Barnetson Kimberley-Joy

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

590080 Unique Reference Number 13 November 2007 Inspection date Lynn Amelia Hartigan Inspector

p.1

Integrated Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are outstanding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and three children aged 15, 13 and six years. They live in a residential area of Colchester, Essex. The whole house is used for childminding with the exception of the second floor and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for 10 children who attend both full and part-time. The childminder works with an assistant. The childminder attends a parent and carer toddler group and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children’s health is exceptionally well promoted because the childminder follows her sound and consistent procedures. Children are protected from illness and accidents extremely well as the childminder has excellent, informative health and sickness, accident and incident policies in place. These are reviewed regularly and followed to ensure the children's health is not compromised. An excellent procedure is in place should a child become unwell whilst at the childminder's.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

An informative file is available to parents regarding children's illnesses and exclusion times are included. Thorough, organised and exceptionally well-maintained accident and medication books ensure the children's health is not compromised and parents are fully informed. An exceptionally informative file is available to parents containing the childminder's policies such as, emergency plans, health, safety and accidents policies.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

A very good nappy changing procedure further ensures children are protected from cross-infection. Children are changed in the bathroom and nappy changing is recorded for parents within their children's individual day books. An extensive and informative potty training policy is available but only ever implemented following close consultation with parents. Children learn about keeping themselves healthy as the childminder positively encourages the children to wash their hands before snack, after using the toilet and playing in the garden. Children use fresh flannels that they select from a large basket within the bathroom for every wash.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's needs are extremely well catered for should they have an accident as a well-stocked first aid kit is in place and the childminder holds a current first aid trained. Children learn about their bodies and how to stay healthy as the childminder plans activities around this, for example, 'Keeping clean' where children enjoy cleaning the dolls in the baby bath and 'food we eat' and 'growing'. Conversation is encouraged around healthy lifestyles and children have great fun helping at the allotment, growing vegetables for their snacks.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is persistently promoted as they enjoy fresh air and exercise daily. Children are able to free flow from indoors to the garden. Appropriate clothing is available and most children can independently get themselves ready when choosing to play outdoors. Children are able to access very good resources to develop their physical skills, such as ride on toys, balls, climbing frame and slides as these are provided within the garden. Children's routines a exceptionally well catered for. They are able to rest and sleep in a quiet, well-ventilated bedroom upstairs or the sitting room. Travel cots, clean sheets and blankets are supplied. All equipment is of excellent quality. The childminder ensures the temperature of the room is appropriate and a monitor is used although children are also regularly checked.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Excellent care is taken to ensure the children enjoy healthy nutritious snacks and meals. Healthy options such as milk, fresh juice and water are offered and available throughout the day. Children enjoy yoghurts, grapes and plums for snack and they are given a choice as to what they would like to eat. They sit happily at the table and chat amongst themselves and with the

p.3

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 childminder. Each child has an individual care plan and their dietary needs are discussed with the parents. Meals, bottles and snacks are prepared in an exceptionally clean, highly organised kitchen. The childminder has an excellent understanding of food preparation and holds a current food hygiene certificate. Baby food is prepared fresh daily. They enjoy mashed courgette, carrot and cheese whilst older children have home cooked macaroni cheese for lunch. Children learn about good foods as they prepare their own home made soup using pumpkin and butternut squash. Younger children are included in the activity by sitting with the children and feeling and playing with the vegetables.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

A menu is displayed for parents every week within the kitchen and on the parents' notice board. Excellent procedures to ensure that food is stored appropriately are in place. A healthy foods and nutrition policy is also available to parents.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder ensures that children and their parents are made very welcome. For example, the dedicated playroom and conservatory is brightly decorated with the children's artwork, posters, mobiles, photos and displays. Children have their own coat pegs and shoe storage in the entrance hall along with the parents' notice boards. There is a real sense of belonging for the children and the home is overwhelmingly child-friendly and welcoming.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's individual needs are met as appropriate. An abundance of excellent, well-maintained resources and equipment are provided. The exceptionally good selection of toys both indoors and outdoors and their accessibility ensures the children can independently make choices, self-select and initiate their own play.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a very clean, extremely safe environment as the childminder consistently gives priority to protect children. She ensures the home is risk assessed regularly and the premises meet with all requirements. A fire evacuation plan and policy is in place, smoke alarms, fire blankets are available and regularly checked. The childminder ensures the children understand about fire safety and regular fire drills are practised and recorded. A floor plan of the premises and fire evacuation plans are displayed around the home.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's understanding of road safety and potential dangers when out is promoted considerably well as the childminder discusses these issues with them when out walking. Children enjoy road safety activities and their artwork around this subject is displayed within the playroom.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being is protected exceptionally well as the childminder has a very good understanding of child protection issues. A comprehensive written policy in place for parents is consistently reviewed. A confidentiality and lost child policy is also available to ensure the children are safeguarded.

p.4

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

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have excellent opportunities for many play experiences as there is an exceptional selection of quality toys and resources available to them within the playroom, conservatory and garden. The childminder has made exceptional use of the space available and the house is breathtakingly welcoming and child-friendly. Children feel very comfortable and secure they are able to select toys with ease and confidence as they are impressively organised and accessible. Toy boxes have all been labelled and toys are stored on low-level shelving units. Mirrors on the wall enable young children and babies to watch themselves whilst playing. The childminder's thorough understanding of children's development ensures activities and toys are appropriate for their developmental stage.

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children receive excellent support as the childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and is implementing this well. Activities are theme based and take into account the children's individual level of development and understanding. Young children and babies are included in all activities as these are adapted accordingly. They enjoy playing with the bags of hair gel with glitter, gloop, jelly and play dough. They enjoy exploring the treasure baskets and natural materials such as pine cones and leaves.

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have excellent opportunities for creative play, for example, making Rangoli patterns with lentils, dressing up, music and dance, and cooking soup and making pizza. Children enjoy making a large gingerbread house out of gingerbread and a cardboard house re-enacting the three pigs story.

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding. Very good observations of the children's development is recorded within their individual file, samples of their work is also kept, this enables the childminder to plan appropriate activities and provides the parents with a good record of their achievements. Plans are well documented and link to the childminder's observations of the children, good evaluation of activities and differentiation ensures the children are progressing well.

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy playing a shopping activity, they have made their own play money and use a large box of knitted gloves to sell. They talk about how much they cost and how many gloves they need. They check they have enough money and use simple addition and subtraction within their play. The childminder encourages them to listen to the sound of clapping with their gloves on and discuss the difference in sound when they take them off. Children enjoy stories and cuddles. The childminder encourages the children to interact and is skilful in asking questions encouraging the children to predict the outcome of the story.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder offers exceptionally high quality care and is exceptionally effective in helping children make a positive contribution. Children are persistently well cared for as the childminder

p.5

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 is committed in providing a quality service and dedicates time in getting to know them and their family backgrounds. She positively encourages the parents to settle their children and share information with her so that she can best meet and support their individual needs. Detailed and exceptionally well-written equal opportunities and inclusion policies are in place and are regularly reviewed, this ensures the inclusion of all children.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's knowledge and understanding of the wider world is encouraged through conversation on trips out, and through their work and activities. Excellent resources to promote diversity are also available to them, such as, skin tone crayons, posters, jigsaws, and an impressive selection of books and play foods such as sushi. Children enjoy celebrating Diwali, they taste Indian snacks, make diva lamps and listen to Indian music.

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are thoroughly discussed and detailed so that the childminder can support and protect them. The children are cared for by a childminder who is pro-active to ensure she is fully informed regarding any additional needs and is experienced caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and children who have English as a second language. Accessibility of excellent resources and the organisation of the home ensures inclusion. Commitment to attend training when needed ensure all children are cared for appropriately, for example, completion of a Makaton training course.

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children feel valued and respected as the childminder and her assistant are calm and excellent role models for what is appropriate and acceptable behaviour. They encourage good behaviour and a behaviour code and policy is in place and followed. She is committed to ensure the children's self-esteem is never damaged. Discussion and time is given to reflect on unacceptable behaviour this is all detailed within the policy. An 'our rules' poster that the children have discussed and contributed too is displayed within the playroom. Children attending receive excellent attention and care and are constantly praised for their efforts. As a result, children become self-confident and reassured. Very good communication with the parents ensures there is a consistent approach to managing behaviour and promotes the children's well-being.

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

A strong emphasis is put on welcoming the parents into the home and ensures a good working relationship and exchange of information to help the childminder develop and support the children's needs. This is achieved successfully as the childminder has created a robust information file that supports her expert practice. This is offered to parents and provides copies of her setting's individual policies and procedures.

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is outstanding.

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

A superb relationship between the childminder and the parents ensures they are fully informed about their children's care and learning. For example, daily diaries are well maintained and give the parents general information regarding their child's day. Development files with photographs detailing the child's day are also kept. Newsletters detailing the activities and themes the children will be completing are offered to parents. An extensive notice board where appropriate certificates are displayed and information regarding the Foundation Stage and stepping stones are available. The childminder regularly evaluates her own practice and offers the parents and children annual questionnaires. She values both the parents and children's feedback so that she can improve on her already excellent practices.

p.6

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 Children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

p.6

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for exceptionally well as the childminder is a qualified and experienced practitioner. Completion of many training courses has supported her in providing excellent care. The childminder is committed to training and has attended many courses. Children are cared for by a reflective practitioner who is constantly striving for excellence. The childminder is forward thinking and regularly self-evaluates her service.

p.7

Organisation

Children are protected exceptionally well as the childminder has a good understanding of the vetting procedures. A well-documented register is in place and visitors to the premises also sign a visitors book. The childminder has a detailed procedure to ensure children are returned to a known adult.

p.7

Organisation

Children's care is significantly enhanced as the childminder manages her day exceptionally well and is very organised. The childminder is currently working with an assistant to ensure the best care is offered. The childminder is thorough when ensuring children's details are well documented. Appropriate paperwork such as personal detail sheets and contracts are updated regularly and well maintained. These are stored appropriately in a locked filling cabinet to ensure security and confidentiality.

p.7

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to develop the areas of the home used by minded children, to enhance the children's play experiences. The provider has dedicated much of the ground floor of her home to the children and has created a breathtakingly welcome and child friendly environment in which to play and learn.

p.7

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.

p.7

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 complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.7

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

p.7

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.8

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.8

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are outstanding.

p.8

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

p.8

The quality and standards of the nursery education

recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of nursery education are outstanding.

p.8

The quality and standards of the nursery education

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

p.8

The quality and standards of the nursery education

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

p.8