Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY288361 Unique Reference Number 12 September 2007 Inspection date Gyatri Rupal Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in August 2004. She lives with her six-year-old child, in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. All areas of the property, with the exception of the main bedroom, are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden used for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools when dropping off or collecting the children. She sometimes uses her car to collect children from school. The childminder attends the local childminder support group and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are developing their physical skills and gaining in confidence as they use a range of large and small equipment safely . They are developing a positive attitude towards physical exercise. For example, children have the opportunity to play everyday in the garden, which is equipped with a wide range of outdoor equipment. Children also regularly go out for walks in

p.2

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 the fresh air and play in the local park. Children keep themselves healthy as they are beginning to learn about simple good hygiene procedures within their daily routine. The childminder has a clear written hygiene policy which she implements consistently to prevent the spread of infection. Sound procedures are in place for children who are unwell and the childminder always acts in the best interests of the child concerned. She maintains an accident book in accordance with requirements and holds a current first aid certificate. All parental permissions are in place to protect children's welfare. Young children are able to sleep, according to their needs, in travel cots with parents' written permission. However, young children can access the cat's food bowls and litter tray which potentially impacts upon the children's health.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children understand the importance of healthy food on the body as the childminder provides nutritionally balanced meals. The mealtime is a happy, sociable occasion, as all of the children sit together on the table and the childminder also sits with them to eat her lunch. The childminder encourages children to finish all their food. Children receive a reward if they finish all their meals. Children learn about healthy eating through practical experiences. For example, children go shopping with the childminder to buy fresh fruit and vegetables. They wash their fruit and cut it into small pieces to eat. Children talk about healthy food as they play with fruits and vegetables during their imaginative play.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are developing confidence and self-esteem as they independently access many safely organised learning resources and purposeful activities. The childminder implements a written health and safety policy, to ensure the children’s safety. She ensures toys and equipment are in a good state of repair and activities are age-appropriate. The childminder vigilantly supervises children at all times and has clear rules in order to maintain their safety outside the home.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to keep themselves safe through the childminder’s discussions within their daily play and routine activities. For example, the childminder talks about the zebra crossing and pelican crossing when they play with their city town puzzle. The childminder explains about road safety rules when the children walk home from school. Children practise the fire drill every month with the childminder and talk about fire safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected as the childminder has relevant literature to which she can refer to help her safeguard children's welfare. The childminder understands her duty to protect children in her care and has a good understanding of child protection, in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She also ensures parents are aware of the child protection policy and her emergency arrangements.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in a highly stimulating environment due to the well-organised activities and play experiences which are provided. Activities are exceptionally well matched to the children’s needs and interests. The childminder provides varied rich play opportunities as she ensures children develop their social, physical, intellectual and creative skills, and recognise their own emotional needs while they are engrossed in their play. The childminder knows that interacting with children is of prime importance and ensures that she uses every opportunity to involve children in conversation to extend their language skills and learning. She skilfully plans activities with the children's interests in mind and consequently these are fun, challenging, interesting

p.3

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 and help develop the children’s learning. For example, young children enjoy playing with dinosaurs. The childminder provides a dinosaurs adventure play set for children to have fun with during their play. The childminder involves herself in play with children at their level and skilfully involves children in the conversation and introduces a different vocabulary to draw the learning from an everyday situation. For example, children become strong communicators as they explain their imaginative play of the dinosaur family. The childminder encourages the children to count how many dinosaurs are standing in the row, how many wheels are on the big truck, what colour and size are they?

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children read books about dinosaurs and learn new experiences as they explore the wet sand. Children learn to share and take turns when playing games. Children use a superb range of art and craft materials to develop their creative skills and make photo frames and junk models to express themselves. They take part in a good range of activities and topics and learn about keeping themselves healthy in their natural environment. Children's independence is consistently developed as they take part in well-organised activities, using their imagination. The childminder is highly skilled in listening to the children. Children’s contributions are highly valued as they play a lead role in planning and organising activities. They make excellent use of their environment to adapt the layout to create cosy areas, a role play area and a space for dancing. A flexible and child-centred approach to planning and an excellent balance between adult- and

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

child-led activities allows children to learn at their own pace. Children generally display high levels of involvement and gain a sense of achievement, self-confidence and self-esteem through self-chosen activities. Their progress is regularly shared with parents.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well supported because the childminder makes sure children are welcomed into her home and feel a sense of belonging. Children's individual care needs are discussed with parents and routines and preferences are followed, this helps children to settle in and feel comfortable. The childminder has experience of working with children with learning difficulties or disabilities and is sensitive towards inclusion. She is able to approach parents if she is concerned about children's progress. Children learn about diversity through meaningful discussions and play resources, which reflect positive images of diversity.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing an awareness of right and wrong because the childminder talks to them about the need for simple rules. Children are encouraged to play together harmoniously and their behaviour is good. Older children help younger children with their play. Children receive a reward for good behaviour. They receive constant praise and encouragement and this helps promote their confidence and self-esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership has been established with parents and this helps to promote the children's learning and welfare. Children's needs are well met as the childminder has good systems in place for sharing information with parents. The parents are given the opportunity to select the method of sharing daily information through discussions, daily diary or by e-mails. Parents are aware of how they may make a complaint because the childminder has an up-to-date complaints procedures in place which she shares with parents. Parents are provided with a helpful range of policy documents about the provision and her certificate of registration is displayed in the hallway.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are genuinely happy and content due to childminder’s professional, friendly and caring approach. Children feel part of an extended family and are gently nurtured in the gentle and stimulating environment. They develop their confidence and self-esteem as they independently select their play. The childminder makes good use of space to ensure all of the children have the opportunity to complete activities, relax and sit together at mealtimes. Children benefit from well-established routines which have a good regard for their individual routines. Children's well-being, care and education is well supported through the childminder's clear use of most of her written policies and procedures which cover the National Standards. Most policies are regularly updated except for the health and safety policy which still needs to be reviewed again. Documentation is stored securely and well-organised to maintain confidentiality.

p.5

Organisation

This childminder uses her maternal experience and sound common sense to promote very good outcomes for children. She regularly updates her knowledge using the childcare information on the internet and attending relevant trainings. For example, the childminder has attended child protection training and 'On the move' (physical play). She also read the ‘Birth to three matters' framework and is now updating herself with the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder is conscientious in delivering all aspects of her service and has just begun to use the self-evaluation form to monitor and improve her practice. The parents have given very positive feedback on her practice. The childminder meets regularly with other childminders and together they update their knowledge through discussion and share ideas, seeking to further enhance their good practice. The childminder’s commitment, enthusiasm and enjoyment of

p.5

Organisation

what she does is reflected in the positive impact of her care. All parents' required written consents are in place. Overall, all children’s needs are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure children drinks from their own cups.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder provides individual cups to children and ensures children use their own cups. This prevents cross-contamination.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

Complaints 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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • ensure that any pets on the premises are safe to be in the proximity of children and do not pose a health risk.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6