Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY274762 Unique Reference Number 22 January 2008 Inspection date Susan Victoria May 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 two children aged five and eight years in Wooburn Green, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for five children at any one time and is currently caring for seven children who attend on a full and part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The childminder provides children with a clean family home where they can play and relax and their health and welfare is given high consideration. Excellent procedures ensure children begin to learn about personal hygiene and help guide the children towards future good practice. For example, after a nappy change, both the childminder and the child wash their hands. To help

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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 prevent cross infection each child has a colour coded towel for their individual use. Step ups and easy access to potties, soap and towels encourage children’s independence, however the childminder is aware that some ‘help’ may be required and remains close by to offer appropriate support. The childminder encourages the children to help prepare their snacks and meals and explains, age appropriately, why hands must be washed and kitchen surfaces cleaned before any food preparation takes place. After eating; children are asked to take their own dish into the kitchen. Children are familiar with this routine and feel a sense of responsibility and independence as they competently complete this simple task. To promote healthy eating the childminder often goes shopping with the children to buy the food they need for lunch or

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Helping children to be healthy

snack. This helps children begin to recognise healthy foods and encourages them to make nutritious choices in later life. Drinks are always accessible and children help themselves as they wish.

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Helping children to be healthy

All relevant documentation is in place to ensure that children receive appropriate care in the event of an illness or accident. To further safeguard them the childminder has procedures and permissions in place to administer non prescribed medication and apply sun screen. The childminder has up to date paediatric first aid training and is therefore able to effectively deal with any minor injuries in order to keep children safe. The first aid box contains an appropriate range of equipment and is kept easily accessible.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder recognises the value of fresh air and exercise and provides daily opportunities for children to explore and develop physical control in stimulating outdoor experiences. She has regard to the 'Birth to three matters' framework and an excellent understanding of each child's stage of development. This means the children are confident to try out new skills, request help if needed and achieve in a safe environment. For example, to help increase confidence and gross motor skills, the childminder encourages children to climb and use the play equipment in a variety of settings including her garden. To help develop control and co-ordination children use everyday tools and resources with increasing confidence, for example, cutlery, art and craft materials and crayons.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children have access to a clean, bright and very welcoming environment. All areas used by the children are completely suitable for their play and rest. Children have space to play with floor toys, relax in comfort or sit at the table for other activities. Displays of children’s work around the home reinforce the welcoming atmosphere and demonstrate how well the childminder recognises and values the efforts of the children attending. There is an extensive range of well maintained play materials available. To offer the children an extended range of resources the childminder operates an exchange system with a fellow childminder. Any resources which are not in use are stored in easy to access stacking units, so that the children are free to choose for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder completes daily risk assessments on her home and has very effective safety measures in place to continually protect the children in her care. For example, there are gates across the steps leading from the patio to a garden that has been divided to offer separate fenced areas for children’s play and the family’s pets. Fire safety is given a high profile and evacuation procedures are displayed prominently. Children practise the evacuation routines to ensure their prompt exit in an emergency situation. The childminder has very good procedures in place to secure maximum safety for children on outings. This includes carrying relevant

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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 contact details, mobile phone, details of an emergency contact person, of whom parents have details, and a first aid kit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a very secure knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and issues. She is proactive in regularly updating her knowledge and understanding and has recently attended a 'Safeguarding Children' course.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy in the setting, they chatter confidently with the childminder and to each other and clearly feel very much at home. The childminder provides parents with information through posters, photographs and an information pack of children’s ‘learning through play’ within the setting. The childminder has plans of future activities, which she uses as an overall guide of what she will be offering the children. However, she is flexible within her routines in order to meet individual children’s needs and interests. The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and recognises the steps needed in order to help children make effective progress in their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder records many of the children’s events, day to day activities and outings through photographs. The large photograph album available includes examples of the vast array of activities which the childminder is able to offer. These include details of visits to places of interest to children, a variety of craft activities, baking and cake decorating' opportunities for fun outdoor play, such as, playing with sand and water, or simply running for pleasure across open spaces. The childminder ensures that activities are appropriate for the age and stage of the children attending. For example, older children have access to a wide range of complex games, which extends their skills. Young children use a very good range of age-appropriate play materials to promote their development. They develop their problem solving abilities, as well as reinforcing their control and co-ordination as they play with age-appropriate jigsaws

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and choose stencils to draw animal pictures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's social skills are extended as they meet with other adults and children as they regularly attend local groups. The childminder reinforces language development by encouraging children to practise their skills. For example, the childminder constantly talks to the children, asking questions to extend their knowledge and understanding. During the story of, ‘The very Hungry Caterpillar’ for instance, children discuss the foods and predict the outcome of the story.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder ensures the children are extremely settled and comfortable within the home as she knows each child extremely well; she treats them with respect and values the children as individuals. She plans activities to suit the individual children's preferences and the ages and stages of development. The childminder is a superb role model and helps the children feel good about themselves. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and works closely with the parents of all children to ensure that any specific individual needs are identified and addressed appropriately. The childminder has a positive understanding of all equal opportunities issues, and helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. Children have access to a range of resources to help them learn about the diverse society in which we live. This includes a good

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Helping children make a positive contribution

range of books, posters and toys. Children celebrate festivals; photographs show how they

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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 make lamps to celebrate Diwali, decorations for Christmas and lanterns for the Chinese New Year. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings within the local community. For example, as they pick their own fruit at a local farm and visit the park and library.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

High expectations and consistent boundaries help develop children's sense of right and wrong, helping them to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Older children are able to take turns and share the toys and resources, show consideration to younger children and happily include them in their play, for example passing them toys to play with. Children's behaviour is exemplary; they are lively and curious, very polite and need little encouragement to say please and thank you. Children respond positively to requests from the childminder and are eager to help and please. Children develop self esteem and a strong sense of self through the childminders positive attitude as they receive praise and encouragement for being, kind, helpful and thoughtful.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the extensive communication and relationships in place between the childminder and parents. This contributes greatly to the children's wellbeing. Parents are welcome in the home and receive detailed information about the childminder's practices and the outcome for their child. The childminder shares information with parents about how their children are progressing through verbal, written and photographic communication. This sharing of information supports and enhances children's learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from an extremely well organised setting. The childminder shares with parents an information pack which gives a clear indication of the high quality service she offers. She has a good range of policies and procedures in place to support her work. These include policies relating to child protection, equal opportunities and health and safety issues. Policies and parental details are reviewed at regular intervals. The childminder makes superb use of the space and children can sit quietly on comfy chairs after choosing a book or stretch out on the mat to play with floor toys. Children have access to the garden where they can enjoy a range of physical activities. Children are supervised at all times and ratios observed. Accurately completed attendance records support this.

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Organisation

All required documentation to protect and provide for children's needs is in place and is recorded and updated as required. The childminder gives high regard to confidentiality and is aware of how long records should be retained. All relevant information is displayed for parents including the certificate of registration, and the regulator's details.

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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

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to:-

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Improvements since the last inspection

Ensure children's attendance is recorded promptly and any pre-existing observations on children's injuries are noted. To protect children the childminder completes attendance records at the time of children's arrival and departure and has in place incident sheets on which pre-existing injuries can be noted.

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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 Ensure that first aid equipment includes gloves. The childminder has updated her first aid box to ensure that all required equipment to effectively attend to children's minor injuries is in place. This includes gloves in the event she has to deal with bodily fluids.

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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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