Ruddock, Lynda

Inspection report for early years provision

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320085 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2008 Inspection date Alison Margaret Walker 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 1996. She lives with her husband and their three children aged six, 10 and 13 years in Halton, which is a residential suburb of Leeds. The dining kitchen, conservatory and downstairs toilet are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for five children aged between nine months and 10 years on a both part time and full time basis. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends a local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. The family has two dogs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Older children very clearly understand why they need to wash their hands after toileting, before eating, stroking family pets and do this independently and enthusiastically. The childminder

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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 promotes excellent hygiene routines with all the children throughout the day, giving constant reminders. Effective arrangements are in place for first aid and administering medication. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate which she always keeps up to date. There is a fully stocked first aid kit available in the kitchen and also one for outings. A concise written sickness policy is in place and this is clearly explained to the parents at the time of placement.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are able to freely access drinks at all times. They receive a very nutritious range of snacks and meals which the childminder plans creatively to encourage them to enjoy healthy meals. For example, the children have very healthy appetites and thoroughly enjoy their lunch of freshly cooked pasta, ham, cheese and sweet corn. They sit together happily and feed themselves independently. All food and drink provided is in full agreement with the parents. All information on each child's individual dietary needs, likes and dislikes are recorded accurately by the childminder before the child starts attending and these are regularly updated. Children thoroughly enjoy an extensive range of activities which contribute to their good health and physical well-being. They play in the garden on a wide variety of high quality small and large physical equipment, enjoy walks to local places of interest, and visit the local parks, library,

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Helping children to be healthy

toddler groups and soft play centres on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are very well cared for in an extremely welcoming, secure and safe environment. There is excellent evidence of children’s play and creative activity. The children enjoy attending very much, they settle well and are happy and confident. Space is used constructively and activities are well organised. There is a play room specifically designated to childminding. There is suitable low-level storage so children can see what is available and can help themselves. They have access to an extensive selection of age appropriate toys, furniture and equipment which are very safe and well maintained ensuring that the needs of all the children attending are fully met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes very thorough steps to ensure the children's safety inside her home and outside her home. All electric sockets are covered, doors are kept secure, a fire blanket and fire extinguisher are sited in the kitchen. There is also a carbon monoxide alarm sited on the ground floor of the house. The childminder has a written fire evacuation procedure and it is practised with the children on a regular basis. She has an up to date contact details for the children close to hand so she can access these in the event of an emergency. The childminder keeps the children very safe on outings, for example, a first aid kit is taken, reins are used and a risk assessment is done on routes, pushchair access and toilet facilities

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are protected from persons who have not been vetted as they are closely supervised at all times by the childminder. The childminder's written policies, procedures and documentation are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has done training and demonstrates a very sound understanding of child protection procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are developing their confidence and self-esteem exceptionally well. They are able to freely select from an extensive range of quality resources. Children help themselves to paper and crayons and sit together to create colourful pictures which they proudly show to the

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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 childminder. The children have a keen interest in books, they sit for extended periods of time looking at them intently. They have developed a respect for books and handle them carefully. This is due to the childminder continually reading to them and developing their interest further by using props to enhance the story, and by visiting the library on a regular basis. Children are very competently acquiring new knowledge and skills on a daily basis. For example, they have developed a keen interest in numbers and count their pieces of pasta at lunchtime. They are learning to use their senses, for example, smelling their hands after they have washed them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are very sociable and have regular opportunities to mix with other children. They play extremely well together and enjoy each other's company. They are keen to talk about recent activities they have enjoyed, such as jumping in puddles and getting wet, then having porridge when they get back to the childminder's house. Older children enjoy playing with the younger ones, for example, making them giggle whilst playing with a rattle with them. The children are continually praised for their efforts and achievements by the childminder, for example, when admiring a child's art work. The child's face lights up with delight. Children relate very well to the childminder and are extremely relaxed in her care. The childminder is constantly talking to the children significantly enhancing their communication and language skills. The childminder is highly skilled, motivated and is dedicated to promoting the highest

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

quality of care and education to all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Partnership with parents is excellent. The childminder offers a very flexible service to fit in with parents work patterns. She works very closely with all parents to meet children’s individual needs, such as dietary requirements, sleep patterns and administration of medication. Detailed information is collected on the children, such as their families, likes, dislikes, religion and health history. This is regularly updated with parents. Comprehensive information is given to prospective parents, for example, the registration certificate, samples of the children's activities and thank you letters from parents praising the care offered by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing a very good understanding of responsible behaviour. They are encouraged to be polite, to share, be kind to each other and are praised for doing so. They gain a very well-balanced awareness of their local environment and the diversity of the wider world through an outstanding selection of resources and activities that promote positive images. For example, role play, books, jigsaws and dolls. Children are fully included in all activities and receive ongoing support and encouragement from the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The children are extremely happy, comfortable and settled. This is because the childminder ensures the children have consistent routines which meet their individual needs. She uses her time, space and resources appropriately to create a thoroughly stimulating, interesting and very safe environment for the children. The children are closely supervised by the childminder at all times. The childminder is aware of all legal requirements, for example, she knows to notify Ofsted of any changes relating to her childminding and she displays her registration certificate. She is very committed to extending her knowledge by regularly attending training and reading childcare publications to keep up to date with all new legislation and initiatives. For example, the Early Years Foundation Stage. She embraces any changes with enthusiasm and commitment.

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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 All the required documentation is in place and is stored in an organised manner to make it easily accessible. For example, the childminder accesses her children's recipe file to check on the ingredients for the children's lunch. The excellent organisation contributes to the very effective management of the childminding service she provides. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was raised for the childminder to ensure parents are informed of her responsibility with regard to child protection. This is now discussed fully with the parents and is clearly explained in the childminder's safeguarding children policy. This has a positive impact on the children's overall safety and well-being.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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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