Rae, Maureen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 220803 Inspection date 01 September 2005 Inspector Anne Archer

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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 1996. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder, and their three children aged 11, 8 and 6 in Weldon in Northamptonshire. The ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time when working alone and a maximum of 6 children when working with her husband. She is currently minding I child under 5 all day, 3 children under five part time and 3 children over five part time. The childminder walks to the local school to take 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 collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children participate in an extensive range of outdoor activities to ensure they have fresh air and physical activity to aid their good health. The childminder takes sensible precautions to protect children from the harmful aspects of the sun and ensures they are suitably clothed in poor weather. Children are cared for in a clean, well ventilated home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children are familiar with personal hygiene routines and have a clear understanding of why they clean their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Children show a clear awareness of the benefits of a healthy diet. They help themselves to drinks from covered jugs of water and diluted fruit cordial throughout the day. The childminder frequently asks the younger children if they would like a drink and they are particularly encouraged to drink well during hot weather. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder takes account of parental wishes and the children's choices to provide varied snacks that appeal to children and meet their dietary needs. Whilst the childminder does not provide meals for children she ensures that the packed lunches that parents provide are stored appropriately and served in a way that encourages children to eat well and enjoy meal times as a social occasion.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are able to move around the house and garden in complete safety because the childminder has a very good understanding of how to keep children safe and secure. She is able to identify and quickly take action to minimise potential risks throughout the house and garden. Children know how to keep themselves safe because the childminder has lively talks with them about road safety, how to keep themselves safe outside the home and how to care for each other. The older children show concern by making sure that when they play games using small pieces they do so out of reach of the younger children. Older children independently select toys and activities for themselves from a wide range of good quality equipment and resources while the childminder carefully monitors and supervises younger children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The extensive range toys

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and equipment are kept clean and maintained as and when necessary. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare well. She has all the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate at a higher level than is required and has a secure understanding of local child protection procedures and her responsibilities in relation to them.

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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 settle very well. They enter the childminder's home confidently and quickly make themselves at home. Children's daily routines are completely maintained because the childminder discusses these and their stage of development thoroughly with their parents to ensure she has all the information she needs to care for them. Children of all ages relate very well to each other. They enjoy being in each other's company and they play together, in small or larger groups depending on the activity. Older children show kindness by supporting younger ones when they need help. Children are independent and are able to choose between the wide variety of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all. Younger children particularly enjoy sing a long, stories and cooking activities while older children enjoy the table tennis table and computer games. All children spend their time purposefully, they also thoroughly

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enjoy exploring a wide range of activities which contribute to their creative and physical development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Children's needs are very well met and they are able to follow their normal routines. The childminder supports children's individual needs very well. She seeks parental permission to help children learn about each other's cultures and beliefs through discussion and participation in a range of interesting activities. This provides a positive view of the wider world and increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children's behaviour is excellent because the childminder and her family are good role models. The childminder has a very positive approach to behaviour management expecting and receiving good behaviour. Children are aware of house rules and show respect for the boundaries set. All children show care and concern for each other and older children support the younger ones to make the correct decision.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are both professional and friendly. Through daily sharing of information, both written and verbal, and discussion about how the child has been and what he has been doing, the childminder ensures that parents are kept fully aware of the level of care their child receives and of any future activities which their child might participate in.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The children feel very much at home and at ease in the very well organised environment enabling them to confidently initiate and extend their play. The childminder very effectively uses well rehearsed procedures and her experience to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She has thought carefully about which areas of her home to use for childminding to ensure children have the space

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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 and freedom to play while maintaining some privacy for her family and she has made alterations to the lay out of her garden to provide a better play surface for children. All the required documentation and record keeping is well maintained and shared with parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure children could not gain access to household cleaners or leave the house unsupervised. The childminder is now in a new home which has safety catches fitted to appropriate cupboards and outer doors and gates are kept secure during childminding hours which ensures children remain safe and secure.

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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

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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