Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY267141 Unique Reference Number 27 September 2007 Inspection date Jenny Howell Inspector

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Integrated 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 13. They live in a house in Rochford within walking distance of the shops, park, school and pre-schools. The whole house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently caring for 10 children, including one over the age of eight. She provides care over a variety of hours, both part-time and full-time, taking children to and from school and pre-school. The childminder works with two assistants. The family have six cats and a tortoise. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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's good health is promoted as they learn to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet or playing in the garden. The childminder reinforces this by explaining why children need to wash their hands. Children also learn about dental hygiene as they clean their teeth after each meal. Children are cared for in a clean environment and the childminder has a good understanding of food hygiene. Children are very well cared for if they have an accident or become ill. The childminder has up to date training in first aid and keeps a first aid kit close to hand at all times. This effectively ensures that children can be cared for quickly and appropriately. The childminder discusses medical details with parents and keeps a record of all relevant information, including written parental permissions to seek emergency medical advice and treatment. As a result of this children can be well cared for in line with their individual

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Helping children to be healthy

needs and parents' wishes, should they have an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy living as they enjoy regular opportunities to play and exercise in the garden and around the local area. Children visit parks and local soft play centres to walk, run, climb and explore. They frequently play in the garden with access to equipment including climbing frame, see-saw, cars, rocker, bats and balls, all of which encourage exercise and the development of physical skills. Children also walk regularly as they visit the library and duck pond on foot. Children learn about making healthy choices as they enjoy the wide range of nutritious, home-cooked meals provided by the childminder. Weekly menus have been developed in consultation with children to ensure that they are effectively adapted to meet the likes, dislikes and dietary needs of individual children. Snacks are provided to help children maintain energy levels throughout the day and often include healthy cakes and biscuits made by the

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Helping children to be healthy

children earlier in the day. Children also have free access to drinks throughout the day, ensuring that they are well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to rest and sleep in security and comfort according to their individual needs. The childminder works with parents to ensure that children have a routine which suits them and provides a travel cot with fresh bedding for each child. She monitors sleeping children frequently to ensure they are safe and comfortable.

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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 very safe and secure environment where the childminder takes appropriate action to ensure the safety of all children. A fire blanket and smoke detectors are in place to ensure that children can be kept safe in the event of a fire. The childminder ensures that all cleaning and hazardous products are kept in locked cupboards and also keeps the utility room locked when children are present. The childminder carries out a visual check of all areas and resources used by children on a daily basis, though she does not yet keep a written record of this. All toys and resources are appropriate to the ages of the children present and the childminder takes care to ensure that toys with small parts are not used when babies are present. Children are kept safe on trips and outings as the childminder uses appropriate car seats and

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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 restraints when travelling by car. Children are starting to learn about how they can keep themselves safe, for example, by learning how to cross roads safely and the procedure for evacuation should there be an emergency in the house.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures that all people that come into contact with children are safe to do so. She ensures that her assistants have undergone checks with the Criminal Records Bureau and also takes up references. The childminder has a very good understanding of her responsibility to protect the welfare of all children in her care. She has attended training in child protection and ensures that she has relevant advice and contact numbers to hand. She shares this information with parents, reassuring them about her high level of commitment to promoting the safety of all children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy with the childminder and enthusiastically settle to play as they and their parents are warmly welcomed into the home. They quickly become involved in a wide range of stimulating activities which are carefully tailored to their interests, needs and stages of development. Children develop highly positive relationships with each other, enjoying playing, learning and eating together. This, combined with effective interaction with the childminder and her assistants, helps children to build confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children initiate their own play, accessing toys independently and allowing their imagination to take the lead. They suggest games and play these with the childminder, providing opportunities for them to learn about sharing and taking turns. Children are fully involved and engaged in an extensive range of planned and spontaneous activities which help them to make very good progress in all areas. Their time is very well organised to ensure that they have plentiful opportunities to play and learn as well as the chance to rest and reflect when needed. Children's views and wishes are actively sought by the childminder. She involved them fully in the development of weekly menus, giving children the opportunity to make and try different foods before making a final plan and also encourages children to suggest the activities they would enjoy during the holidays.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children under three are very well cared for as the childminder adopts an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework. They take part in a very wide range of activities which are skilfully planned and delivered to allow them to learn through play and direct experiences. They have access to a wide range of toys and materials which promote their physical development and take part in activities which help them to develop an interest in the world around them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is good. Children take part in a wide variety of activities which are carefully planned to help them make effective progress towards the early learning goals for nursery education. Children's achievements and progress are consistently recorded and are used effectively to plan future activities. These assessment records are detailed and meaningful, making it easy for the childminder to identify individual children's next steps for learning. The childminder has an in-depth understanding of what individual children need to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 do next in order to make good progress, though does not yet link this back to her weekly plans. The childminder carefully plans and adapts activities to provide rich and stimulating learning opportunities for all children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a wide range of interesting and engaging activities, both planned and spontaneous, which help them to make very good progress towards the early learning goals. They develop good social skills as they play puzzles and games together, learning to share and take turns. They develop effective communication skills as they talk, chat and ask and answer questions freely. They enjoy opportunities to write and make marks as well as taking great delight in sharing, reading and enjoying books. Children are beginning to recognise sounds and letters and know that print carries meaning as they identify their own names and some of the labels and signs displayed around them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop mathematical skills through a wide range of activities. They learn about shapes, numbers and counting through sorting and matching games and write and colour numerals, helping them to learn how to represent numbers. Children investigate weight, mass and capacity through sand and water play as well as regular opportunities to cook. Children develop a very good understanding of the world around them. Regular trips around the local area help children to learn about animals, plants and the changing seasons. Children also learn about where food comes from as they plant, grow and eat their own fruits, vegetables and herbs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their physical skills through a wide range of activities. Threading, cutting and writing activities help children to develop small physical skills whilst the numerous outdoor play opportunities allow children to develop their balance, strength, hand-eye coordination and confidence. Children enjoy a wide variety of creative activities. They express their imagination through role-play, music, dancing, singing and puppet shows and use their artistic flair as they paint, collage, model and draw.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a strong sense of belonging as the childminder shares her attention equally and involves children in making decisions about what to do. Children are able to choose freely from the toys and resources, allowing them to direct their play according to their own interests. The childminder is very aware of the individual needs of each child. She works closely with parents to identify any special needs and has a positive approach towards caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder carefully adapts activities and resources to ensure that all children are included and are able to make good progress according to their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a positive attitude towards diversity as they take part in a wide range of activities which celebrate difference. Children find out about varied festivals and traditions such as Eid, Diwali, bonfire night and Rosh Hashanah as they share books, play games and puzzles and produce scrap books. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

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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 Children behave very well. They feel relaxed and confident as they know their boundaries and respond very well to the childminder. Children are learning to share and take turns through everyday games and activities, such as setting the table for snack, and remember to say please and thank you where appropriate. This helps to create a calm atmosphere where children can fully enjoy the full range of play and learning opportunities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The quality of the partnership with parents and carers is outstanding. Parents receive regular, detailed information about the foundation stage and the progress their children are making towards the early learning goals. Parents are effectively included in their children's learning through the use of daily diaries to share information on what children have learnt each day and what they can do next to make further progress. Plans for learning are shared with parents so that they can see what their children will be learning in the future and have opportunities to discuss how activities can be adapted to meet the individual needs of their child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for in line with their parents' wishes. The childminder ensures that she keeps records of all relevant information and parental permissions to ensure that she is able to care for children appropriately at all times, including in an emergency. The childminder is proactive in seeking parents views, using a questionnaire, and is responsive to any feedback she receives. Parents are very happy with the care and education their children receive, commenting that children learn a lot without realising it as they have so much fun, that the diaries provide a good insight and that the childminder is very approachable.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder organises time and resources extremely well to provide children with a wide variety of opportunities and experiences. Children can access toys independently and routines such as snack and meal times are very well organised to include all children and provide them with opportunities to develop social skills. Regular trips and outings effectively add variety to the daily routine, keeping children stimulated and providing additional learning opportunities. Highly effective recruitment and vetting procedures ensure that all adults working with children have a good understanding of child development and are suitable to care for children. The childminder works very well with her assistants. She ensures that they are very clear of their roles and responsibilities and effectively supports them in accessing further training such as first aid. Very well organised documents and records effectively support the childminder in the

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Organisation

high level of care and education she provides.

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Organisation

The childminder works extremely well with the local childminding network. She receives regular support and advice and acts on this promptly to effectively develop and improve quality of the education she provides. This support also allows the childminder to keep up to date with recent developments as well as giving her the opportunity to reflect upon and evaluate the quality of the learning opportunities she provides. As a result of this the childminder is able to set herself clear directions for improvement.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to attend training in childminding and to improve information for parents by implementing plans for producing an information leaflet.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has now attended a local authority approved registration course and has continued to develop her training, as a result of this she is able to develop and improve the care and learning opportunities she makes available to children. The childminder has produced an information booklet which all parents receive and also shares the full range of written policies and procedures she has produced. As a result of this parents are well informed about the care and education their children receive.

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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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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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): • consider the use of a written daily risk assessment to further promote the safety of children.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop planning further to ensure that individual needs for learning are clearly linked into short-term plans.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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 nursery education

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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