Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY266090 Unique Reference Number 29 January 2008 Inspection date Wendy Fitton 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 registered in November 2003. She lives with her husband, two grown-up children and a child aged six years. The premises are situated in Walton-le-Dale on the outskirts of Preston in Lancashire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to provide care for a maximum of five children under eight years and there are currently three children on roll attending mainly part-time places. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes, including a through lounge and dining room, a study with downstairs bathroom facility, a conservatory and a rear garden. There is no access to the first floor for children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 are really promoted because the childminder takes very positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when children are unwell. The premises are extremely clean, well maintained and free from any germs or bacteria. Work surfaces, floor coverings and kitchen worktops are wiped and cleaned daily. The bathroom area is used specifically for the minded children. There are individual changing mats and the childminder uses quick dry antibacterial hand gel between changes and when carrying out any health routines. Children talk about the importance of washing hands and how they do it, they use liquid soap and hand towels. There are detailed polices and procedures for meeting children's health, medication and first aid needs. The childminder has an up-to-date first aid certificate and she has updated her sickness procedures in line with the public health requirements. She

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Helping children to be healthy

also has a new first aid box and consent from parents for emergency medical treatment, and all medication records and accident records meet with requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks, snacks and meals in adequate quantities for their needs. Food is properly prepared, stored and is nutritious, complying with any individual dietary or cultural requirements. Children are extremely well nourished and enjoy a variety of snacks that include croissants, toast, fruit and crumpets. A home cooked meal is provided at lunch and includes potatoes, vegetables, casseroles, hotpots and pasta dishes. All dietary needs are met and known to the childminder and recorded on individual detail sheets. Children participate in baking activities and learn about growing vegetables and help with food cooking and tasting. Meal times are well organised at the tables that are suited to the varying development stages, and children use appropriate cutlery, cups and crockery and enjoy the positive social occasion.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development and healthy living is well promoted through the provision of fresh air, exercise and relaxation. Children rest and sleep in prams, travel cots and on sleep mats after their lunch; older children relax for television, story time or quiet games. Children enjoy walking outside to local parks and places of interest. They climb, balance and develop their physical skills during outdoor play in the garden or at the park. They practice their hand–eye coordination as they balance on stilts, do an egg and spoon race at sports day and play with a variety of tools and equipment including drawing materials, jigsaws and construction toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's all round development is well supported because they access a very organised environment that is welcoming, child-centred and offers necessary facilities and activities. The premises are clean and well maintained, and there is creative use of space so that children can play, rest and eat in comfort and safety. Children use a main lounge and dining room for the majority of their play, there is access to a study area, conservatory, downstairs bathroom and an outdoor garden. Children feel a sense of belonging as they see toys, pictures and objects that they are familiar with. They are provided with an excellent range of accessible and stimulating furniture, equipment and toys that is well maintained and conforms to safety standards. There is everyday routine furniture to support development and this includes tables and chairs, sofas, prams, changing mats and appropriate cups, plates and utensils. All equipment

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

is in good condition, regularly checked and replaced. Children enjoy playing with a range of

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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 toys and resources to develop their skills. There are games, jigsaws, art and craft materials, baby toys, activity toys, cause and effect toys, role play equipment and books.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is fundamental to their welfare and the childminder takes very positive steps to promote safety both inside and outside the premises, and takes precautions to prevent accidents and make sure children are free from any risks. Children learn about road safety as they carry out a role play activity with dolls and dressing up toys, and pretend that the dolls have fallen out of the car and broken their leg and need hospital treatment. Children know about the dangers of fire and have welcomed the fire officers to the childminder's home to talk to them about evacuation, smoke alarms and general safety procedures. Children are secure in the premises and all exits are locked during the day. There are arrival and collection procedures and children are booked in and out. The rear garden is securely fenced and there are padlocks on gates and doors. Safety equipment is in place and includes a fire blanket, smoke alarms,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

socket covers and stair gates. The childminder carries appropriate insurance cover for herself and the vehicle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected and safeguarded because the childminder understands her role and duty to protect children from harm. There is a written child protection procedure that is acknowledged by parents and clearly sets out the referral procedure in the event of a concern. Parents are informed of all action to be taken if there is no further impact on children's welfare or safety. The childminder has completed up-to-date training and records any significant incidents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children's all round development and learning needs are very well promoted through access to an interesting and stimulating range of activities and experiences. The childminder works to a flexible routine that responds to children's interests, likes and dislikes according to the varying ages of the children attending. Children develop their physical, social, emotional and intellectual capabilities through trips, outdoor play, role-play games, arts and crafts and through books and games that challenge their thinking and enhance their knowledge. Children explore and investigate how things work and develop their imagination and creativity. They use the computer and experiment with different mediums using play dough, paint and sand. They take on roles in the dressing up and hospital activity as they learn about safety on the roads. Children create pictures and models with art and craft materials and learn about the world around them

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

when they collect leaves, taste foods and read books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very confident, comfortable and familiar with the routines. They show great interest in what they are doing, listen and ask questions. The childminder is extremely supportive and nurtures the children; she knows them well and ensures they are secure. The children play with purpose, they are well mannered and play cooperatively, sharing and taking turns. There are photographs of children available for parents to see the range of activities their children experience. The childminder works to a seasonal theme and involves the children in festivals and celebrations and helps them to understand about different countries, foods and cultures. The childminder observes what children can do and therefore can plan according to their level of development and interest. Children are learning to distinguish between right and wrong; the childminder is very positive in her approach and helps children feel good about themselves

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

when she gives praise for using manners, tidying away toys and carrying out some independent tasks.

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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 are really welcomed and valued, they have access to an excellent range of facilities and activities. The childminder works in close liaison with parents in order to provide appropriate care to help children learn, meet all medical and dietary needs and find out about their family lifestyles. Induction procedures are followed and parents complete an 'all about me' sheet that includes a picture of family members and relevant personal information. The childminder provides individual care at varying intervals throughout the week and so knows her children well. Children learn about diversity and the wider world and meet with community people. The fire officers visit to talk about fire safety and the local vet comes to talk about caring for animals. There are books, jigsaws, dolls and activities that recognise differences, language, culture, festivals and celebrations through some photographic evidence. Children are fully included

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Helping children make a positive contribution

because the childminder has good understanding of specific needs and takes positive action in partnership with parents to identify a child with a learning difficulty or disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is well managed and is consistent with the levels of maturity and understanding of the children on roll. The childminder is an excellent role model as she speaks warmly and calmly to children. She continually praises and encourages them during activities and gently reminds them of the rules and boundaries. Children fully understand the importance of manners, listening to each other, sharing and turn taking. The childminder deals with any negative behaviour in a positive way, without too much focus on the negative aspects. Children are reminded of the consequences of negative behaviour and of the dangers and safety aspects for others. Children benefit from positive relationships between their parents and the childminder so they feel confident and secure. The childminder evaluates her service and parents send thank you letters and positive feedback about the care of their children. There is extensive information

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and photographs to share with parents that outlines the whole of the organisation of routines and activities. Parents are asked to sign all consent forms for various activities and acknowledge the operational polices and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are extremely well protected and safeguarded as they are cared for by vetted and suitable adults. The childminder is qualified and experienced and is up-to-date with any new practices and changes in legislation. She has completed food hygiene training, first aid, child protection and workshops for the care and learning of children under three years. She is highly motivated and interested in further training for children from birth to five years and totally enjoys her work as a childminder. Children are very well supported and part of a well organised provision that provides opportunities for them to play, rest and eat in comfort and safety. There are clear routines and rhythms of the day according to the needs of the children attending; including free play, trips out, planned activities, meals, rests and quiet play. The childminder is well organised herself and so children are well supervised throughout the day.

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Organisation

Children's welfare, care and learning is excellent because of the maintained records, policies and procedures in place for the safe and efficient management of childminding. All required records are up-to-date, available for inspection and include daily attendance registers, children's personal information, parents' contact details and accident, incident and medication records. There are very clear organisational polices and procedures that are reviewed in line with new practices or legislation and these are shared with parents. All paperwork is stored confidentially and has been retained since the childminder registered.

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency advice or treatment. The provider now asks parents to sign a statement of consent so that any emergency medical treatment or advice may be sought. Children's welfare and protection are now enhanced.

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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.

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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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