Hollingworth Fold

Inspection report for early years provision

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136132 Unique Reference Number 20 December 2007 Inspection date Susan Esther Harvey 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 1995. She lives with her partner and adult son and daughter in Mangotsfield, Bristol. Most of the childminder's house 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five, and two children after school. The childminder walks to collect children from school. The childminder attends the local toddler group and physical play activity centre. The family have one cat as a pet.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in clean premises. They learn highly effective hand washing routines and drying arrangements which help them understand the need to prevent the spread of infection. This includes the experience of testing whether their hands have been thoroughly washed after using the toilet, and the use of individual towels. The childminder is a good role model for

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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 young children as she practises meticulous hygiene routines herself when changing nappies. This includes the use of protective gloves.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop an excellent awareness of healthy eating, both through nutritious snacks and meals offered to them, and the activities the children engage in. This includes shopping for the fruit and vegetables to prepare ready for their meal. The childminder has discussions with parents regarding their dietary needs, allergies and preferences prior to children commencing in the setting. The childminder supports her practice by attending courses such as food hygiene and infection control. Children learn about the kinds of food that are good for them, and understand the need for a balanced diet. As a result, children begin to understand the effects particular foods have on their growth and development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children have access to fresh air and a varied range of daily physical activity. They walk to collect older children from school and have regular visits to parks and soft play activity centres. As a result, children develop a positive attitude to physical activity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in premises that are bright, welcoming and extremely child friendly. There is a wide range of toys and resources available for children to use easily. There are attractive displays of children's work around the playroom as a means of celebrating their achievements. Photographs hang at a height so that young children can see, they excitedly recognise other children in the photos, that are in the childminder's care. Young children can freely select from a good range of toys and equipment that are clean, stimulating and interesting. These free choice opportunities enable young children to develop high levels of confidence and independence. As a result, young children learn that they are valued and important to someone.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the excellent range of safety measures. These are supported by a comprehensive written risk assessment which covers all areas of the children's time in the care of the childminder. An example of this is, all emergency evacuation drills and fire appliance checks are recorded. A written plan of how to leave the home in an emergency, enables children to know how to evacuate the premises safely and efficiently. Young children learn to keep themselves safe as they eagerly tidy away toys after use. While on outings the childminder ensures that children learn good road safety routines in order to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is fully protected and actively encouraged by the childminder. She has attended a child protection course, and has a good understanding and knowledge of child protection recording and reporting procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder discusses her duty and personal responsibility to safeguard children fully with parents. This discussion is supported by child protection procedures for parents to read.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Young children are extremely happy and settled in the childminder's care. They readily and confidently approach her for assistance or to request activities to which she quickly responds. As a result, children's self esteem is developing in a positive manner. The childminder supports children well during activities, for example, making cakes, and compiling a jigsaw puzzle. She engages children in high levels of conversation while reading nonsense rhyming stories, 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 looking at picture books. The childminder praises young children for their achievements which helps them feel good about themselves. Young children freely and eagerly explore the toys and activities and are confident in making decisions regarding their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children develop a strong sense of self as they identify themselves and other children who they play with in photographs hanging up. The childminder plans a stimulating range of activities for the children in her care. These are closely linked to the Birth to three matters framework and enables children to develop well in all aspects of this. Children have access to a wide range of resources and are eager to join in with purposeful activities such as baking, art and craft, construction and fitting jigsaw pieces together following the picture. Young children are entranced with the childminder's story telling. She purchases books for them to look at and listen, such as nonsense rhyming stories. Young children enjoy the childminder's company, being able to snuggle in, and gaining self assurance through a close relationship.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children have access to a wide range of resources which promote positive images of diversity in their daily play. For example, young children delight in handling small world figures that reflect disability and diversity while playing with a doll's house. They love listening to stories about children from around the world. Children's individuality is extremely well respected as the childminder knows the children and their families well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children behave well and the childminder has clear and realistic boundaries in order for them to learn the effect their behaviour has on others. She is an excellent role model and is highly respectful of the children in her care. She praises young children for their achievements and rewards positive behaviour with cuddles and applause.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit greatly from the partnership between the childminder and their parents. Their care and needs and routines are full respected. Every effort is taken by the childminder to discuss children's needs with new parents and their personal wishes. Children are pleased with the care given by the childminder. For example, they write rhyming poems to express their thanks, which the childminder carefully retains on a file. Parents exchange both verbal and written information with the childminder. She provides a contact book detailing what their young children have been engaged in during the day. Children share their day with their parents through taking home items they have made such as cakes and art work. As a result, children receive high quality attention and continuity of care given by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for by a very experienced qualified childminder. She is committed to improving her professional development by attending courses and training events. This includes child protection, an introduction to the early years Foundation Stage, and a professional development course for working with children and young people. This means that children's care and learning opportunities are greatly enhanced. The childminder has implemented the Birth to three matters framework into her practice with young children. As a result, children's development is actively supported.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good standard of quality produced policies and procedures which are linked with the National Standards so that parents are made aware of the connection between

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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 their children's care and the legal requirements. Parents receive their own copy and sign to acknowledge receipt. All the necessary consents are gained from parents regarding routines and activities. This means that children's welfare is fully protected and they are cared for in line with their parents' wishes. All documentation is retained and available for inspection. As a result, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to ensure the register accurately reflects the times of children's arrival and departure. There has been an improvement in documenting the evidence of children's presence in the setting, as the childminder now records the information in a diary.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted which 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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