Bennett, Maxine Elizabeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 303956 Inspection date 06 July 2005 Inspector Janice Linsdell

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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 was registered in July 1989. She lives with her husband and adult son in Hartford, Cheshire. She works with her husband who is also a registered childminder. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years. When working with her husband, both childminders are registered to care for 12 children under eight. Planning approval is in place to accommodate up to a maximum of 16 children in total. There are currently 31 children on roll, of whom 19 are under 8

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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 years. All children attend on a full and part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from school and attends local toddler groups. The family have a pet dog. The childminder holds the Certificate in Childminding Practice qualification and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's good health is extremely well promoted because the childminder implements highly effective practices and procedures so that all children can enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Children understand the importance of hand washing routines because the childminder maintains and reinforces high standards of hygiene. Excellent written health policies ensure that children remain healthy and fully protected from illness or infection. Children are well nourished and receive a healthy and nutritious diet following consultation with parents about children's individual dietary needs. Children are actively involved in planning well balanced menus and make healthy choices about what foods they would like to eat. Children relish physical activity and benefit greatly from the wide variety of opportunities to experience fresh air, exercise and active play on a daily basis. They thoroughly enjoy outdoor play in the spacious, well-equipped garden and eagerly

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Helping children to be healthy

participate in regular trips to local parks, indoor play areas and walks through the woods. This significantly enhances the children's physical health, development and well being.

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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, secure and welcoming environment, where excellent safety measures are taken to minimise risks to children. The childminder gives high priority to safety and children are effectively reminded about hazards so they learn how to keep themselves safe. Children move safely and confidently between rooms and have free access to an extensive range of safe, stimulating and high quality resources. Excellent systems are in place to ensure that children are kept safe on the premises and outside. Any hazards to children's safety are significantly reduced because the childminder is trained in risk assessment and pays close attention to the safety needs of children at all times. She is highly skilled in keeping children safe and implements effective practices such as the 'walking bus' so that children learn about road safety issues and how to keep safe on outings.

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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 fully safeguarded because the childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of child protection issues and procedures. She has attended training in this area and has access to detailed information to ensure that prompt action is taken to protect children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They thoroughly enjoy attending and take an active role in the excellent range of quality activities and play experiences on offer to promote their learning and development. Children participate enthusiastically in a wide variety of activities such as baking, gardening, crafts and group games. They are highly confident and self-assured and are able to express their needs, select resources and choose where to play. Children's playrooms are extremely well resourced with an extensive range of toys and equipment to fully support their play and learning. Highly effective and well organised daily routines enable children to feel secure and at home in the childminder's care. Children are involved in purposeful play such as threading games and completing jigsaws, as the childminder asks meaningful questions to support and extend their learning. Children benefit greatly from

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

attending a number of outside groups such as toddler and childminding groups, where they engage in new experiences and socialise with other children of similar age. The exceptional standard of care and attention shown towards children ensures that secure and trusting relationships are well established. The childminder shows high regard to valuing children's efforts, praising children and expressing her surprise as they develop new knowledge and skills. Children enjoy keeping individual folders of their work enabling them to feel proud of their achievements. The childminder knows all the children very well and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of their individual needs, which has a positive impact on the children's care, learning and enjoyment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are valued and treated with respect because the childminder demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of equality issues and a commitment to anti-discriminatory practice. Children are actively involved in making decisions and participating fully in all aspects of the provision, such as contributing to the inspection by providing written feedback about the childminder's practice. This ensures that their views are listened to and that their opinions matter. Children learn to appreciate diversity through the use of cultural resources, activities and discussions which helps them to develop good awareness and understanding of the wider world. Children's behaviour is excellent and consistently well managed so that children develop a clear understanding of expectations and boundaries within the setting.

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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 They are encouraged to be responsible, to think for themselves and make choices about what they would like to do. For example older children assist and support younger children in their play and all children enjoy learning to respect nature and taking care of animals in the garden. Children receive high levels of praise, support and encouragement which significantly increases their confidence and self-esteem. Children benefit greatly from the exceptional partnership established with parents. The childminder involves parents in all aspects of the children's care, which promotes consistency and ensures children's needs are fully addressed. Parents receive daily feedback about the children's day and a detailed policy document keeps them well informed of the childminder's practice and procedures. Parents and children are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

given every opportunity to contribute to the setting, such as providing positive written feedback to express the childminder's qualities, exemplary practice, high standards and professional approach.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The organisation and management of childcare is exceptional. The childminder is meticulous in planning and organising childminding arrangements so that children are healthy, safe and well cared for. The highly effective team work between the childminder and her husband makes a significant contribution to the children's care and well being, that enables all children to thrive. Childminding documentation, detailed written policies and information to promote children's welfare are extremely well organised and maintained to a high standard. The childminder is highly experienced in caring for children. She is qualified to level three standard and shows a commitment to continuous development. Children benefit from the superb range of training courses she has attended and which positively influences her practice. Her training, experience and dedication to the children contributes to the high quality care that they receive.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children attending.

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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

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 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

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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