May, Rachel Elizabeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY240793 Inspection date 22 November 2005 Inspector Tessa Margaret Betts

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2003. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 10 years and 12 years in a 4 bedroomed detached house in a village west of Norwich. The whole of the childminder's house downstairs is used for childminding, with two bedrooms upstairs identified to provide overnight care for a maximum of three children and rest during the day. There is a garden with an enclosed area for children to play safely. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, however only three children were minded during this inspection. The

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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 childminder makes use of her local amenities both on foot and by using her car to attend local mother and toddler groups, parks, the local library and nature walks. The family has two cats and two guinea pigs which are kept in a hutch in the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are welcomed into an exceptional, friendly, warm and clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Exemplary practices demonstrated by the childminder are maintained and encouraged. Children demonstrate with confidence how they effectively wash their hands, and why this is necessary after outdoor play, before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet to remain healthy. The childminder works to detailed, purposeful policies and procedures she has devised in relation to health, hygiene, medication and illness in the children which are clearly reflected in her excellent practice. Children enjoy an extensive range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day they have the opportunity to participate in fun, stimulating physical activities such as taking bikes and sit on toys to the local park, enjoying woodland walks where

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Helping children to be healthy

they hunt for conkers, look for worms and talk about the changes in the seasons. Good organisation within the home ensures there is sufficient space in bad weather to practice and extend their physical skills as they play ball games and dance to taped music. Gentle reminders by the childminder prompt children to respond to their bodily needs as she checks whether they would like a drink after physical activities. Children are developing an excellent understanding of healthy eating, through discussion, projects initiated by the childminder, and trips to the local supermarket where they can recognise and learn about good and bad foods. They learn about the food chain, as they grow their own cucumbers, nurture their strawberry plants, eagerly watching for them to turn red, grow their own tomatoes which are then included in their meals and snacks. Through discussion they understand that plants need light and water to grow. Children's knowledge of the different varieties of fruits

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Helping children to be healthy

and vegetables is excellent, as they excitedly identify that their snack includes avocado and kiwi fruit, which they eat with obvious enjoyment. Their understanding of healthy foods is extended and practised as they prepare meals as part of their role play, under the supervision of the childminder. Lunch boxes are closely monitored to ensure healthy eating is actively encouraged, and all meals prepared by the childminder are freshly cooked using natural ingredients.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children have space to play in a vibrant and safe setting where children are fully supported by the childminder's excellent understanding of balancing freedom and setting safe limits. This encourages children to confidently explore their surroundings,

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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 decide for themselves where they would like to play, from a variety of rooms. Children are beginning to learn a sense of danger, where they recognise that an open staple left on the table after a craft activity is sharp and harmful, and needs to be thrown away to ensure no one is hurt. Children have use of high quality play materials and equipment which are immaculately maintained and are appropriate to their age, and covers all areas of the children's development. The childminder gives utmost priority to maintaining vigilance and a safe environment for children both at home and when out in public areas. Children use the large trampoline in the garden safely, as the childminder has researched and addressed all necessary safety measures, provided information in her parents folder on guidance from the manufacturer, and obtained parental consent

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

for children to use it under her strict safety rules. Children are developing a clear understanding of the safety needs of others, as the childminder sensitively explains that a ball needs to be thrown gently to a younger child, who has only just starting walking and is less confident on her feet. Children are very well-protected by the childminder who has an high awareness of child protection procedures and gives top priority to children’s welfare. Information on her responsibilities are shared with parents and a clear written policy supports her practice. Children's welfare is further considered as the childminder has thought about what steps to take in the event of her having a serious accident in the home, to ensure children's safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are eager to attend and relish their time in this child centred environment which puts them first. They confidently make themselves at home because they are familiar with the daily routine, extremely secure in their relationships with the childminder and this contribute greatly to a strong sense of belonging and security. Children are rapidly becoming independent as they change their shoes themselves, spread their crackers at snack time, help to tidy the toys, and respond to simple requests of help by the childminder, who constantly praises and acknowledges their achievements. Children thrive on the excellent range and quality of play resources provided. Care is taken by the childminder to ensure all resources are appropriate to each child's stage of development and accessible, so that they take a dynamic part in steering their own learning experiences. Through thoughtful planning and skilled questioning, children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are making swift progress in their play and learning, where one three-year-old demonstrates the sounds of the letters in his name and with support from the childminder is able to trace these on his picture. Activities are well-adapted according to the child's needs, with the younger child happily sitting in the high chair using crayons, whilst the older children explore with glitter and glue. Activities are balanced to include active play and time to rest, where the childminder snuggles up with the children to enjoy story time, look at the pictures and share experiences. Children's work is valued by the childminder as each child has a scrap

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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 book showing the range of activities enjoyed, which are shared with parents so that they are aware of what their child has been doing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are highly valued and respected by the childminder. Their individual needs are met particularly well as the childminder is able to anticipate them effectively, so that a child who has not attended for a week is well-supported on arrival and met with familiar play resources to ease the separation from parents. Through a range of well-planned topics children learn about themselves and the differences in others, both within their own culture and that of the wider world. The childminder shows a strong commitment to ensuring all children are included and skilfully adapts activities to meet their needs. Children's behaviour is of a consistently high standard and they respond extremely well to the childminder's highly effective, clear and consistent strategies to manage their behaviour. Clear explanations and age appropriate reasoning why behaviour is unacceptable provides children with firm foundations to build on their understanding

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Helping children make a positive contribution

of right and wrong. Children are spoken to in a consistently positive and sensitive manner, and thrive on the praise and encouragement given by the childminder. An effective partnership with parents ensures all work together to meet each child's needs and ensure their protection. Parents are provided with high quality information about the care offered and systems set up by the childminder, allow her to monitor the service she provides throughout the year, to gain the views of the parents. Robust systems are in place to record any complaints, ensuring this information is shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is significantly enhanced by exceptional organisation, where children are happy, settled, stimulated and greatly benefit from their time with the childminder to develop key skills. Children's safety and welfare is well promoted and maintained by the childminder having a commendable understanding of the National Standards and her responsibilities to both children and their parents. This is further promoted by the strong commitment of the childminder to update necessary training, such as first aid, and her ability to identify her future training needs to improve her working practices. Checks have been completed to ensure persons in regular contact with children are suitable and she supervises children closely at all times to ensure their safety. Children are safeguarded by sound written policies, which are accessible and regularly updated in line with parents' wishes. Overall, the needs of the children

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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 childminder was asked to ensure written parental permission was obtained to seek emergency medical treatment or advice, and to transport children in the car. These have now been included in the written documentation held, ensuring children's needs can be met effectively. She was also asked to maintain the first aid box, ensuring the contents are replenished as necessary. This has now been completed and a system has been set up to regularly check the contents to ensure all items are readily available to deal with minor accidents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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