Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY282657 Unique Reference Number 23 August 2007 Inspection date Janet Maria Moutter 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged over eight in Highworth near Swindon in Wiltshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day and three children after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family have four cats.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example, as they take turns to use the mini trampoline and ride on wheeled toys. Garden games and regular visits to local parks and playgrounds improve children’s physical skills. They become increasingly aware

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 of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest. The younger children join in the activities enthusiastically because the childminder makes good use of the Birth to three matters framework. Her good understanding about appropriate types of activities and levels of support gives them confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after handling the cats, and after using the toilet reduces the risk of cross contamination.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They help themselves to drinking water and a range of juices throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. Or parents provide a packed lunch for their child during the summer holidays.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and safe in the warm and welcoming environment. The ground floor is organised to meet children's needs with furniture placed to the side of the rooms to provide a larger play space. There is a strong child focus in the dining area and is mirrored in the 'Wendy' house in the garden which has been set up to encourage imaginary play with a kitchen, art resources and comfortable seating. Children enjoy using both areas chatting to each other and using the resources. Children's interest is sustained by regularly providing new resources which take into consideration each child's stage of development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children have access to toys and resources which are of good quality and in a safe, well-maintained condition. The toys are well organised and stored at child level, which allows even the youngest child to make choices for themselves and develop their independence. Toys are available for all ages and in sufficient quantity to ensure children enjoy a wide range of activities to promote all areas of development. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder is aware of potential hazards outside the home and puts appropriate measures in place so that children are safe. Children learn to protect themselves as they are taught road safety and not to talk to strangers.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected well. The childminder has most of the required documentation, records and procedures in place to ensure the child's safety is promoted, although a written record of when and how fire drills are practised would encourage children to learn how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children flourish in the childminder's care; they are happy, settled and secure. Children develop confidence as a result of the sensitive support they receive from the childminder and the great interest she takes in all they say and do.

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 The childminder has an excellent understanding of child development and makes good use of the Birth to three matters framework, enabling her to plan stimulating activities and play opportunities to support children in all aspects of their development. As children play and take part in activities, their communication and social skills are effectively developed by the good quality conversation which flows between the childminder and children. Children are encouraged to think and develop their understanding as a result of the childminder's skilful questioning. Children approach new activities such as wearing dinosaur masks and making noises with confidence when seeing themselves in photographs on the computer and are rewarded by lots of laughter and fun.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play with great interest and enthusiasm; they concentrate for extended periods from a very early age and rapidly develop new skills. Play materials are very well organised, readily accessible and set out in a way which is appealing to children, for example, the dolls house appealed to the three youngest, with the small world figures the children acted out simple scenarios, while to two older children tried out some new textured dough. These choices are planned by the childminder and thereby ensure that the children are developing their independence and promoting their learning.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's wellbeing is promoted by the excellent partnership between parents and childminder; the use of detailed daily journals and ongoing informal discussion contributes to continuity in the children's care and ensures that their individual needs are met. The childminder has a positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop self assurance through their close relationship with the childminder. Their self-esteem is promoted as she values and respects their individuality and treats all children with equal concern. Children have regular access to good resources and activities which reflect diversity and encourage an awareness of the world around them.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave extremely well in response to the childminder's clear expectations, her positive approach with plenty of praise and encouragement and the rich, stimulating environment which she provides.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in this environment which is organised to meet their needs and maximise play opportunities. The childminder makes excellent use of resources to maximise children's enjoyment and promote their development. The high quality of this provision means that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend, extremely well.

p.4

Organisation

Children benefit greatly from the childminder's experience, skills and qualifications; the childminder continues to update and further her extensive knowledge of childcare by regularly attending courses.

p.4

Organisation

Children's health, safety and wellbeing is promoted effectively because most the legally required documentation are detailed, accurate, up-to-date and shared with parents. However, the childminder showed limited knowledge of the procedure for complaints and which did not fully comply with the Children Act Regulations, particularly in relation to the timescale of investigating

p.4

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 complaints. The children's care is supported by comprehensive, clearly written policies and procedures, as well as detailed daily journals.

p.4

Organisation

Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to record information about children's special dietary needs and she now keeps a daily diary which acts as a good communication tool between herself and the parents. The children have benefited as their individual needs are maintain at all times.

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

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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): • request written parental permission prior to the children starting to seek emergency medical advise or treatment to safeguard children's health care needs at all times. • ensure that the complaints procedure fully complies with Children Act Regulations, particularly in relation to the timescale of investigating complaints

p.5

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.5

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.5