Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY100758 Unique Reference Number 19 October 2005 Inspection date Catherine Julie Stainthorpe 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 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged 7, 9, and 11, in a village near to Doncaster. The ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder walks to local nurseries and schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group, visits the playgroup and takes children to the local library and park. The childminder takes children are regular outings into the local countryside.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently caring for four children, all of who attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is also a part-time playgroup supervisor at a local playgroup and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health and well being is given the utmost importance. The childminder ensures children are cared for in a very clean and hygienic setting. Children's good health is promoted effectively because wherever possible children share responsibility for decisions about the provision actively contributing to the development of safety, health and care routines. For example, children remember that they need to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet and that the table and placemats are wiped clean before they help set the table for lunch. Children are provided with their own toothbrush and hand towel. These are within children's reach for easy use. Story books are used to raise children's awareness of healthy routines and colourful cartoon characters are wall displayed in the cloakroom, and these act as a friendly reminder to children to wash their hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are welcomed into the childminder's home where consistently high standards of cleanliness are applied and therefore the risk of cross contamination and infection is minimised. For example, the childminder takes steps to prevent the spread of infection by wearing protective gloves when changing nappies and ensures immediate disposal of soiled and wet nappies. The childminder has a very sound knowledge and understanding of illness and infection. For example she keeps parents well informed of her policy on sickness or on steps she takes should a child become unwell whilst in her care. As a result of this parents have a good understanding of when their child cannot be accepted into the setting.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has an excellent understanding of food and nutrition. The children enthusiastically contribute to growing home produce such as tomatoes in the garden. The childminder pays very important attention to providing nutritious, home prepared and cooked meals which are eaten together with the family at the table. Cooked meals are provided according to the dietary needs of the children and with parental agreement. Children are actively involved in the preparation of snacks and meals. For example, they are given the opportunity to spread the butter on the bread, choose the filling for their sandwiches and select fruit from the wide variety in the fruit bowl. As a result of this, the children are able to make decisions and choices about the foods they eat and also they learn vital life skills and social skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder places the utmost importance on providing children with a warm, clean, welcoming and child friendly environment. Regular risk assessments are completed and appropriate action is taken to minimise any potential hazards for the children. Furniture and equipment is of the highest standard and very carefully selected to ensure safety and suitability for the children. Toys and resources are of excellent quality and very clean and well maintained. These are stored with care, so that children can safely and independently select what they want to play with.

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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 The children's safety and well being is given consistently high priority. Children are encouraged to take part in daily routines and practical activities such as helping tidy away and laying the table for lunch. The childminder provides a high standard of supervision and remains vigilant in maintaining the safety of the children as they contribute to these daily activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have an excellent understanding of fire safety in the home. The childminder provides opportunities for them to take part in regular fire practices. Children know that they gather together for safety under the big tree outdoors and that 999 calls the emergency services.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a very clear understanding of child protection and has clear and well documented information, which is provided to parents and keeps them well informed of the childminder's role and responsibility. First class consideration is given to maintaining children's safety outside the home. This is evidenced as a result of a traffic incident when the childminder was out walking with children. The childminder's immediate response and resulting action has helped to ensure children's safety will be maintained in the future.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are settled, confident and happy with the childminder and this is as a result of the consistently high quality of care she provides. Children are interested and inquisitive about activities and events taking place around them. The childminder responds to the children's questions with animated interest and enthusiastically offers explanations and talks and listens to what the children have to say.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a rich and varied play and learning environment and eagerly participate in the fun, interesting, stimulating and challenging activities. For example snack time extends beyond sitting to have a drink and fruit. The childminder sits with the children at the table and they enjoy sharing the number and picture books. The children actively contribute and can count confidently. They enjoy naming the pictures and they begin to understand early word recognition.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Excellent use is made of the extensive range of toys and resources to provide an exciting and varied day for the children. For example, children enjoy modelling with play dough, using glitter and food additives to add colour and smell. They can freely access and use the excellent range of creative mediums, which include a wide selection of art equipment, templates and collage materials.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have regular access to the outdoors. Excellent use is made of the garden for play. The very good range of safe and developmentally appropriate outdoor play equipment contributes to the children's physical development as they become more aware of how to control their bodies. Strong emphasis is given to nature and enjoyment of the local country side. Children pull on their wellington boots and enjoy walks through the fields with the childminder and watch as the farmer works with his tractor in the fields. She talks to children about the cows, horse and sheep along the way and they collect leaves to make pictures when they return home.

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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 enjoy being together. The childminder works with the purpose to ensure each child's needs are given equal consideration within the setting. As a result of this, children play well together, start to consider each others feelings and learn to share successfully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children become more aware of the world around them because the childminder provides exciting and interesting opportunities for children to experience and learn about others. For example, the use of different languages are well promoted especially Spanish and French. Children learn simple spoken words. Books and posters help them become more familiar about aspects of these languages.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Toys and resources provide children with excellent opportunities to learn about different race and culture. For example, the dressing up trolley contains a wealth of different outfits, traditional dress and hats from which the children choose. Musical instruments are carefully selected to represent different sounds from around the world. The excellent range of quality books tackles a range of issues which are part of everyday life.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a sense of history during the very well planned visits by bus and train to Cusworth Hall and the Railway Museum in York. They become more involved in the local community as a result of regular outings to the carer and toddler group, playgroup, parks, local countryside, library and shops.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents have clear information about the setting and their children's progress through, for example, the childminder's information booklet, daily records of children's routines and activities and clear recording of children's achievements. Policies and procedures are clear and provided to parents. The childminder's professional approach and friendly nature reassures parents that their children are safe and secure.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is significantly enhanced by exceptional organisation. All policies and procedures are individual to the setting, robust and fully support the very good practice of this knowledgeable and highly committed childminder. She is meticulous in her record keeping and ensures that all relevant documentation is held confidentially but is readily accessible at all times. The childminder works over and beyond her childminding hours to ensure she remains completely up to date with children's observations and records. As a direct result of this, children's care and well being is always a priority and all children are fully supported in reaching their full potential.

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Organisation

Indoor and outdoor space is organised effectively, creating a very child friendly environment, which enables children to explore and take risks while being appropriately and consistently supervised. Children can move around freely and the childminder has an astute awareness of her responsibility to keep children safe. The childminder has developed an extremely well organised playroom which appeals to the children. It provides a wealth of exciting play and

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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 learning opportunities that are easily accessible. Resources are highly suitable, stimulating, fun, and effectively inspire children's play and learning.

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Organisation

The childminder pays very important regard to furthering her own personal and professional development. For example, she has recently completed a recognised qualification in early years and has attended or plans to attend a variety of other related training events which positively contribute towards her excellent knowledge and understanding of the provision of quality child care. These include enrolment onto 'Birth to three matters' training. Overall, the needs of the children for whom care is provided are met.

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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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