Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY341338 Unique Reference Number 29 October 2007 Inspection date Sharon, Amelia Robson 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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her partner and two children aged two and seven years, in a quiet residential area of Shiremoor, North Tyneside. The premises are within walking distance of local schools, shops, the metro station and park. Children have access to the lounge-dining room, kitchen and first floor bathroom, an enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive because the childminder follows extremely effective written procedures and practice which meet both their physical and health needs. The exceptional adult support and guidance helps children gain an excellent understanding of hygiene and a real desire to be independent in their personal care. Children are made aware of very good personal hygiene through positive role modelling provided by the childminder and posters displayed to promote

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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 this. She enthusiastically encourages children to wash their hands before meals, after toileting and handling pets, and discusses with the children the reasons for doing this. The comprehensive written policies and detailed discussion with parents regarding the admission of sick children help to minimise the risk of cross-infection and therefore, safeguards children's health and well-being. Detailed accident and medication recording systems are in place and the childminder is very clear on how to maintain these. She has completed a relevant first aid course and has a first aid kit available at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has extremely good knowledge of healthy and nutritious foods and diets for young children. Discussion and settling in questionnaires give the childminder detailed information about children's individual dietary needs, including their likes and dislikes. Children have access to their own cups of water throughout the day, allowing them to help themselves and therefore, promoting independence. Children have regular opportunities to participate in cookery activities which are appropriate to their age and abilities. They recently made healthy pizzas and are encouraged to try new fruits and foods. A recent activity allowed children to make plates of healthy and unhealthy foods, using paper plates and pictures of various foods.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities to take part in stimulating indoor and outdoor activities. The childminder's extremely good knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage, and her excellent understanding of each child's stage of development means children are confident to try out new skills and activities. They have excellent opportunities to develop physical skills, such as climbing, balancing and riding wheeled toys and dancing. For example, they confidently and enthusiastically use the wide range of high quality equipment in the garden, which is appropriate to the age of the children being cared for. Children are able to take part in a wide range of activities that further contribute to their good health, with daily walks in the local community and visits to the local park. Children are given lots of positive encouragement by the childminder to enjoy these activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an extremely safe and secure environment. The childminder's home is very well organised and maintained, so children are able to explore and select activities and resources safely. An extensive range of safety equipment is available and in use, taking into account the age of the children being cared for. An comprehensive safety policy is in place, which includes the safe evacuation of the home. Children regularly practice the fire drill with the childminder, which helps to further promote children's safety whilst in her care. Through extensive written daily risk assessments the childminder ensures that all areas accessed by the children are extremely safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to achieve a balance between allowing children freedom and setting safe limits. Whilst out and about with the children she discusses road safety and how to cross the road safely. Children also have access to books and pictures relating to safety. On outings, children are provided with wrist bands which has the childminder's contact details on them. She has an extremely high regard for children's safety and has extensive policies and procedures in place regarding this.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide variety of high quality equipment which is appropriate to their ages and stages of development. This is regularly checked to ensure it is safe and well maintained. Toys and resources are replaced, updated and added to on a regular basis and the childminder ensures they all meet relevant safety standards. She keeps up to date with changes in legislations, for

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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 example, she has detailed information about the law relating to safety restraints in cars and ensures she follows these.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted by the childminder who has an excellent understanding of child protection procedures and her role in safeguarding children. She has a comprehensive written policy that supports her practice and extensive additional written information. The childminder has completed relevant training regarding safeguarding children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the childminder's home, they are extremely happy and settled. They achieve well because the childminder is highly skilled and uses her extensive knowledge to provide high quality care. The children make positive relationships with her and their peers. Children's confidence and self-esteem are given high priority as they are offered praise and acknowledgement for their efforts and achievements. Their independence is fostered as they make their own choices and decisions. Children's learning is actively promoted through an extensive range of stimulating activities and resources, such as imaginative play, cooking and craft activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder interacts extremely well with the children, giving lots of attention, encouragement and motivation to play and enjoy activities. Children learn and develop their understanding of numbers, shapes and colours in age appropriate and fun ways. They are able to select toys and play materials from the extensive range available. Children are enthusiastic as they use their natural sense of curiosity and develop their imagination. They use a vast range of different art and craft materials in many different ways to make interesting pictures and models, the childminder also encourages children to use recyclable items in their creative activities. Children's art work is clearly displayed in the childminder's home, and parents are kept informed about their children's activities and outings they have experienced from daily discussions. Children also have daily diaries and development books which have photographs

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of what they have been doing and comments from the childminder about their achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has excellent knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage, and takes this into account when planning activities, ensuring she covers all areas of children's development. All plans are flexible in order to accommodate children's individual needs and to take into account children's interests. Activities and outings are evaluated and the childminder looks at ways to extend children's experiences. Children's progress is monitored and the childminder records this in each child's development diary and relates this information to the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder works extremely closely with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and help them develop a sense of belonging. Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder's aim is to ensure all children feel welcome, happy and settled in her care. She strives to help children reach their full potential and meet their needs. Children have access to an extremely wide range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity and equality, including books, small world toys, jigsaws and kitchen equipment. Children also have opportunities to celebrate festivals

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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 and cultural events. They recently had a day celebrating all things Chinese, and had opportunities to taste food, use chopsticks and make relevant artwork.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave extremely well, in a very calm and settled environment. They learn about sharing, taking turns and valuing others by the very positive role modelling provided by the childminder, and the consistent boundaries in place. The childminder gently and sensitively supports, praises and encourages children in their daily routines and activities, which enables them to develop confidence and self-esteem. Children benefit from a childminder who notices and acknowledges when they are behaving well and is committed to giving them her time and attention. Children respond well to guidance from the childminder and very good range of age appropriate methods she uses for dealing with children's behaviour, all of which are discussed and agreed with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well-being. Parents are given a wealth of information at the onset of a placement. This includes details about the service the childminder provides and her extensive policies and procedures. This ensures parents are well informed and made to feel welcome from the outset. She also asks parents to complete a settling in questionnaire which gives the childminder comprehensive details of children's individual needs. The childminder provides parents with daily diaries which gives them detailed information about their child's day, their experiences and welfare. She also completes development diaries for each child and relates the observations and comments on children's progress to the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Parents have recently completed questionnaires about the service the childminder provides and given the opportunity to make

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Helping children make a positive contribution

comments about any changes they would like. All parents gave excellent comments about the childminder and the opportunities and activities she provides for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the excellent organisation and the effective health and safety measures taken by the childminder. They have access to an extremely wide range of resources and stimulating activities, which effectively meet their individual needs. Children benefit from being in the care of a highly skilled childminder, who has regard for the well-being of all the children in her care. The adult to child ratio's positively support children's care, learning and play.

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Organisation

The childminder has an extensive knowledge of child development and has completed many courses, covering a wide range of topics. She is very pro-active in accessing early years training and reads relevant publications to ensure she keeps up to date with current practice. This continuing development is reflected in the childminder's expert practice and increased knowledge, which children in her care greatly benefit from.

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Organisation

All required documentation is in place, including extremely comprehensive written policies and procedures which helps to contribute to children's health, safety and well-being. The recording systems in place are organised very effectively, are appropriately maintained and supplemented by relevant written parental consents and contracts. All records are up to date and confidentially maintained.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 can be seen 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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