Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY285164 Unique Reference Number 06 November 2007 Inspection date Susan Ennis 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. She lives with her husband and one child aged five years in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder’s house, apart from the office, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside 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 minding three children under five years all day and two children over five years before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a goldfish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder can support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. They thrive because the childminder has highly effective procedures and practices which meet their physical, dietary and health needs. Children

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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 consistently receive exceptional support and guidance from the childminder. Children confidently say 'When I'm ill I can't come to your home' demonstrating their growing awareness of germs and healthy living. They learn to identify their own flannels as they are stored in labelled containers, therefore preventing cross-infection. They independently and competently help themselves to tissues as they need them and put their hands over their mouths when they cough. These practices are reinforced by the childminder explaining that they are important to 'Stop us from all getting a cough'. This ensures that they gain an excellent understanding of hygiene and a strong desire to become independent in their personal care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have numerous opportunities to explore and develop physical control through a range of stimulating activities and experiences. They regularly visit the local parks and soft play areas where they enjoy running, walking, climbing, swinging and balancing. The childminder also makes excellent use of an extensive range of garden resources, motivating the children to explore, for example, water and sand play with the water sprinklers being a favourite activity. Here they have to jump over the jet of water and when they miss they get squirted causing much laughter. Children also experience rhythm and rhyme as they dance to favourite songs and enthusiastically participate in action rhymes, such as 'If you're happy and you know it' when younger children spontaneously join in by clapping. Children are developing good control of finer physical movements. They quickly learn to use play dough tools the correct way and

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Helping children to be healthy

use scissors and other implements, such as glue spreaders, brushes and glitter paints. The childminder has a thorough knowledge of the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework. Her excellent understanding of each child’s stage of development means that she is able to promote their confidence to try out new skills. For example, a young child demonstrates their fascination and developing fine manipulative skills when playing with a 'cheerio' that had fallen into their lap.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of nutritious snacks and meals, such as fresh fruit, salad and a variety of hot dishes including spaghetti bolognaise and tuna pasta bake. They participate in extensive activities which promote their knowledge of the origins of food types and their understanding of the social aspects of this area. They make their own shopping list and visit the local shop to buy the items. They then enjoy eating the items for snack. They also learn how different items grow by growing parsnip tops and growing a bean in their pocket which involves wrapping a bean in paper towel and then carrying it around in their pocket, for a week which encourages the root to grow. These activities contribute significantly to children’s knowledge and their understanding of a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's safety is given a high priority. Risks of accidental injury are minimised because the childminder is extremely vigilant and has thought about every detail of her work in order to reduce potential hazards. As well as visual daily checks she carries out a quarterly safety check checking that, for example, the fire guard is correctly fitted and that door stoppers are in position. Children's immediate safety and welfare is comprehensively promoted at all times. For example, the childminder has made laminated cards containing children's emergency information that are stored in her car in case an accident occurs. Children also wear a safety tag containing the childminder's mobile number whenever they leave the house ensuring their safety further. Children have freedom to safely explore their environment. The childminder is exceptionally skilled in achieving this safe balance and in involving children in discussions and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

decisions about safety. She always gives them clear reasons and discusses all issues with them, encouraging them to think things through for themselves. A current theme about road safety is increasing children's awareness of the dangers involved. Posters of road signs are displayed

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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 encouraging the children to become familiar with them and signs have been made for the garden. This enables children to learn about potential danger and develop their knowledge about how to protect themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a stimulating, welcoming environment. Their work and photographs are displayed, helping them to feel valued and at home. On arrival they self-register themselves by placing their photograph on a laminated house shape on the notice board giving them a sense of belonging. They use high quality equipment which is appropriate to their ages and stages of development. The childminder continuously checks that this is safe and clean, ensuring that children are able to make independent choices about their play in the knowledge that they will be safe. They often enthusiastically participate in cleaning the toys wearing child-size all-in-one suits and Wellington boots to clean the large sit and ride toys increasing their understanding of caring and respecting the resources they use. Children's welfare is very well promoted because the childminder is clear that their needs come first and has a good

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of child protection issues and procedures as she regularly attends training ensuring that her knowledge is up to date.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, settled and very interested in their play. They relate well to the childminder who extends their play and learning experiences by, for example, making good use of open-ended questions challenging children's further thinking. When, for example, reading a story the children are asked 'What do you think the story might be about? Look at the pictures' and when children spontaneously sing 'Happy Birthday' to the childminder she asks 'How old am I?' When the children are slightly hesitant the childminder suggests they show her by holding up their fingers. This they confidently do holding up five fingers and then pretending to blow out the candles. Children can participate in all the activities because the childminder uses her broad and effective knowledge of child development to adapt activities encouraging all to become involved. When making Diwali lights all children sit at the table with the older children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

making pots from play dough whilst the younger children enjoy banging the play dough tools on the table. The childminder also plans the resources required in advance so that children are not waiting around and enabling the childminder to consistently meet their individual needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's development in all areas is actively promoted. The childminder uses her excellent understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework in planning for the under threes. Activities are planned within the different aspects, for example, children's development as a competent learner is encouraged as they draw circles in the air moving from left to right and correctly holding the pen. They then develop their communication skills by discussing what they are doing and learning new words, such as space, round and circle. Their achievements are then recorded in tracker books demonstrating their developing progress and enabling the childminder to plan for their further progression. The childminder uses her knowledge of the Foundation Stage curriculum in planning activities for the over threes but these do not consistently demonstrate a link to the areas of learning. Children are offered a varied and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

stimulating range of activities including puzzles, small world resources and role play activities, such as play food and dressing-up clothes. Whilst playing with toy food children inform the childminder that 'they are eating the chips now' and 'I'm going to cook the pizza'. The childminder extends the activity by asking 'what are you going to cook me?' and 'what's that's in the middle of the pizza?' Children reply 'A mushroom. It's a face' demonstrating their increasing vivid imagination skills. The childminder uses her knowledge providing activities that are appropriate and ensuring that all spend their time happily and purposefully.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder ensures that she is aware of each child's individual needs and meets them effectively. Daily conversations together with use of a daily diary ensure that parents are well informed about their child's development and care. The children show affection for the childminder, looking to her for security and praise when they have completed an activity or task. When starting to get tired, younger children snuggle into the childminder for a comforting hug and kiss. Children's sense of belonging is encouraged as their art work is displayed and they have their own low-level coat pegs. Behaviour is good and is reinforced by the childminder's competent understanding of the importance of consistent and appropriate boundaries for all children. They understand the ground rules and what is expected of them. House rules include not using rude language and being kind to each

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Helping children make a positive contribution

other. The childminder helps the children take responsibility for their own action. When children snatch a toy from another, the childminder reaffirms the rules by saying 'We don’t need to snatch. What would be a good word to use?' Children then reply 'please' for which they are praised. Children work well together and learn to respect each other with support from the childminder. When children ask 'can I have the knife' whilst playing with play dough the childminder encourages them to ask more politely by saying 'you need to say please may I have?' Children's positive behaviour is very much encouraged through the use of praise. When children help with tidying away the toys the childminder praises them by saying 'you're the best tidy upper' building the children's self-esteem and confidence. When children show kindness towards each other this is recognised by the childminder who praises them by saying ' that’s

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Helping children make a positive contribution

nice to stroke their head. That's very kind and gentle of you'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's understanding of the wider world and community they live in is actively promoted by the childminder who provides a varied range of resources and activities to promote our society. For example, resources, such as books, a mobile depicting different languages and play foods positively promote those from other cultures and with disabilities. Children enjoy celebrating festivals including Chinese New Year when they make a Chinese dragon. Children become involved in the local community by attending harvest festival celebrations and also learn to think of others as they discuss world poverty day. The childminder has some experience in caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is able to effectively care for all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's needs and welfare are successfully and effectively met because the childminder has a valued relationship with parents. This is demonstrated through the positive comments made about the childminder including that she is 'very caring and enthusiastic in her approach to the children in her charge' and that she 'shows lots of passion and care in her role bringing a nursery structure with a comfortable and familiar home setting.' A settling-in form records relevant information about the child aiding the settling-in process and parents are informed regarding the childminder's policies and procedures. This is done through the informative parent's pack and notice board ensuring that the expectations of both parties are known and agreed upon. They are made aware of the Complaints Procedure; however, this has not been updated with the latest Ofsted changes potentially affecting the relationship between the childminder and

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is consistently organised, helping the children feel comfortable, relaxed and secure. They are supported by the childminder, often initiating their own play and learning with confidence and enthusiasm. The individual needs of all children are consistently met by the childminder through her comprehensive procedures and policies, ensuring that all relevant information is in place. The children's daily attendance is correctly maintained minimising potential disagreements with the parents. The childminder actively strives to increase her knowledge by attending regular training updates and therefore enabling her to offer better care for the children. She also self evaluates her practice every three months ensuring that she is continually assessing and improving her professional role as a childminder.

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Organisation

The childminder uses her broad child care knowledge to assist her in planning a safe, stimulating and caring environment for the children. She ensures that the children are offered a stimulating and interesting range of activities that all are encouraged to participate in. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete an appropriate first aid course and a childminder's pre-registration course. Both courses have now been completed ensuring better care for the children in her care. She was also asked to develop her understanding of child protection issues and to maintain procedures regarding complaints and the administration of medication. All the required procedures are in place and are made available to parents ensuring a good working relationship and a consistency of care for the children.

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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): • further develop the use of planning to include all areas of learning and share this information with parents

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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 • ensure that the complaints procedure is fully updated with the latest Ofsted changes.

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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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