Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340279 Unique Reference Number 23 January 2008 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 good. 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 lives with her partner and three children aged two, four and seven years in Rochester, Northumberland. Areas to be used on the ground floor include the lounge, conservatory, main dining room, small dining room and kitchen. There is a ground floor toilet available. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children aged under eight years. She uses local child friendly facilities such as toddler groups and parks. The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children thrive because the childminder follows effective written procedures and practices, which meet their physical, nutritional and health needs. The very good adult support and guidance helps children gain a good understanding of good hygiene routines. The childminder promotes good personal hygiene through positive role modelling and ensures children are given opportunities to wash hands at appropriate times and are given lots of encouragement to do so. The childminder also read the children a story about washing faces, which involved asking

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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 the children what items were needed to do this. The comprehensive written policy and detailed discussion with parents regarding the admission of sick children helps to minimise the risk of cross infection and therefore safeguards children's health. Detailed accident and medication recording systems are in place and are clear, up to date and confidentially maintained. The childminder has completed relevant first aid training and has access to a first aid kit at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy an extremely healthy and nutritious diet, as the childminder ensures that fresh foods are provided at meal and snack time. Children have access to drinks throughout the day, encouraging children to help themselves and promoting independence. Children have opportunities to participate in cooking activities, recipes followed are appropriate to children's ages and abilities, they recently made biscuits and pizza's with healthy toppings. The childminder has detailed information about each child's dietary needs, including their likes and dislikes, and any allergies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to take part in stimulating indoor and outdoor activities. The childminder has some understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and a very good understanding of each child's stage of development. She ensures children have walks in the local community on a daily basis, and have regular opportunities to use the large outdoor equipment in the garden, which helps to develop their physical skills. Children are given lots of positive encouragement to enjoy these activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an extremely safe and secure environment. The home is very well organised and maintained, giving children opportunities to explore and select activities and resources safely. A very good range of equipment is available and in use, taking into account the ages of the children being cared for. An extremely comprehensive safety policy is in place, which includes the safe evacuation of the home. The childminder regularly practises this with the children, which further promotes their safety and well-being. Through very thorough written risk assessments the childminder ensures that all areas accessed by children are very safe. The childminder has a very good understanding of how to achieve a balance between freedom and setting safe limits, which allows children to learn some sense of danger within a very safe environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of good quality equipment, appropriate to their ages and stages of development. It is regularly monitored 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 that they meet the relevant safety standards. She talks to children about safety, for example she explained to a child why they should not be standing on a chair. Talking about what would happen to them if they fell.

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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 a very good understanding of child protection procedures and her role in safeguarding children in her care. She has comprehensive written policies and procedures that support her practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the childminder's home, they are very happy and settled. They achieve well because the childminder uses her sound knowledge to provide high quality

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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 care. They have very positive relationships with the childminder, confidently approaching her for comfort and assistance. Children's confidence and self-esteem is given high priority as they are offered praise and acknowledgement for their efforts and achievements. Children's independence is promoted as they make their own choices and decisions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning is developed through a wide range of stimulating activities and resources. The childminder interacts well with the children, giving lots of attention, encouragement and motivation to play and enjoy activities. Children are able to select toys and activities from the extremely well resourced play areas. Children are enthusiastic as they use their natural sense of curiosity and develop their imagination, and had great fun putting together a train track. They use a range of art and craft materials in many ways to make interesting pictures and models. Daily diaries and photographs keep parents informed about activities and outings their children have experienced.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has flexible plans for activities and has started to use her knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework when planning these, however, would benefit from further developing this. All activities are flexible in order to accommodate children's individual needs and to take into account how they are feeling. The childminder has begun to monitor and evaluate activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder works 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 strong 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 ensure each child has equal access to opportunities to learn and develop and therefore reach their full potential. Children have access to an extensive range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity and differences, including books and dolls. The childminder has comprehensive policies and procedures in place regarding equality, diversity and disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave extremely well, in a calm and friendly environment. They learn about sharing and valuing others by the positive role model provided by the childminder and the consistent boundaries in place. She gently and sensitively supports and encourages children in their daily routines and activities. This enables them to develop their self-esteem and confidence. Children respond well to guidance from the childminder and the good range of age appropriate strategies she has in place for dealing with children's behaviour. She discusses and agrees all methods used with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well-being. Parents are given a wealth of information, in the form of a written pack which includes details about the service provided, and policies and procedures. This ensures parents are well informed and made to feel welcome from the onset of a placement. Daily diaries and discussions keep parents up to date with their child's progress and welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the very good organisation and the effective health and safety measures taken. They have access to a wide range of resources and stimulating activities,

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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 which effectively meet their individual needs. Children benefit from a skilled childminder, who has regard for their well-being. The adult to child ratio positively supports children's care, learning and play.

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Organisation

The childminder has sound knowledge of child development and has completed a number of courses. She is pro-active in accessing training, reading relevant publications and ensures she keeps up to date with current practice. Children benefit greatly from the childminder's continuing development and increased knowledge.

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Organisation

All required documentation is in place and regularly reviewed and updated, which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being. The recording systems in place are organised effectively, are confidentially maintained and are supplemented by relevant parental consents and contracts. The childminder has comprehensive written policies and procedures, including detailed information for parents.

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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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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 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 good. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop plans to have regard for the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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