Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY288577 Unique Reference Number 04 September 2007 Inspection date Margaret Coyne 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 2004. She lives with her husband and one adult child in Luton, Bedfordshire The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom and one bedroom on the first floor are 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 under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for four children under eight years on a permanent basis and two children on an occasional basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local toddler group and childminding support group. The family have two pet cats and occasional care of a puppy. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and children who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has gained a level three qualification in their Quality First scheme.

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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 welcomed into a vibrant, clean and child orientated environment. They stay healthy on account of the superior procedures and practise the childminder adopts to promote each child's individual needs. Children share in this responsibility as they learn about keeping themselves healthy through extremely well-managed routines and worthwhile conversations and discussions about healthy practises. For example, how and why we wash our hands, why we brush our teeth. Children explain why we drink milk and eat yogurts so we get the calcium we need for strong teeth and bones. Cross infection is minimized by the rigorous application of stringent methods such as a hygienic nappy changing routine. Children have their own small towels which they identify by the picture on them which again helps prevent cross infection. Toys and equipment are maintained to an excellent standard and children share in some cleaning

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Helping children to be healthy

of these, as an activity, giving them added knowledge about keeping things safe and clean and making the activity part of a learning process. For example, counting pegs when helping to hang out the washing. Utmost priority is given to the records relating to children's health, such as policies and accident and medication records. These are written to an extremely high standard and maintained to a very high quality. These are highly effective in promoting children's health and well-being and when sharing relevant information with parents. The childminder has completed training for health and safety and food hygiene which supports the high level of care she provides for each child.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are positively encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle because the childminder provides healthy snacks and some meals which promotes children's knowledge and understanding of nutritional issues through discussion and activities. They talk about the healthy fruit and vegetables in the play shop and with cooking activities. She always ensures that fresh fruit and raw vegetables are available for children for their snacks alongside other items they enjoy such as cheese and crackers. Parents supply some meals for their children and are offered sensitive guidance through the childminders 'Under Fives Healthy Eating Plan' which she has devised. The childminder meets specific dietary needs within the menu available to the children and respects parental wishes and preferences paying particular attention to any allergies or religious requirements. The children always sit at their table to eat and younger children in high chairs

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Helping children to be healthy

have these lowered so they can join in at the same level. Children are positively encouraged to drink water which is freely and constantly available in a covered jug or bottle and understand the need to replenish their fluid levels in order to stay healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a superb range of physical activities which contribute to their good health. Activities are based at the children's level and aimed at developing their abilities, confidence and physical capabilities. The childminder has a thorough understanding of appropriate types of activities and levels of support for each child and ensures younger children have free space to move around as they develop their mobility. This promotes children's confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and recognise when to ask for help. Their confidence and independence is extended as they work and play together developing their physical skills. The children are fully supported by the childminder who is on hand to take part or guide their games and activities. Children's hand and eye coordination is developing through the innovative activities provided by the childminder such as construction toys, games and creative activities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to manipulate a range of small objects and manage pencils and brushes with growing dexterity. For example, children make stained glass pictures using glitter glue tubes to apply the paint. The childminder has a highly effective knowledge of the children's individual

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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 abilities and introduces age appropriate physical skills for the children to take part in. Children are encouraged to walk when out of the home helping them to develop their muscles and physical capabilities as well as getting fresh air. The majority of the physical play takes part in the local parks where children can enjoy a wide range of static equipment to balance, climb, swing and slide. The childminder has also taught the children to swim, developing their confidence in the water and learning about safety issues and personal hygiene practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is committed to providing a consistently high standard of care for the children of all ages. She has introduced the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework into her practice. This enables her to plan activities for the younger children and enables them to develop their emotional well-being, physical development and learn to make healthy choices for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Utmost priority is given to children's safety both in and out of the home. They are cared for in an exceptionally welcoming, safe and secure home environment. The childminder uses space in a highly creative manner to enable children to access toys independently and safely. A source of valuable information for parents is displayed and contained in well-organised folders. This communicates to parents that children's needs are paramount in this setting. For example, photographs and certificates assure parents that their children are in safe hands and a wealth of safety procedures have been developed. Children have a clear understanding of the areas they can access, and those which they require the childminder's supervision, for example the kitchen. If younger children are attending and require a quiet area to rest or sleep then the childminder sets up a travel cot in one room for them so she can continue to monitor both

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

active children and sleeping child. This ensures the safety and well-being of all children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from an abundance of easily accessible, stimulating resources, which are in an excellent state of repair and are age-appropriate. The childminder has an extensive knowledge about which toys are suitable for children of different ages and abilities. She uses this knowledge to identify the potential learning opportunities which can be supported by each item of equipment in line with the 'Birth to three matters' and the Foundation Stage guidance. The conservatory of the home has been turned into a vibrant play room with exceptionally well-labelled toy boxes and attractively presented activities. This gives children pride in their environment and helps them select activities independently. She carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys, to ensure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development. For example, creative activities are kept on a higher shelve so younger children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

can not access them without supervision. An imaginative use of furniture enables children to develop their own skills and imaginations. For example, as they build a tower block using a shelving unit and wooden dolls house to turn into different flats for the play people. The children have planned to wallpaper the 'rooms' and hang mini photos on the walls. This is an excellent use of equipment to enrich the children's imaginations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to move around and play safely, freely and independently because the childminder has identified and minimised all risks, expertly balancing freedom for children and setting safe limits. A valuable written risk assessment is conducted to ensure the children are kept safe at all times. Children learn the purposeful boundaries in place to maintain their safety inside and outside the home. For example, the childminder reminds the children not to run in the house, teaches them about road safety and safety on outings. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has extensive policies and documents in place. These underpin her excellent practice and actively contributes to the safety of children. Detailed emergency

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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 procedures have been developed and fire drills are frequently practised enabling children to learn about safe evacuation. All required documents and consent forms are in place for the childminder to transport the children and take them on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is paramount to the childminder. She has a robust knowledge and understanding of child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and has developed a comprehensive policy detailing her responsibility to the children in her care. She shares this information with parents to support the partnership between them. The childminder has completed child protection training and keeps all records and documents up to date to provide excellent evidence of her practice to fully protect the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are inspired and eager to learn as the childminder provides a stimulating environment and variety of splendid activities to instigate their interest. The childminder plans weekly activities and daily routines to ensure children make choices about their activities and can input their own ideas into their play. This is knowledgeable linked across the Foundation stage and the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children take part in a range of excellent activities which include; art and crafts, imaginative play, reading, constructive play, dressing-up, model making, cooking, visiting places of interests and the library, plus physical activities. The children have made props of straw, brick and stick houses to demonstrate the story of the Three Little Bears and retell it to the younger children. This challenges the children to think for themselves and share the fun with others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They develop rapidly due to the care and excellent preparation which goes into the planning of daily routines. Activities are often adapted to ensure all children present can participate and are appropriate for the individual children's development. For example, there are a variety of different size brushes available to help children paint. Younger children can grasp the chunky brushes or finger paint while older children have more dexterity to manage the finer brushs. This ensures all children can be creative and get involved in an activity. An outstanding balance has been created between adult and child led activities, children are able to play by themselves and with others and the childminder sensitively supports and acknowledges their achievements. Children's efforts are praised and this enriches the whole experience for them. Children have well planned time to be creative as they make stained glass window decoration with glitter glue

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and create intricate patterns with Hamer Beads. They enjoy many group activities within the home to extend their imaginations in familiar role play. For example, a well stocked shop enables children to act out roles, using both manufactured play food items and boxes of real food items. This extends their language skills, mathematical knowledge, social interaction and knowledge of the world around them. Children choose freely from this abundance of resources asking to play the word game 'Up Words' with support from the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a very warm relationship with the childminder which contributes to their sense of belonging. The interaction between them is a pleasure to watch as she supports and helps children develop their play. Children have a good understanding about right and wrong, reinforced by the childminder’s positive attitude towards their care and development. This supports their learning because they can concentre and become engrossed in activities. Children acquire new knowledge and skills as they learn about the world around them and how things grow and change through the childminder's expert practice. For example, taking part in simple science such as playing with the 'Jelly Bath', 'Hamer Beads' and 'Bead Its', experiencing how things change when different forces are applied. Their day is full of experiences which ensure

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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 they are making connections within their environment with regular visits to places of interest, the park, shops and toddler groups and when socialising with others in the childminder support groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has attended numerous, additional training sessions. This has increased her knowledge and understanding in providing exciting and highly effective activities and learning opportunities for children. Her use of the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework and the Foundation Stage promotes children's natural curiosity and instincts to learn through play. This impacts significantly on the progress the children make.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are valued, respected as individuals, and treated with equal concern as the childminder has a excellent understanding of equality issues, as well as experience of working with children with learning difficulties or disabilities. She ensures that all children’s needs are met effectively. Children develop a sensitive awareness of diversity and an understanding of the needs of others. This is achieved through the extensive range of activities and resources which promotes a positive outlook of the wider world. They have access to a superior range of resources such as figures depicting different family groups, people with disability, different jobs and ethnic groups. They establish a robust understanding of their local community as they travel to and from local schools, visit parks, toddler groups and other local amenities. Children's needs are meet in a highly effective manner through her open, honest and effective communication with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents and children. Activities are adapted to meet individual levels of development and a sensitive approach ensures children can play without fear of discrimination. The childminder's superb attitude encourages children to feel good about themselves and show respect for others. Positive links are fostered with children’s own culture and language, involving parents. Festivals are entwined into daily activities including food tasting days to share different food experiences with others. The childminder has attended additional training to help her support children and is keen to ensure she works closely with parents offering guidance and support if required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children know and accept the realistic boundaries in place and this impacts positively on their behaviour. They have an excellent awareness of what constitutes acceptable behaviour and this is acknowledged and managed through reward charts and stickers. Their self-esteem is highly developed because of the security they have and the praise and encouragement they receive. The childminder reaffirms their achievements and praises their efforts. The children receive excellent support throughout the day according to their individual needs. Children know what is expected of them. They respond extremely well to the childminder and her effective support and consistent strategies include worthwhile explanations that help children learn to manage and control their own behaviour. This impacts positively helping the children feel valued and respected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has achieved an outstanding partnership with parents which contributes significantly to the children's sense of belonging, security and well-being. Parents play an active role in their children's care and a two-way sharing of information is encouraged with the use of a daily diary. This includes information on children's care, learning, enjoyment and achievements and is supported with verbal discussions. This gives parents opportunities to extend activities and share information at home. Their involvement impacts greatly on the children's good health, safety, care and learning. The childminder is approachable and friendly, which ensures parents feel secure and at ease, confident with the care provided for their child. The children have developed their own photograph albums to enable parents to share in 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 day at the childminders and this is extended with displayed photographs and other group albums. The childminder has developed extensive and worthwhile information for parents detailing all aspects of her practice. An outstanding portfolio is in place which provides them with excellent and clear information about her activities for both the Foundation Stage and the 'Birth to three matters' framework. An extensive range of folders ensure parents can access purposeful information relating to all aspects of their child's care. This also includes comprehensive policies and procedures to assist parents when sharing the responsibility for their child's care. Children's care and development is extensively promoted due to the childminder's commitment to working closely with parents. Parents regularly contribute with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

feedback and have been actively involved in some of the childminders training such as the National Childminders Association Quality First training.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are happy and secure playing in an exceptionally well-organised environment. Space and resources are extremely well planned to ensure maximum play space is available to the children and helps them become self-reliant and independent. The childminder is able to offer overnight care for parents who need the flexible support and she has paid meticulous attention to ensure children can feel safe and secure in her care during this time. Children are confident when initiating their own activities and when playing with others in this vibrant safe setting. Extremely well-organised activities provide stimulating and challenging experiences for children of all ages within a fun and supportive environment.

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Organisation

The childminder has a highly professional, yet caring and sensitive approach to her practice. Her organisational skills are superb and benefits both children and parents. High regard to the organisation of records and documentation impacts on each child's care. These are stored in a confidential and secure manner. Records are shared with parents and communication is excellent between them. This contributes to the trusting relationships developed and impacts on the children's feelings of security. The childminder's purposeful policies and procedures are clearly implemented throughout her practise. Ratios are met at all times and the childminder has an excellent awareness of the impact these have on the children's health, safety, socialization and learning.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to extending her knowledge and has completed an extensive range of additional training courses to compliment and enhance her practice. For example, some of the courses completed are First Aid, Health and Safety, Literacy, Numeracy, Child Protection, Special Needs, 'Birth to three' and the Foundation Stage, Inclusive Play, Working With Children Who Have English As An Additional Language and Home Fire Safety Training to name but a few. She has also completed additional workshops to further enhance her practice such as, Providing Good Nutrition, Keeping Children Safe and Equal Opportunities. At present she is working towards obtaining her National Vocational Qualification level three. The training she has completed raises her awareness, knowledge and understanding and underpins her practice to meet the care, welfare and learning of each child.

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Organisation

The childminder is an active member of the local childminders support group and attends social events for children and other childminders. This greatly benefits the children as they gain more social experiences and awareness of the community the live in, extending their circle of friends and learning how to make relationships with others. She also actively supports new childminders in the local area, thus sharing her experience and expertise with others. Overall children's needs are met.

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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 provider agreed to ensure her contracts with parents were signed by both parties and to gain written permission from parents to use medicated products on the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All contracts are now signed by both the childminder and the parents to ensure the agreement between both parties. Parental permission is in place for the childminder to use specified medicated products on the children to ensure their wellbeing.

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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

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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