Hayley Clare Wallace

Inspection report for early years provision

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220661 Unique Reference Number 24 August 2007 Inspection date Melanie Eastwell 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 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and six years in Thrapston, Northamptonshire. All areas of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children who attend on a full and part-time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's continued good health is promoted because the childminder employs excellent practices to maintain a healthy environment. For example, she has very high standards of hygiene in her home and follows thorough routines for nappy changing. She keeps all the required items in an accessible place, uses anti-bacterial spray to clean the mat between children, disposes of the nappy promptly and encourages children to wash their hands with her after their nappy has been changed. Children are learning about the benefits of maintaining good

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 personal hygiene because the childminder talks to them about germs and discusses good practices with them during cooking activities such as not licking their fingers. The childminder has a hand-made poster displayed for children describing how to wash their hands and why it is important. Pictures are in place of what children interpret the germs to look like and this reminds and encourages them to consider their personal hygiene. They have individual hand towels in the bathroom and steps are available to enable them to be independent. Children are protected from the risk of cross-infection. The childminder works with parents to encourage toilet training and gives children plenty of praise which motivates them to succeed. Children who have accidents are managed sensitively and promptly because the childminder holds a

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Helping children to be healthy

current first aid certificate and a well-stocked first aid kit is kept in an accessible place in the kitchen. Detailed records are kept of accidents and of any medication administered to children which are signed by parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of meals and snacks that are varied, nutritious and freshly prepared by the childminder who is committed to ensuring that they have a balanced diet. They tuck in to fruit and vegetables and enjoy sitting together at the table. They particularly enjoy being involved in cooking activities and describe how they made the banana cake while they eat it for their dessert. The childminder discusses each child's dietary needs with their parents to ensure that appropriate food is offered and children are introduced to new tastes such as couscous and garlic bread. Children are actively encouraged to be involved in making healthy choices and choose which fruit they want from the fruit bowl. Children do not become thirsty because the childminder ensures they have access to regular drinks. They can help themselves to their drinks from the table during their play and are provided with fresh drinks at meal times

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Helping children to be healthy

or as required during the day. Children's physical skills are developing well because the childminder provides them with a wide range of outdoor play opportunities. They use slides and ride-on toys in the garden and the childminder promotes safe use of the trampoline which encourages their skills in balancing and spatial awareness. Children relish the involvement from the childminder in games such as egg and spoon, bean bag catching and bats and balls. Their hand and eye co-ordination is promoted well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's safety is given the highest priority by the childminder who is extremely vigilant in her supervision and is constantly aware of potential risks to children. Effective steps have been taken to minimise risks in her home and written risk assessments have been completed by the childminder who is constantly aware of making any necessary alterations. Children learn how to keep themselves safe because the childminder talks to them about safety and regularly practises emergency evacuation drills with them, she uses different exits and records the time taken to get everyone out safely. The childminder implements extra safety precautions when children use the trampoline such has gaining written parental consent for this activity, explaining to the children that only one may use it at a time, ensuring the entrance hole in the net is secure while children take their turn and keeping them under constant supervision. Children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

stay safe during outings because the childminder actively encourages them to become aware of road safety. She talks to them about stopping, looking and listening for traffic, they use the crossings, children take turns to press the button and all wait for the 'green man' before they cross. Children willingly help to tidy away after activities because they are stored in low level boxes that children can easily access themselves. They are learning to care for and to respect toys and equipment, and how to maintain a safe environment for everyone. Children enthusiastically immerse themselves in the inspiring range of activities and play materials, most

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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 of which they can self select. They know what other activities the childminder has and confidently ask for different play materials which are promptly provided by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder fully understands her responsibility to record and report all child protection concerns. She has attended further training in safeguarding children and is aware of the importance of maintaining confidentiality when managing such issues. The required documentation and contact details are in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy attending this vibrant setting which promotes their self-esteem and confidence. The childminder is highly skilled at providing children with fun activities that are stimulating to all their senses. For example, children enjoy looking at the herb garden. They touch the leaves and show delight through laughing and giggling at the different names and smells of the plants. They choose some herbs with the guidance of the childminder to be included in their meal such as mint in potatoes and basil with tomato dishes. Children are able to explore and be curious. They enjoy extensive opportunities to be creative during art and craft activities. They make double sided cardboard 'lollipops'. the childminder provides them with coloured pencils, stickers and rulers, she supports younger children with their use of the ruler to ensure they are successful in achieving straight lines. Children are proud to show their completed

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

lollipops and proceed to pretend to enjoy the taste.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's development is promoted because the childminder is skilled at ensuring she has a number of alternative activities ready for implementation as required. She knows the children very well and is able to anticipate their need for a change of activity. Children always lead the play and the childminder uses her extensive knowledge of child development to promote their learning by introducing new words and asking relevant questions. She extends activities to help children's learning. For example, following an outing to a farm, she introduces animal noises with younger children and art and craft activities involving their favourite animals for older children. Children benefit from the careful and thorough records the childminder keeps to show their progression. She has a clear understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage and is able to implement this into her exceptional practice. Samples of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's work, photographs and written observations clearly show children's progression in their learning and each child's folder is beautifully presented to show individual achievements and progression during their time with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Each child's individuality is celebrated and respected. Their self-esteem is actively promoted because they are able to select most activities themselves and demonstrate confidence to ask for items they want. The childminder values children's work and displays their creations on the wall in the conservatory. A wide range of play materials and resources that celebrate diversity are available to the children and a hand-made display is in place showing the world and a group of children holding hands around the edge all wearing national dress from their home country. The childminder ensures that she thoroughly researches festivals such as Diwali and Chinese New Year to ensure the activities she provides for the children are dynamic, relevant and purposeful. All children are welcomed by the childminder following careful discussion with their

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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 parents to ensure that specific needs can be met. A range of play materials and books are available which show positive images of people who have disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children get on extremely well together. They understand the boundaries that are in place for everyone's safety and respond to the childminder's gentle reminders to be careful and to think of others. They are provided with an excellent range of activities and high quality interaction from the childminder which helps to prevent behaviour issues arising. For example, during a game, children are learning to take turns, help younger friends to succeed and begin to learn that taking part and being together is more important than winning every game. Children benefit from the highly positive relationship between their parents and the childminder which is based on effective communication and trust. Parents are consulted about their child's care throughout their time with the childminder and their input is highly valued by her. They receive written information from the childminder which gives them details about the service she offers

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and daily feedback about the activities their child has enjoyed, their food intake and nappy changes as appropriate. Parents are actively encouraged to become involved. For example, the childminder is a member of a local support group who have a teddy that can be loaned to childminders to go home with children at weekends or be taken on holiday. Parents are asked to take photographs and make records of what the teddy has enjoyed doing with the child and their parents which helps them to feel a sense of belonging. Parents have access to the written records of their child's achievements, the childminder encourages them to contribute to the records by adding their own comments into the folders which are sent home for parents to keep when their child leaves the childminder's care. The childminder has devised a comprehensive system to record any complaints which may arise from parents relating to the National Standards.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Outcomes for children are excellent in this vibrant, friendly setting. The childminder is highly skilled at providing children with a safe, welcoming environment where they can flourish in their development. Children benefit from the childminder's high quality interaction in their play and her consistent promotion of their well-being. She is exceptionally well-organised and the written policies and procedures are clearly reflected in her daily activity with children. She ensures that the required ratios are maintained at all times, which enables her to provide all children with sufficient one to one attention during activities, and to read stories which promotes children's sense of belonging and well-being in her home. The available space is well used to allow a variety of activities to take place simultaneously and toys are freely accessible to children in low-level, open boxes which encourages them to explore and to be curious. The childminder

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Organisation

is committed to keeping her knowledge up to date and she attends training courses frequently. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop a knowledge and understanding of how to promote the needs of children who have special needs. She has attended the 'Extending Childminding Practice' course which covered this issue and gave suggestions for the childminder to be able to promote all children's needs in a positive way. She has acquired a range of play materials and books which show positive images of people with disabilities and these are available to the children. The action taken by the childminder has a positive impact on the outcomes for children because the childminder has increased her knowledge and awareness of this issue.

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Improvements 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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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 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

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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