Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY270920 Unique Reference Number 03 August 2007 Inspection date Rachael Williams 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 October 2003. She lives with her three children in their family home in Clevedon, North Somerset. The premises are close to local facilities including shops, parks and toddler group. The whole house is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family care for a cat and a hamster.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years old. At present, she has four children on roll who attend for a variety of sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a qualified primary school teacher and receives support from the local authority.

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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. The childminder is effective in ensuring children's health and well-being. She has extremely high standards of hygiene to protect children from the spread of infection and encourages children to learn good self-care skills to promote good hygiene. For example, children show good understanding of why they need to wash their hands; they use liquid soap and warm water and dry them on individual flannels which minimises the spread of infection. Procedures to protect children from illness, such as an exclusion policy and the administering of medication, are given careful consideration and are clear and effective.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are extremely well protected as the childminder has relevant paediatric first aid training which is updated regularly. There is a fully stocked and maintained first aid box. Accidents are recorded accurately and promptly shared confidentially with parents. There is good provision to protect children from the sun as appropriate sun cream is applied and children are provided with a shaded area in the garden where they are able to play comfortably.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy eating is promoted effectively. Children benefit from healthy and nutritious snacks and meals which meet their dietary requirements. Children are actively involved in purchasing and preparing their meals. Hence, poor eaters take responsibility for what they eat and are keen to be involved. Children have been involved in planting their own vegetables to simulate their inquisitive nature. Children confidently access drinks which are replenished regularly to ensure they remain well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of flexible, well-planned activities which promote their physical well-being and development. There are plenty of opportunities for children to have fresh air experiences, for instance, through regular walks to the toddler group, park and beach. Children develop their control and coordination skills on a good range of resources within the garden. For example, children count bounces on the trampoline and steer ride-on toys well as they negotiate routes. Non mobile babies have similar experiences and enjoy walks in the buggy. Through appropriate positioning of babies by the childminder they are encouraged to reach for toys to simulate their development. The play space is well organised to encourage them to 'cruise' confidently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder's comprehensive understanding and knowledge of procedures ensures that children are safe and protected from harm. Children are closely supervised by a vigilant childminder who actively ensures children are protected from potential risks and hazards through consistent high monitoring of the provision. For example, children's security is paramount and the childminder has good procedures to prevent children leaving unsupervised. Thorough systems for the arrival, registration and collection of children are in place to ensure children's well-being is safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a very spacious, clean environment which enables them to move freely and safely. Displays are used well to promote the Birth to three matters framework and to encourage the children's very good self-esteem. They access an abundant range of high-quality, safe toys and resources. These are easily accessible in low level containers to encourage children's independence. Children are well protected on outings as the childminder has thorough 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 in place to reduce potential risks. For example, children are given clear explanations on road safety and the need for appropriate car seats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being is fostered exceptionally well due to the childminder's excellent knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, such as the possible signs of child abuse, confidential recording of incidents and the procedures to follow. Parents are fully informed of her responsibilities through a well-written child protection policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very confident within the well-organised homely environment. They enjoy their time and achieve well because the childminder positively supports their development. Excellent relationships have been established which encourages children's learning as there is very good interaction to support children's developing needs. Children are very sociable and very good communicators. The childminder has exceptionally good knowledge of how children develop and uses this well to provide children with a balanced range of experiences which are well monitored. Scrapbooks of children's achievements record their excellent progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play cooperatively. They share the bricks and build towers comparing which is taller. One child realises that the carpet makes her tower wobbly so moves to a wooden surface to see if she can build a taller tower. This shows excellent problem solving skills. Children show good coordination as they colour pictures confidently. They show pride in their achievements and share them with the childminder who values their contributions and displays the finished creations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder forms excellent relationships with children, working closely with parents to allow each child to settle in their own time. Children develop a strong sense of belonging and feel valued. The childminder is exceptionally good at valuing and respecting children's differences. Children are developing good understanding of the natural world and the diversity in our society through regular walks within the community. The childminder's proactive approach to identifying children's individual needs, establishing effective relationships with parents and working cooperatively with other professionals benefits children and enables them to be fully included within all aspects of the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well-behaved. Through consultation with children and parents 'ground rules' have been established to ensure children are clear on boundaries and expectations. Effective strategies are used to monitor and encourage good behaviour. For instance, children are consistently praised and their achievements fully acknowledged. Children are consistently involved and engaged within the homely environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive a wealth of information and good relationships have been established to ensure the regular exchange of information, for instance, through a daily diary which documents young babies' routines. The childminder uses a questionnaire to involve parents in her childminding and to improve her very good minding practices. Parents have access to an informative childminding portfolio which includes well-written policies and procedures. They receive comprehensive information about the Birth to three matters framework through photographic evidence and a well annotated scrapbook of children's achievements.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for by an experienced and well-qualified childminder. She is committed to ongoing training which is reflected in a good understanding of how children learn. The childminder uses her excellent knowledge and understanding of early years to plan and organise an exciting play environment. Space and resources are organised exceptionally well to encourage children's independence within the homely environment which enables them to move freely and safely. The local environment is used effectively to provide children with a wide variety of stimulating play opportunities.

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Organisation

The childminder is highly motivated. Her flexible approach to childminding ensures that children's interests are acknowledged and that all children benefit from the well-organised environment. The childminder's organisation and use and understanding of the purpose of documentation is exemplary. She ensures she has detailed information about each child. Parents are fully aware as appropriate records of parental permission are in place and written policies and procedures are clear, easily accessible to view and effectively practised to provide a safe and stimulating environment for children. The childminder shares all documentation in confidence with parents and ensures all records are stored securely.

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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 a recommendation was raised relating to organisation. This has been successfully addressed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The children are closely supervised and high ratios are maintained. Their hours of attendance are accurately recorded in the daily register which fully supports their care and development.

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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 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

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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