Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY270455 Unique Reference Number 15 January 2008 Inspection date Tracy Bartholomew 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 2003. She lives with her husband and grown up daughter. They live in a town house in Abingdon, six miles from Oxford. There is a secure outside play area for the children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently caring for eight children who attend a variety of sessions, including after school children. Her home is within walking distance of local shops, pre-school and schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children stay healthy and are extremely well protected due to the meticulous health and hygiene guidelines and procedures the childminder provides. Children learn the importance of good hygiene practice; for example, hand washing after toilet routines, before and after handling food. Children therefore increase their independence and personal care successfully through the excellent daily routines and support from the childminder. Effective procedures are in place

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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 to ensure the childminder acts in the best interest of the child if they are ill, she holds a current first aid certificate and keeps all necessary medical and accident records. Children have opportunities to rest and sleep according to their individual needs in comfortable surroundings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to develop an extremely good understanding of food that is good for them, through use of detailed planning to incorporate healthy living, food from around the world and during cooking sessions. They clearly understand the benefits of a healthy diet as they make independent choices from a variety of drinks and freshly prepared snacks. They are aware drinking water is available to them at all times, this is at a designated place within the hall to allow the children to develop their self help skills. Parents discuss their children's individual dietary needs, personal preferences and any allergies with the childminder to ensure their children receive a healthy and nutritious diet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from plenty of fresh air and physical activity on outings and during outdoor play. For example, children regularly use the local community, to go for walks, toddler groups, bowling and they enjoy the equipment in the local parks. The excellent selection of resources throughout the home allows children extensive opportunities to develop their co-ordination and fine motor skills daily.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children flourish and are exceptionally well cared for in a homely, secure and safe indoor environment; this is due to the commitment the childminder takes in ensuring positive steps are in place to ensure children's welfare and safety. Children are very well protected due to rigorous safety measures both inside and outside the home. Comprehensive risk assessment and health and safety policies ensure the home is maintained to a superior standard. Children move freely around the playroom and garden and are extremely well supervised at all times. Children learn about safety during their day and understand simple rules as they are reminded not to stand on chairs, which develops a clear understanding of them of what is expected of them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to an exceedingly good range of quality toys and play equipment, these are clean and of a high standard. The play room is decorated with children's artwork, themes, and children’s suggestions for the week. All areas used for minding are attractive well coloured and provide comfort for the children, with use of cushioned coloured matting and bean chairs. The effective organisation of toys and play equipment allows children to independently self-select to fully promote their independence in making choices for their own learning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are extremely well protected because the childminder understands her role and symptoms to be aware of in child protection. She is methodical in her knowledge, and ensures she keeps up to date. Effective procedures advise parents of their responsibility and the childminder has details regarding how to make a referral in her child protection procedures. This ensures the childminder acts in the best interest to safeguard the welfare of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The children are secure and exceptionally confident in the childminders home. They communicate and relate well to each other, showing each other consideration through play and whilst listening to stories. The children present were confidently undertaking activities, with on going

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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 communication observed between peers and the childminder. The childminder is extremely talented in securing the children’s knowledge through her questioning which encourages children to think through problems for themselves and become independent learners. The children have opportunities to further develop their socialisation skills through visits to the local community, toddlers and swimming. The childminder provides an extensive range of engaging toys, which the children enjoy with immense concentration and interest in for example the computer. This positively enhances and promotes their development and learning in all areas.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder shows an excellent understanding of the individual development needs of the children. She assists them to focus on activities such as letters when looking at the computer and books, and through counting when using the scales when cooking. Children’s language and understanding is developing exceptionally well through highly active conversations with the childminder. They discuss what is being done, what they have done during their morning and what they learnt during the planned sessions out. Children are motivated and become engrossed in a wide range of developmentally appropriate activities, indoor and outdoor, which provide good levels of challenge, such as programmable toys, duplo and art and craft.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children learn to respect others and to value differences; their awareness is enhanced through the excellent provision of resources which positively reflect diversity and take part in many activities that introduce them to the wider world, for example, through food recipes and tasting, listening to music and stories from a range of cultures. The children learn about their local community through regular visits within the surrounding area and other interesting outings. This positive approach fosters children's understanding of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages children’s behaviour sensitively and effectively, increasing children's understanding of right and wrong by using simple strategies, such as, respecting each other and the childminder prides herself with the phrase she will always listen and believe in the children. The children understand and comply with the house rules as these are displayed effectively. Children behave extremely well; they learn to share and take turns, to negotiate and work harmoniously together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive a warm-hearted, friendly welcome, which allows them to feel secure, and relaxed within the provision. The childminder has unquestionable knowledge of all the children, which enable her to provide a highly active environment for the children to play and learn in. Children benefit from the extremely good partnership the childminder has with their parents; for example, parents make good use of the daily discussion, and use the information boards to gain complete knowledge of their child’s day. Parents receive comprehensive information, which introduces them to the setting, and individually receive the extensive range of written policies and procedures. Parents highly value the childminder and make statements which are exceptionally high, such as 'she epitomises for me the home from home environment' and is 'very approachable, professional and has our children's interests and well being as her main

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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 outstanding. Children have a sense of belonging and are at ease within this exceptionally well-organised environment. They participate in the activities with great enthusiasm, initiating their own play and extending their learning on a daily basis. The childminder has a tremendously professional approach to her childminding practice. She has methodical and highly detailed written policies and procedures in place, which unmistakably promote the welfare, care and learning of all the children in her care. All documentation is reviewed regularly and her dedication to further improvement of her knowledge ensures she is fully up to date with all changes in legislation, to provide an outstanding provision for the children.

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Organisation

Children's care and learning is exceptionally enhanced by the childminder's excellent organisational skills and her professional approach to childcare. She ensures comprehensive planning systems are adapted and well maintained to allow children to make individual progress in all areas of their development. 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 childminder was asked to improve her knowledge of child protection issues and improve the range of resources that promote equal opportunities. This has been fully implemented by the childminder. The childminder is currently finishing an extended child care course to secure her over all practice in child care, and has a vast amount of resources that reflect positive images of the world around them. This ensures the education, safety and wellbeing of the children in her care.

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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. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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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