Hillier, Nicola

Inspection report for early years provision

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133565 Unique Reference Number 16 July 2007 Inspection date Maxine Coulson 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 registered in 1992. She lives with her partner and three children aged 15, 14 and six years of age. They live in a four bedroom detached house on a residential road close to the centre of Banbury. The whole house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for children's outside play. Her home is within walking distance of local shops, parks, pre-school and school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for five children under the age of eight years. She currently cares for seven children of these two are over the age of eight. Children attend for various days and sessions.

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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 good. Children thrive because the childminder has an effective approach to health and hygiene. Accident and medication records are in place, appropriate treatment given and parents' signatures and consents have been obtained. Children learn about the importance of being healthy through the childminder's skilful support and guidance. For example, they know to wash their hands after using the toilet, playing in the garden and before food. Children use a clean flannel every time they wash and the childminder reduces the risk of cross infection by ensuring that her home is always clean and well maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Physical activity is highly regarded and children are able to develop their physical skills in a wide range of activities on a daily basis. They enjoy daily walks and activities in the garden, such as football, trampoline and scooters. They use various apparatus at local parks such as climbing frame, negotiating steps up to the slide and just running around in the fresh air. This helps to develop their co-ordination and physical abilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a social atmosphere at mealtimes as they sit down at the table together to eat their lunch provided by their parents. The childminder encourages children to consider healthy eating and how this is good for your body. For example, a discussion at lunchtime looks at how milk is good for your teeth and bones. Children have access to drinks at all times to prevent them from becoming thirsty as they either help themselves, ask for help or have them offered throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a safe, warm and welcoming environment. The childminder has an excellent understanding of safety issues, children have space to move around safely and freely as she has minimised risks to keep them free from harm. Children learn about danger as the childminder helps them to understand how to keep themselves safe. For example, they practise fire evacuation, enjoy visits from the local Fire Officer and learn about road safety as they cross the road on routine trips and outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All children have access to a superb range of quality toys and resources which are suitable for their ages and stages of development. Resources have been carefully chosen to support children's play and are regularly checked for hygiene and safety. All children readily help themselves from the highly organised selection of interesting play equipment so they can follow their own interests.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All required documents and procedures are in place and are consistently maintained to safeguard children's welfare. Children are very well protected as the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection and has attended training to update her knowledge and improve her practice. Children are closely monitored at all times and the childminder gives top priority to their welfare.

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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 display extremely high levels of confidence in their daily activities and are developing very good independence skills, as they busy themselves and become absorbed in their activities. Their early communication skills are extremely well supported through high quality interaction with the childminder as they enthusiastically discuss their activities and talk about what they are doing. Children make very positive relationships, they play exceptionally well together and consider their peers as well as the younger children as they play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is skilful in encouraging children to make very good progress in all areas of development. For example, children participate in a wide range of activities and themes which extend their knowledge. They plant carrots in clear plastic pots so they can watch as they grow, they have great fun digging in sand, writing on chalk boards and join in with enthusiasm in songs and outside games. Young children are supported in their development of language skills and delight in playing with toys that rattle and squeak, play music and flash different colour lights. Children are able to demonstrate what they know as the childminder uses skilful questioning to make them think.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs and characters are clearly understood and respected by the childminder. All children are welcomed and included in the provision. The childminder provides toys and books to help children understand differences, although activities that help children learn about different festivals and celebrations are sometimes limited. Children learn about their local community through routines, trips and outings to the library or music sessions. Children develop an awareness of their environment and how they can make a difference, as they learn how to recycle paper for example.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is exceptional. The childminder has a positive, clear and consistent approach to behaviour management, which means children know what is expected of them and they feel secure. Children play very happily together in the childminder's care, they learn to share and take turns as the childminder uses her effective skills to encourage and help them develop their relationships with one another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The excellent partnerships with parents and carers contributes significantly to the children's care and well-being. The childminder provides detailed information about the service that she provides including her clear, well written policies and daily routines. Daily feedback keeps parents well informed of their child's achievements. This ensures that children's care, well-being and development is further enhanced.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is greatly enriched by the childminder's enthusiasm, her effective organisation of time, and her committed approach. Consistent routines and effective support ensure children feel a sense of belonging and are part of a bigger family. The childminder is well organised, arranging space and resources to maximise care, learning, and play opportunities for children. Children are effectively looked after in a welcoming and homely environment and they use the

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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 space well and with confidence. Appropriate training such as first aid is maintained so that she can respond effectively to any health issues and protect children in her care.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures she has all the required regulatory documentation in place, although contracts need to be updated. She requests all the necessary written parental permissions. The high quality policies and procedures are shared with parents, which means they clearly know about the provision and the care their child receives. Alongside the regular two way sharing of information, this contributes to continuity of the children’s care, safety and welfare.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to consider the following -

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Improvements since the last inspection

Arrange advance consent from parents to be able to seek emergency medical advice/treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Provide resources to show children positive images of disability.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now has obtained written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice/treatment and provides some toys and equipment that reflect differences. This ensures the children's continuing development, care, welfare and safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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 range of activities that increase children's awareness of diversity • update records and contracts to ensure all details are correct.

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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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