Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356110 Unique Reference Number 06 May 2008 Inspection date Anne Felicity Taylor 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 2007. She lives with her husband, her mother and three children aged seven and two years, and seven months in the Chase Meadow area of Warwick. The whole ground floor, and the playroom and bathroom on the second floor of the childminder’s house are used for childminding. There is 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 three children at any one time. She is currently caring for two children aged one year, both on a part time basis. The childminder's Mother is registered as her assistant. The family has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends a local toddler group. 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 are protected from the risk of infection because the childminder is an excellent role model for the children on hygiene practice. They learn the importance of very good personal hygiene routines as they are encouraged to wash their hands and wipe their noses. Younger children have easy access to toilet facilities with the use of robust steps. Liquid soap and clean towels are available. Children are constantly reminded about hygiene routines through the effective use of posters in the bathroom. Thorough and clear nappy changing and nappy disposal routines are in place ensuring children stay clean and comfortable. First-class arrangements to prevent cross infection are in place, for example, the changing table is disinfected thoroughly after each use. There is a comprehensive sickness policy in place. Parents are very well informed about any events during the day, as appropriate procedures are carried out, for example, accident

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Helping children to be healthy

and medication recording. Any medication administered is carefully monitored and stored safely ensuring children's well-being at all times. Children are cared for with concern and expertise if they have an accident or become ill as the childminder is first aid trained and several fully-stocked first aid boxes are available around the childminder's home.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have food provided by parents or the childminder can provide all meals and snacks. Children are very well nourished and enjoy the healthy and varied diet provided. Younger children are delighted as they choose their own snack and sit down with friends to enjoy, it with a drink. The childminder chats to the children about nutrition and therefore they develop extremely positive attitudes to healthy eating. She prepares snacks and meals using fresh ingredients and tries to use organic produce. The childminder has a refrigerator specifically for storing food and formulae feeds provided by parents. Refrigeration temperatures are monitored and recorded and therefore food is stored safely. The first-class exchange of information with parents enables babies to follow their individual home routine as far as possible for bottle feeds, drinks and meals, offering continuity of care. Parents are consulted regularly regarding dietary

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Helping children to be healthy

needs and preferences, ensuring all individual needs are fulfilled. Valuable independence and social skills are developed during snacks and meals as children sit with the childminder to enjoy their food.

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Helping children to be healthy

Physical activity is a prominent part of the daily routine and children enjoy frequent opportunities for play that contribute effectively to their health and well-being. There is easy access to the garden and children enjoy developing their physical skills playing games and using wheeled and push-along toys. Children walk to and from school and visit the local park, which means they get plenty of exercise and fresh air. The children take full advantage of the clear play space available in the areas of the house available to them, and have plenty of space for music and dance and using indoor wheeled equipment. Older children are offered a wide variety of activities to help them develop increasing finger and hand control, for example, puzzles, arts and crafts and construction.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical well-being is further enhanced as their needs regarding sleep and rest are met well, following discussion with parents. Babies sleep in a comfortable and quiet bedroom with individual clean bedding. Children sleep safely with the close supervision of the childminder.

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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

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment, with secure doors and safe boundaries. Children have easy access to the ground floor of the house, and a suite of rooms on the second floor including a dedicated play room. Therefore there is plenty of free play space. Much of the equipment in the play room is stored at child height, enabling them to make independent choices. Children play with suitable and safe equipment as procedures are in place for checking and cleaning all equipment and toys regularly. The positive images of society reflected in toys and books ensures that children gain a positive attitude to others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because the childminder is vigilant and supervises them herself at all times. They play safely in the enclosed garden and learn about keeping themselves safe as they discuss and practise road safety when they are out and about. Accurate registers are completed daily. Fire safety is generally addressed well. Fire safety equipment is in pace and well maintained, for example, interconnected smoke alarms. An emergency evacuation plan is in place. However this has not been practised meaning that the childminder may not be aware of any difficulties the plan may present.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a professional understanding of child protection issues including the referral process, which is detailed in the clear written policy. Her policy is shared with parents, which means they understand her responsibility to report any concerns. Therefore children are well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are making outstanding progress in the stable environment where they are busy and happy. The environment created by the childminder means that children feel comfortable and cared for. The playroom is bright and cheerful and organised into different areas for play and learning, for example, the imaginative play area and the quiet book area. The children are able to move about easily to take advantage of all the activities available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has an impressive awareness of the children's individual needs gained through keen observation and the strong open relationships with parents, encouraging a constant exchange of information. Settling in procedures are adapted to meet individual children's needs, and therefore, children feel valued and settle down quickly. Children are becoming very confident and secure in the friendly environment, displaying great warmth and affection towards the childminder and the other children present. They chat as they 'make tea and sandwiches' in the home area, enjoying choosing 'fillings', effectively developing their vocabulary. The children appreciate the active involvement of the childminder in their play, for example, playing peep-ho around the cupboard door.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children explore the world around them as they play outdoors and as they record the days of the week and the weather on a daily chart. At present, planning is usually done on a daily basis, in order to respond to the younger children's needs. Their confidence increases as they experiment with a rocker police car with electronic sirens. Children are proud of the work which is displayed around the playroom, effectively boosting their self-esteem, for example, a large collage project. Parents are delighted by the excellent variety of play and activities offered to the children.

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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 good. Children are highly valued as individuals and all their needs are met. They develop positive attitudes to others following the example set by the childminder. Strong lines of communication with the parents ensures that the childminder is kept fully informed about children's needs and therefore supports children appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a strong sense of belonging as the childminder offers them individual attention. There are procedures in place to meet the needs of children with learning difficulties and/ or disabilities, working alongside parents and others involved in the child's care. Incidents are recorded. All the children are encouraged to share and to be kind and helpful, effectively developing an awareness of the needs of others. They begin to understand right from wrong through the consistent boundaries which are in place and the age-appropriate methods the childminder uses to manage behaviour, for example, distraction and explanation. Children respond positively to the praise offered and their self-esteem is enhanced.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers is good. Children benefit from the relationship between parents and the childminder, effectively supporting the involvement of parents in all aspects of their child's care and learning. Parents appreciate the daily exchange of information. Parents have the opportunity to read some of the policies and procedures put in place by the childminder, increasing their confidence in the care offered. However, the complaints procedure for parents is not clear, meaning that they may not know the process for making a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder displays experience and an excellent understanding of providing high quality care for young children. Their care and learning is significantly enhanced by the exceptional organisation. The childminder has developed some written policies and procedures that fully support her very good childcare practice. She has an excellent attitude towards keeping up to date with developments in early years and is already implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children feel secure and are confident in her care, where they are offered an excellent variety of well-planned activities and have lots of fun.

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Organisation

The welfare and safety of the children is the highest priority for the childminder and correct ratios are always maintained. The marvellous organisation of the childminder's home and her forward thinking plans ensures that the children have plenty of stimulating play space indoors and outdoors, with easy access to a wide range of appropriate and interesting activities and equipment. Therefore children make excellent progress as they are cared for within the flexible routine.

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Organisation

Children and parents benefit as their families are welcomed into the childminder's home and are fully involved in their care and learning. The children thrive in the caring and stimulating environment. The childminder evaluates and monitors the quality of the care she offers ensuring children are fully supported in reaching their full potential. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements 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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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 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 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): • ensure that the emergency escape plan is practised • ensure a clear complaints policy and procedure is in place.

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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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