Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343766 Unique Reference Number 08 May 2008 Inspection date Lisa Paisley 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 2006. He lives with his wife and one child aged five years in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and 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 five children at any one time and when working with another minder, he is registered to care for a maximum of six children at anyone time. The childminder is currently minding five children under five all day and part-time; five children over five after school and occasionally during the school holidays. He walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a cat and rabbit as pets.

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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. Through the excellent everyday practices adopted by the childminder, children are able to develop a very sound understanding of hygiene issues. Children have individual towels for hand drying and understand the importance of washing hands after toileting, before meals, after playing outside and handling pets. Older children are able to carry out these activities independently and show younger children how to use soap and gels to wash hands thoroughly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Excellent and proactive arrangements are in place should children become ill or have accidents whilst in the childminder's care, for example, a written sickness policy is in place and it is updated to reflect current practices. There is also a written statement on the administration of prescribed medication and non-prescribed medication such as paracetamol; parental consent is obtained prior to administering medication. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, all accidents are recorded and the information is shared with parents. This ensures an extensive care and attendance policy is in place in the event of an accident or an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with an excellent range of meals and snacks such as fresh fruit and vegetables, promoting their good health and well-being. There is a vegetable patch in the garden where children become actively involved in growing foods such as carrots and potatoes that they will eventually eat. Meals consider individual children’s needs, with older children involved in the choice and planning of meals. They are able to help themselves to drinks including fresh drinking water, milk and fruit juice; encouraging independence and choice. Children sit at the dining room table where lots of conversation is encouraged, resulting in mealtimes being a fun and sociable experience for all the children. The childminder works exceptionally well with the parents to ensure children’s dietary needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive in the healthy environment where they frequently enjoy fresh air and exercise. They enjoy an excellent range of physical activities which helps keep them healthy such as walks to the local park, beach and woods. There are also regular planned outings further a field, for example, Hadleigh castle, Hyde Hall and Marsh Farm. All children have access to physical play through the range of resources the childminder provides, which are mainly outside. Children have very good opportunities to rest and be active, according to their individual needs, in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a very safe, secure environment where the childminder takes proactive steps in minimising hazards to children and various precautions are in place to protect them. For example, all low-level electrical sockets are protected, all cleaning materials and sharp knives are inaccessible to children and the premises are secure ensuring children cannot leave unsupervised. Written policies and procedures such as lost or uncollected children are in place and are shared with parents, ensuring that parents are effectively informed of the practices in place to further protect their child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Space is exceptionally well organised and enables children to freely explore and take risks while being protected from harm. Children's artwork is displayed valuing their achievements. Attractive child-sized furniture is provided for children to sit and play together and a settee is available

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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 for relaxation. Children access an extensive and outstanding range of good quality, safe and suitable toys and resources that are creatively displayed for independent choice. Children know how to keep themselves safe in the home as they tidy away toys after use and they know not to enter the kitchen. Children practise regular fire drills with the childminder, ensuring that they know how to evacuate the home in the event of an emergency or an incident. They also develop a good understanding of road safety through walking to and from school and play activities such as stories about road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are effectively protected as the childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues. He has attended a number of training courses to ensure that his practice is underpinned by up-to-date knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. He has obtained relevant information with regards to the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB). A written policy statement is in place and shared with parents, reassuring them of their child’s safety and welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Through the extensive range of resources and activities provided by the childminder, children develop a wide breadth of skills. They choose their activity from the extensive selection available and freely seek the support of the childminder. The childminder provides an excellent balance between adult- and child-led activities which allows children to develop at their own pace. For example, he allows children to experiment with sand and appropriately guides them in the direction which allows them to complete the task, for example, creating shapes in sand. This helps develop their skills, confidence and self-esteem. Children take pride in their own and others achievements, with their work attractively displayed around the room and photos of outings available for children's reference.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have established excellent relationships with both the childminder, his own children and other children in his care. They relate exceptionally well to the childminder because he joins in with their play at their level and is positive in his interaction. The children enjoy the close contact with the childminder. For example, he takes time to play in their role play games, in an effective and purposeful manner. Children are happy and secure as a result of the childminder's positive approach and support. Younger children learn to socialise with others and receive an excellent balance of home-based play opportunities with first-hand, practical experiences and outside play activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They are able to make choices with regard to their own play activities, they have opportunities to relax, complete their homework and spend time in self-chosen activities. They particularly enjoy trips to the local park where they can participate in football and races. Children's contributions are highly valued as they play a lead role in planning and organising activities and trips during the school holidays. These planning sessions are carried out together; he ensures that all children have input and that all children listen to, value and respect the contribution of their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are relaxed and happy with the childminder, who provides each child with good attention and support, valuing their individuality. The are exceptionally confident and they develop a very strong sense of belonging. Children receive positive praise from the childminder. They

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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 play with resources such as books, puzzles, dolls, dressing up clothes and Small World play people, which present them with positive images of different cultures and backgrounds. All children are included and activities are not gender specific.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is proactive and takes exceptional steps in ensuring that children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities are fully integrated in the home and their welfare is effectively promoted and supported. Children are very well behaved, polite and considerate towards one another as the childminder promotes a calm, quiet environment valuing respect for one another. Children are co-operative and they enjoy spending time with one another and the childminder, for example, playing with the dinosaur figures and the younger children roaring. The childminder manages the children's behaviour exceptionally well as he uses regular and positive praise and encouragement to reinforce good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the very professional, positive and flexible working relationships that the childminder has with the parents. There is excellent quality written information for parents and regular verbal and written communication takes place which contributes to children's continuity of care. Parents have access to all the required information about the childminder's practice, reports, policies and procedures. The childminder is professional and committed to childminding and he works extremely hard at developing effective relationships with the parents. This results in the parents having a clear understanding of his role and how children are cared for whilst in his care.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The exceptional organisation of space and resources within the home provides children with areas in which they feel comfortable and confident. Children are provided with a rich and stimulating environment in which they can play and learn. Time is maximised to ensure that all children receive the individual support they require. For example, he maximises time when younger children are asleep to complete more complex activities with older children or to take time for personal time with other younger children.

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Organisation

Children's care is significantly enhanced by the exceptional organisation. All policies and procedures are in place and are individual to the childminder and fully support his very good childcare practice. He ensures all documentation is regularly reviewed with parents on a six monthly basis or as required. The childminder has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice (ICP) and first aid training and he aims to under further training. This allows him to continue developing his childminding practice, thus ensuring children's care and well being are always a priority and they are fully supported in reaching their full potential.

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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 in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 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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