Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY290318 Unique Reference Number 14 September 2007 Inspection date Susan Marriott 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 2004 and holds recognised childcare qualifications. She lives with her husband and two children aged 20 and 11 years, in a house in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there are toilet facilities downstairs. 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 four children under eight years at any one time is currently caring for two children under five on weekdays during term time only. 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 a pet cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Hygienic practices are strongly encouraged to prevent the spread of infection and germs. The childminder helps children to gain a successful understanding of hygiene and a real desire to

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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 become increasingly independent in their personal care. Children use a 'grow tall step' to reach the basin and individual towels to dry their hands in the bathroom. Children are encouraged and reminded to wash their hands after going to the toilet, after playing outside and after touching animals. Children's clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before handling food substantially reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Children are encouraged to cover their mouths when coughing and sneezing.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works to purposeful policies and procedures which she has devised in relation to health, hygiene, medication and illness. The childminder ensures children are well cared for if they have an accident or become ill. The childminder rigorously maintains an accident, incident and medication folder, which details all accidents and incidents that happen and records any medication that is given to children. Children receive appropriate first aid because the childminder holds and regularly updates a suitable first aid qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical activity in the fresh air. The childminder takes great care to visit the park on a regular basis where children have the opportunity to climb, run, slide and swing on the fixed equipment. Children are encouraged to access the garden daily to play on the slides, mini-trampoline and sand tray. The childminder works exceptionally hard to promote healthy, sensible eating in accordance with parental wishes. Parents provide packed lunch and the childminder provides healthy fruit snacks. Children learn about the importance of healthy eating and drinking because the childminder conveys positive messages about food at mealtimes and ensures that regular drinks are always available on request.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well-protected from harm and neglect in this gentle and safe, home from home environment. They are cared for by a highly committed childminder who has highly relevant and substantial experience, knowledge and skills. The childminder makes excellent use of the available space in her home to provide a flexible domestic environment which serves children's differing needs. Children can readily access equipment, toys and resources independently and safely. Resources are stored in baskets and boxes placed on the floor, and on the low shelving in the conservatory playroom. Toys and equipment are safe, suitable, stimulating and challenging. The childminder checks the toys on a regular basis and any damaged toys are removed from use immediately for disposal or repair. She keeps a 'wish list' of identified items to be obtained in the future.

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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 the children and setting safe limits. All domestic safety measures are in place, including safety gates and socket covers. Excellent practices actively contribute to the safety of children such as thorough informal risk assessments, extensive and detailed emergency evacuation procedures and frequently practised fire drills. Children actively learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder has clear rules and routines in order to maintain their safety inside and outside the home. For example, the childminder talks to the children, reminding them to be careful when negotiating the step from the living room to the conservatory.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very safe with the childminder, who has an exceptionally robust knowledge and understanding of child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She has recently attended an appropriate training course and keeps informative documentation to which she can refer for guidance at any time.

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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. Outcomes for children are excellent. Children are involved in an extensive range of planned activities and spontaneous events, which actively contribute to their development and overall learning. Children receive exemplary support for their play and learning from this childminder. She delivers a consistently high standard of challenging games and activities at an animated pace to attract and retain children's interest throughout the day. The childminder skilfully involves young children in floor-based games and play, alternated with table-based activities. Children are constantly given realistic choices which are respected by the childminder and they are actively involved in decision making. The childminder checks to see if the children are enjoying themselves. For example, during a collage activity, the children are asked whether it is time to put the lovely pictures to dry or whether the children wish to continue with the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activity for a little while longer. As the children play with play dough, their childminder explains that it is better to turn the cutter over, to achieve a 'clean cut'. A music tape plays gently in the background and children burst into song to accompany the familiar number rhymes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn to think purposefully and develop excellent language skills because the childminder constantly asks questions to promote conversation and discussion, drawing their learning from play. For example, the children want to show the inspector 'Peter Rabbit', a puppet toy hiding in a soft, stuffed lettuce. As the childminder parts the lettuce leaves, finger puppet insects fall out. The children are encouraged to name the fly, caterpillar, ladybird, and spider, and answer questions such as 'How many legs does the spider have?' The children are now invited to put Peter back into the toy box and choose a game or toy. They choose 'Feely Lotto', and help to prepare the game by putting the shapes into the box. They choose a base card and begin to play, with the childminder promoting the concept of sharing and taking turns. As the children pull out a 'star' shape, they begin to sing 'Twinkle, twinkle, little star', showing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

how they make connections between different aspects of their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop high levels of confidence because the childminder is constantly praising their efforts and telling them what clever children they are. This enables them to make choices, decisions, explore and investigate in a safe and secure environment. Photographs show the versatile range of experiences on offer to children. These include evidence of a vast range of arts, crafts and messy play; dancing; cooking; role play; music and special occasion events. The childminder prepares a 'graduation folder' of children's work and photographs for parents to keep when their children leave the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. A secure written policy explains the childminder's clear knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities issues. Children are considerate and caring towards one another, sharing their toys and playing cooperatively and harmoniously. They begin to learn about their local community as they walk around the environment on a daily basis. They walk to and from school and access local facilities such as the toddler group and parks. Children have access to an increasing range of books and appropriate toys which promote an awareness of cultural diversity, although there are few resources to support children's learning about disability issues.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder does not currently care for children with learning difficulties or disabilities. However, she is well aware of children's developmental stages and sensitive to the importance of maintaining children's confidence and self-esteem. Consequently, she feels confident to

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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 make approaches towards parents if she is concerned about children's development and obtain appropriate support to ensure that they can make progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children learn about acceptable codes of behaviour. For example, the childminder discourages children from picking their noses and prompts them to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. She actively promotes the concept of sharing and taking turns. The childminder uses her calm and patient outlook to set a good role model for children. She praises children constantly, ensuring good behaviour through positive language and requests. Consequently, children learn to play harmoniously and they behave very well in response to the childminder's consistent expectations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers is good. The childminder discusses her written policies and procedures with parents at the initial meeting before placement commences. The childminder uses discussions and settling-in visits to ensure that children's care is consistent with the home routine. Daily discussion and daily record sheets, keep parents extremely well-informed about their child's activities and daily routine care needs. Parents and carers have written lots of complimentary letters and cards which acknowledge the positive relationships between the childminder and the minded children. The childminder continues to evaluate the service offered, working in partnership with parents and carers. However, the childminder has not identified a complaints procedure or a system to record any complaints, in line with guidance issued October 2005.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are genuinely happy and content in the well-organised care of this experienced, friendly and caring childminder. Her effective organisation provides good support for her proficient childcare service. Children's welfare and education is effectively supported through the childminder's clear use of mixed, verbal and written policies and procedures developed over several years of minding, which comprehensively cover the National Standards. Children's attendance is carefully documented and all required written parental permissions are in place. This childminder has a wealth of experience in child care and uses her maternal experience and sound common sense to promote very good outcomes for children. Children are gently nurtured in the gentle and stimulating environment. The childminder is highly conscientious in delivering all aspects of her service and is using her own system of self-evaluation to monitor and improve

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Organisation

her practice. Confidentiality is always appropriately respected. The childminder uses professional contacts and constantly updates her training to ensure that she continually improves her practice, seeking the highest quality and standards for children. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to extend her resources to promote equal opportunities. As the childminder has established her business, she has gradually obtained additional resources such as dressing up clothes, books and puzzles. The action taken has improved the quality and standards of care because children now have access to an increased range of resources which present positive images of a range of cultures.

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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 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 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): • continue to develop ways to promote children's awareness of disability and devise a system to record any complaints and the action taken in line with legislation issued October 2005.

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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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