sharing, taking turns and helping one another. She has high and realistic expectations and sets consistent boundaries for all children, which help them learn to negotiate with others and take responsibility for their own behaviour. Children's understanding of right and wrong is increased as they respond to gentle reminders to care for each other. The childminder provides a good range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, and increase children's awareness of diversity and an understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well being in the childminder's home. Parent’s views about their children's needs and interests are actively sought before their child starts, and on a regular basis throughout their time there. Daily written and verbal information shared with parents ensures that they are kept very well informed about how their child is developing and progressing. The childminder ensures that parents are informed about all aspects of the childminding

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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 practice and welfare of their children, by providing them with an extensive information package, which includes copies of all written policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The premises are effectively organised, indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. The children are very confident and settled in their surroundings, and are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children have the opportunity for rest, play, meals and going out, which is organised around their normal daily routine. Comprehensive policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the provision and their child’s activities. This ensures continuity in the children’s care. Children benefit from the highly skilled and knowledgeable childminder who, continually evaluates her practice and is committed to continuous improvement and development. She attends a variety of training courses to further develop her skills

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Organisation

and knowledge. The high quality of the provision means that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend extremely well.

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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

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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 of care are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the care

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

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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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