Thompson Jacqueline Mary

Inspection report for early years provision

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252482 Unique Reference Number 21 January 2008 Inspection date Hayley Lapworth 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 was registered in 1996. She lives with her two teenage sons in a house in Nottingham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding along with the upstairs bathroom. There is also a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children on a part-time basis. The childminder attends local toddler groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are looked after in a superbly clean and most comfortable home. The childminder creates a very relaxed welcoming atmosphere and areas used for childminding are cleaned throughout the day. This includes areas where children sit to eat and where food is prepared. In addition she is vigilant about her own hygiene and regularly washes her own hands when

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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 making snacks and assisting children with eating. Consequently, the risk of cross infection or contamination in minimised and children's health is promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and have regular very appropriate drinks because the childminder clearly understands the importance of a healthy diet. All children, from an early age, develop an excellent understanding of matters affecting their health and well-being. For example, school aged children discuss with confidence that added salt to food is not good for them and supported by the childminder share ways of avoiding too much salt in their diet. As a result, children are beginning to understand nutritional food contents and make choices about their own lifestyle. During activities and discussions children learn about healthy living and how their bodies work. Practical experiences include visiting the dentist and they enjoy regular physical play and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's well-being is effectively promoted because their health, dietary needs, and their parents' wishes regarding all aspects of their care, are clearly documented and understood by the childminder. Her robust procedures and sensitive approach regarding medication, accidents or illness ensure children receive prompt appropriate treatment. Parents are kept extremely well informed of any issues relating to their children's health whilst in the care of the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's independence and social skills are fostered well at meal times as they make choices about what they would like to eat, use beakers appropriate to their age and stage of development and converse with one another and the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are looked after in a most secure and safe environment. The childminder consistently monitors the suitability of her premises in and outdoors and the on-going safety of equipment and toys. Safety equipment is effectively used to keep the children safe, such as socket covers and a safety gate in the kitchen. Children are extremely well supervised and the childminder also ensures they are well prepared for an emergency. Taking into account children's age and level of understanding, the childminder superbly teaches them about different aspects of safety. For example, on walks children develop a clear appreciation of road safety and the need to watch the traffic, listen carefully and respond to the childminder's instructions. Their understanding of safety is further enhanced by practising the home fire evacuation procedure. The childminder places a drawing of a fire in one of the rooms and the children are encouraged

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to think and act accordingly depending on the location of the fire. Children confidently share accurate details with the inspector about what they have to do and which exits they use. Therefore, children are less likely to panic in the event of an emergency and are learning how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to age-appropriate toys and equipment which are maintained in excellent condition. They understand how to correctly manage physical play apparatus and tools, such as scissors because the childminder supports them well in the early stages. They are physically very confident and competent because the childminder allows them to take risks and introduces them to different challenges, such as pretending to be outdoors in the rain when they are inside, by making puddles and balancing and jumping from puddle to puddle around the lounge.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm as the childminder has a very sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She is thoroughly aware of her responsibilities and action she may need to take should she have any concerns about a child. Procedures are robust in relation

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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 to the collection of children, only previously agreed arrangements are adhered to. Parents are made fully aware of how the service operates through comprehensive written information, daily communication and monthly meetings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children attending are confident and very happy in the care of the childminder. She presents them with appropriate challenges and rewarding experiences. These include making round shaped puddles out of large squares of material. The children are growing in independence as they share ideas and work together in imaginative situations. The activities on offer reflect their stage of development and interests, offer them suitable choices, and encourage then to have fun. Children laugh with one another as they jump in pretend puddles making big splashes and take off their socks saying 'I got wet feet and socks'. The childminder supports them in their play to extend their learning, for example, she introduces mathematical language asking them how many sides they need if they want to make a triangle and reinforcing that if they put two halves together this will make one whole one. Consequently, children's vocabulary and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

problem solving skills are being developed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a warm rapport with all children, they are comfortable with her presence and many regularly encourage her participation in their play. For example, they initiate conversations and talk about what they are doing. She encourages all the children to be involved in conversations and discussions, such as telling the inspector about how to keep safe in the event of an emergency. They share good friendships and relate very well to one another. They are polite and considerate to one another's views and allow one another to share their thoughts and ideas. This is most evident, for example, when building bridges with a construction set and making beds to sleep in as part of a game. As a result, they are developing good social skills and learning from one another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individuality is respected and valued as the childminder plans a range of activities that take into account children's development stages, interests and attendance. She has begun to link planning into assessment for the younger children using the most current guidance and is aware that this will enhance the children's learning. For example, she has looked at the potential outcomes for children when involved in the preparation of food, like sandwich making. She positively interacts with the children and involves all children making them feel part of the group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has some experience and demonstrates her awareness that some children have differing needs due to learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The children are becoming aware of the wider society because the childminder has a positive attitude towards all. They access a suitable range of resources that promote positive images of diversity. This includes books and toys that reflect positive images, however, there is little representation of disabilities. Therefore, children's understanding is potentially restricted in this area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and use good manners, this is achieved because the childminder promotes politeness and understands methods of raising children's self-esteem and confidence. This is most evident through the positive praise and encouragement she offers them during play and routine.

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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 The childminder places a high emphasis on building good relationships with the children's parents to enable her to meet the children's individual needs. She involves them in the setting through written information she provides, welcoming them into her home to chat on arrival and collection and meeting with them on a monthly basis. These meetings are used to determine objectives for children's learning and development, this may relate to letter formation and early reading skills or potty training. As a result, consistency of care between the two parties is strong and children's overall development is enhanced.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected and cared for by a childminder who has good knowledge and understanding of child development and how to protect children. This includes ensuring all adults in the household complete appropriate vetting procedures. She develops her knowledge through attending training courses, such as language and literacy development. Consequently, the quality of the provision and children's learning is enhanced.

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Organisation

Space in the childminder's home is organised well to facilitate children’s learning and promote their independence. Positive interactions between the childminder and children provide children with a sense of belonging. The certificate of registration is prominently displayed in the entrance porch for all to see. Children's individual details and documentation relating to the provision are well organised and confidentiality is respected. Records relating to accidents and the administration of medication effectively promote children's care and well-being. All information including notes about children's development are routinely reviewed and shared with parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to a recommendation to plan a range of activities and play opportunities to extend children's imaginative play. The childminder plans play to enable children to develop imaginatively and provides them with some appropriate resources that encourage role play. Consequently, children's overall development is being promoted as a result of improvements implemented by the childminder.

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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. The provider is required to have procedures for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents and to keep a record of complaints and there outcome.

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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

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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): • increase resources that promote positive images of disability.

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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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