Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY275275 Unique Reference Number 06 September 2007 Inspection date Christine Tipple 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 was registered in November 2003. She lives Brotton near Saltburn-by-the-Sea with her husband and three children two of whom are teenagers. The childminder is close to local shops, amenities and the Primary School. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and there is an enclosed front garden that is used for outdoor play. The family have two cats and tropical fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She currently has six children on roll who attend mainly on a part time basis. The childminder uses her car for childminding purposes.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the Redcar and Cleveland Childminder Network and the National Childminder Association. She has a Level 3 childcare qualification.

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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. Children are fully informed about health and hygiene practices through the well managed daily routines and discussions. Children access the facilities confidently and demonstrate a very good level of independence which includes the youngest child. Children happily talk about the purpose of washing their hands and why 'it stops you getting a poorly tummy'. There is excellent emphasis on health matters and this runs through all aspects of the childminder's approach with the children in having healthy bodies. There is a comprehensive policy in place which supports the childminder's conscientious approach and includes the care of children when ill. The childminder is well informed about the importance of minimising cross infection and she takes highly effective steps and precautions with the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities to be fully engaged in physical activities and to have plenty of fresh air. Children have very good access to the garden which offers a wide range of equipment and resources for the children to climb, manoeuvre themselves around obstacles. This is further extended for the children through excellent opportunities to visit other facilities, such as activity centres, parks and dance and movement sessions. Children use a range of well presented smaller tools which provides them with high levels of self-control, such as holding brushes and pencils, threading and cutting materials which supports and continues to be highly effective in developing the children's physical skills and confidence.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides a full range of excellent snacks and cooked meals for the children on a daily basis. These promote a very well balanced, healthy and nutritious range. The positive approach by the childminder ensures the children are informed about what is healthy through discussion and to encourage them to try different foods. This is seen as important so that the children enjoy food and eat a balanced diet. There are details in the food policy and menus of what is offered, such as a good selection of vegetables, meat, fish and pasta. The childminder works to the 'five a day' of vegetables and fruit programme, this includes an informed weaning range for the babies. Information is displayed for parents so they are fully informed about what their children are eating each day. All food is cooked fresh and the childminder uses a steamer to ensure vegetables retain their nutrients. Snacks are fruit, such as apple, strawberries and

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Helping children to be healthy

banana's, smoothies are offered as another way for the children to enjoy fruit. Drinks are ongoing and are kept in a cool bag for the children to access themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and clean environment. The children are able to freely move around and maximise their play opportunities. The range of well presented facilities and equipment provide the children with provision to rest, sleep and to eat together. The excellent range, balance and selection of toys and resources are of very good quality and fully support children's play and learning opportunities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety and welfare is well managed by the childminder which is supported with an informed policy. She takes all positive steps to ensure the safety of the children through effective practice both in the home and outside. Children regularly practice the evacuation procedure which provides them with confidence in an emergency situation. The childminder is vigilant in the children using tools and equipment safely and appropriately, such a scissors.

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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 take responsibility to tidy up and respect their environment. Road safety is managed well with the both the younger and older children through their daily walks and outings where they discuss when it is safe to cross and use the 'Green Cross Code'. Children are transported in the car where there are appropriate seats and booster seats provided and children know about keeping their belts secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has up to date information in place on the safeguarding of children in her care. She is informed about what to do if she has a concern. All details are shared with parents in relation to her role and responsibilities for children's welfare and safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The range of activities and resources offer the children a highly effective learning environment. Children are happy and relaxed and are interested and keen to experience the activities provided each day. The childminder provides a written daily outline of the key areas of what the children will do. Children's developmental needs are well supported by the childminder who enhances her skills through the use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. However, the recording and organising of the younger children's progress and development is not clearly linked to each child or fully extended to include the older children. Children have positive access to all the resources and the childminder ensures that there is a good variety set out and the children are able to select and make additional choices in what they want to play with.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are fully engaged with what they are doing and their communication and development of language skills is very good. The positive approach to reading stories and the children's eagerness in getting their space on the childminder's knee so they can all read together. The children access role play, such as dressing up and making dens. Children have ongoing opportunities to recognise shapes, colours and to count. Creative play includes music and the children make models with a variety of resources, for example, plant pots and wool which made a tree. Outings are regular, such as the toddler groups and activity centres visits to the museum and parks. These offer the children extended experiences and develop their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual needs are very well supported and valued by the childminder. The positive selection of information is promoted through all areas of the provision. This is supported with a well presented and clear policy statement that promotes diversity and the wider world. There is a broad selection of quality resources which offers the children a positive insight into different cultures and in understanding the differences around them. The childminder uses the toy library to enhance further what is provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good they are happy in the child centred routines and boundaries in place. These are highly effective due to being relevant to the children's level of understanding. The childminder leads by example through her calm and sensitive approach to the children's needs and offers reassurance through cuddles. Time is given to the children to explain why their behaviour is unacceptable and the impact it has on others. Children are praised and valued and this fully supports their self assurance and confidence. There is a strong emphasis on children taking levels of responsibility for respecting each other, to share, take turns and use their manners which the children do well.

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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 The relationship with parents is excellent and this is reflected in the range of letters of appreciation and thanks received by the childminder. The information in the welcome booklet provides them with a comprehensive outline of the care and facilities their children receive. This gives them confidence and trust in the quality of care for their children. The comprehensive range of polices and procedures highlight the importance the childminder places on the children's ongoing safety and developmental needs. Time is given on a daily basis to share information to parents about their child's day. There are photographs that provide evidence of the range of activities the children have done. There are observations recorded on the children under three years and these are shared with the parents so they are well informed on their children's

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The organisation is very well managed and the childminder promotes a highly efficient attitude and approach to her role. She ensures the range of facilities and activities are well presented within the allocated space. This is very effective in enabling her to provide quality care and meet the children's various needs. The childminder has an excellent record of her commitment to attend a wide range of training, such as behaviour management, child protection and to achieve a Level 3 qualification in childcare. She takes an active role in her local childminder network group and is a support childminder where she shares her good practice and skills.

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Organisation

The childminder has a very good range of detailed and informed policies and procedures which cover all aspects of her practice. This demonstrates the childminders professional attitude and the importance of ensuring the children's ongoing welfare and safety. Other documentation and records are very well presented and are reviewed to ensure all information is relevant and up to date and link to the National Standards and other childcare practices. The childminder ensures all information is stored effectively to maintain and ensure confidentiality. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last care report recommended that the childminder continue to develop the range of resources that reflect the wider world.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has further extended the range and selection of her resources to ensure these offer the children a positive insight into the wider world and in understanding diversity.

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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 can be seen on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • review the recording and organising of the younger children's progress and development so they link more effectively to each child, extend this process to include the older children.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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