PhoenixPlace

Inspection report for early years provision

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141701 Unique Reference Number 17 December 2007 Inspection date Ann Hilary Guy 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 registered in 1997. He lives with his wife, who is also a registered childminder, and their two adult children. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor 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 three children under five all day. He walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent toddler group and takes children to the local park. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The extensive range of stimulating activities offered within the house and garden promote and contribute to the children's good health. The garden is covered with Astroturf to enable it to be used throughout the year. A wide range of equipment is available in the garden, suitable for all ages, and is supplemented by additional equipment available in local parks and activity

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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 centres, ensuring the children experience as wide a variety of physical challenges as possible. The equipment available at the house includes a climbing frame, seesaw, playhouse and numerous sit and ride toys.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is very experienced and knowledgeable, creating a welcoming, child-orientated, family home environment for the children. They learn the importance of good hygiene, personal care and are taught to be polite in a very non-threatening way. The childminder has a clear policy in case of sickness and holds a paediatric first aid certificate. Children learn about healthy living and good nutrition as they enjoy the balanced diet provided for them, which meets their individual dietary requirements. Children have access to drinks of water throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy a high standard of care in this extremely safe and very child-friendly home environment. The conservatory is their dedicated play room which spills into the lounge, giving ample space for the children to enjoy the vast range of equipment available to them. Secure shelving has been erected in the conservatory on which large plastic crates, all labelled, containing an extensive range of equipment suitable for all ages, are placed. The childminder is particularly aware of safety and ensures the children are safe at all times whilst in his care. Extensive risk assessments covering the house, garden and trips the children go on are all in place and regularly reviewed. The childminder also ensures the parents are aware of the importance of safety and assists them in this field if requested. This ensures the children's safety at all times, both in his care and with their parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The design of the rooms enables the children to play freely and independently, asking for equipment and toys they cannot reach. All the toys and equipment are maintained in a very good state of repair. Children's welfare is expertly safeguarded at all times. This is supported by clear documentation and the childminder's willingness to further his knowledge through reading and discussing issues with his co-minder. He has a very clear understanding of child protection and the importance of ensuring all children in his care are safe and receive the best care possible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive and are extremely settled and happy in a family environment offering flexible care tailored to their personal needs. The day is planned with plenty of time for free play, plus focus activities and quiet times. The activities offered are stimulating and age appropriate. During the inspection all the children sat together with the two childminder's and made reindeer food, a mixture of oats and glitter that they were then going to scatter for Santa's reindeer. The interaction between the children and adults was outstanding with the adults stimulating the children's imaginations and thought processes throughout the activity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy the variety of the day, which includes times for socialising with others at toddler groups and coffee mornings. Their inquisitive minds are stimulated by the range of opportunities given to them both in the house and whilst away from it. Quiet times are an important part of their busy day and enable some to sleep whilst others enjoy books, puzzles and less active activities. The childminder is very skilled at talking to the children and developing their knowledge and understanding through their discussions and play, effectively meeting their individual needs.

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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 outstanding. Children are happy being part of an extended family, to which they are made extremely welcome. Their individual requirements, as discussed with the parents, are very successfully intertwined within the routine of the setting. Through their play activities they discover other cultures, festivals and religions, as well as learning about the local environment whilst out for walks in the area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Every child is valued and respected as an individual. Children behave well, learn good manners and are polite whilst in the care of the childminder. Although from different families, the children all show a mature respect and concern for each other and learn to play together effectively. The clear house rules are easy for the children to follow and promote their well-being. The close relationship the childminder has with the parents enhances his ability to offer care tailored to their individual needs. Parents particularly like the observational records maintained by the childminder and the annual developmental report and scrapbook they receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Space, time and resources are very effectively organised to ensure the individual needs of the children are given the utmost priority and help them develop their skills and understanding. The two childminder's working together effectively support each other and compliment the care given. The clear policies and procedures underpin the practice and serve to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. All the paperwork is extremely well organised and maintained, promoting confidentiality for each family. Children remain in the sight of the childminder, who has daily discussions with the parents keeping them fully informed and involved in the care of their child.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop his knowledge of the child protection procedure. In order to do this he has gone through the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Safeguarding Children course with his wife, although was unable to attend the course himself. All documentation has been updated and the childminder demonstrated his clear understanding of the subject.

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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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Complaints 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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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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