Ismail, Katriona

Inspection report for early years provision

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153278 Unique Reference Number 05 February 2008 Inspection date Silvia Richardson 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 2001. She lives with her husband and four children aged between two and 10 years. They live in a house close to shops, parks, library and public transport links. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children aged under eight years and two children over eight years, on a sessional basis, before and/or after school. The family have no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children health is consistently promoted, so that they thrive in the setting. Children have an exceptional understanding of healthy eating, foods which are good for them and those which are less beneficial, because the childminder takes every opportunity to talk about these with the children. Children take part in cooking and baking activities, following recipes and talking about the ingredients, helping them to understand the nutritional content of different food

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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 groups. Children understand the dietary needs of others, because the childminder provides clear information and opportunities for discussion, concerning food sensitivities and allergies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing good personal hygiene habits, because the childminder consistently encourages children with hand washing routines. Children have a very good understanding of how they can help minimise the risk of the spread of germs, such as thorough hand washing and using individual paper towels, opposed to sharing a hand towel. Children have excellent opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise, because they walk to and from school. They make very good use of a wide range of outside play equipment and talk about the benefits of exercise to the health. Children know that water is good for them and the childminder reinforces this, saying they have made a good choice, when they request water to drink.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children have a very good understanding of how to keep themselves safe, because they talk about safety issues, during the course of their daily activities. They learn how to cook and use knives safely, because the childminder demonstrates safe use, along side discussion of safety rules and supervises children closely, while they practise new skills. Children understand the importance of rules and boundaries, such as when playing on the large outdoor trampoline, so that they keep themselves and others safe. Children describe well, how they stay safe in the event of emergency evacuation of the premises, because they talk about and practice fire drills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning how to be safe when out and about, because they talk about road safety. They understand the sequence and meaning of traffic lights and describe clearly how they cross roads safely with the childminder. Children talk about the dangers of electricity and sockets are fitted with protective covers, helping to keep children to stay safe. Children are kept safe and protected, should safeguarding concerns arise, because the childminder has had some training, knows what to look out for and knows how to follow the guidelines for making a referral to care services, if she is worried about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children engage in wide variety of interesting and stimulating activities, because the childminder has an excellent understanding of their play and learning needs. Toys and play materials are extremely well organised, labelled and sorted into sets, so that children can identify and select items easily. They play comfortably on the floor in the lounge with toys and games of their choosing and have plenty of room to spread out and also sit and relax. Children take part in a superb range of planned, practical and creative activities, covering a wide range of topics, developing their knowledge and understanding, of such things as healthy eating and different cultures and customs. Children's learning is well supported by photographs, pictures, posters and wall displays of their art work.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are thriving in the setting and are settled and secure, because the childminder is warm, kind and caring towards the children. They enjoy consistent and familiar routines, with a good balance of indoor and outside play, group activities, free-play, meals and drinks. The childminder supports children extremely well, so that they enjoy a real sense of belonging. The children and childminder continually engage in discussion, about their activities and the childminder consistently seeks the children's thoughts and ideas, helping them to become confident and

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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 sociable. Children are making excellent progress and developing well, because the childminder is skilled in group management, creating an inclusive environment, in which every child matters.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy some excellent practical learning experiences, enabling them to develop a secure knowledge and understanding of differences. The setting reflects diversity and actively promotes positive images of differences, so that children feel good about themselves and respect others. The childminder encourages children to listen to each other and facilitates children to be able to confidently express their own thoughts, ideas, feelings, views and opinions. The childminder challenges stereotypical comments and asks children questions to make them think. Children are polite and courteous, because the childminder provides an excellent role model.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play very well together and approach group activities, such as baking, as a team effort. Each child has a role to play, making a positive contribution to the activity. For example, one child reads out a recipe, while another will weigh and measure and others mix and stir. Activities are inclusive and well managed, so that an age range of children from two to 10 years, successfully take part and enjoy a sense of accomplishment. The childminder approaches children calmly and holds interesting conversations and discussions, so that each child feels valued in their own right. The childminder is prepared to accept children with learning needs, although there are non on roll at present.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder establishes strong partnerships with parents, so that the care, welfare and learning needs of children are met well. Excellent observational, visual and written records are kept, keeping parents very well informed of children's progress and development. Each child has their own individual folder, containing all relevant and required details and these are updated as situations arise. The childminder creates opportunities every day, for discussion with parents and sharing of information, promoting children's welfare and well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Adult members of the household are properly vetted ensuring they are suitable to look after and be with children. The childminder organises routines and activities exceptionally well, so that children receive excellent levels of support and supervision as required. The setting is well arranged and organised, so that children make choices about what they want to do and where and with what they wish to play. A well planned schedule of activities, is ensuring that children are always busy, purposefully and constructively occupied. Children are happy, confident, sociable and at ease, because the childminder creates a welcoming and homely environment, so children are also able to relax after a busy day at school. Records, policies and procedures are in place, supporting excellent childminding practice and ensuring the safe and efficient management of the setting. The welfare, care and learning of the children are actively promoted.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has updated and maintained written permission from all parents, for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and administering medication to minded children, ensuring proper consent is in place, promoting children's welfare.

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Improvements 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

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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 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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