Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362734 Unique Reference Number 05 August 2008 Inspection date Judith, Mary Horsfall 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 2008 and had previously been registered between 1998 and 2001. She lives with her husband and three adult children in Chorley, Lancashire. Most of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years all day on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning to stay healthy because the childminder consistently implements good practices. For example, children are reminded to put their hands in front of their mouths or use a tissue when coughing and sneezing. Children are actively encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. They are beginning to understand the importance of

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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 hygienic practices because the childminder talks to them about the importance of, for example, brushing their teeth after meals. Effective systems for keeping the home environment clean are in place. These include regularly cleaning the toilet area, using separate changing mats for each child, using paper towels after hand washing, and vacuum cleaning then mopping the floors each day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise, going outdoors most days for walks in the local community or playing in the garden. They are suitably protected in cases of accident or illness because the childminder has a well stocked first aid kit and holds a current first aid certificate. To protect children, a high standard sick children policy is in place and the childminder is very clear about her role in administering medication and recording accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because the childminder provides a healthy array of snacks and home cooked meals in consultation with parents. Individual dietary needs are recorded and complied with when necessary. Children do not go thirsty as drinks are provided throughout the day and drinking water is available at all times. Children enjoy preparing, cooking and eating their own food and take pride in showing their baking efforts.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a very well maintained child friendly home. Children move around the spacious premises with confidence and ease. The premises offer plenty of natural daylight and are well ventilated throughout. Children benefit from a wide range of suitable equipment, such as steps to the toilet and sink, a child sized toilet seat, high chairs, buggies and attractive child sized furniture. There is a wide range of toys and play resources which are developmentally appropriate to the ages and stages of children on roll. The childminder ensures stocks are rotated to continue the children's interest. However, there are limited stocks of natural and everyday resources for children to access which restricts their learning in this area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder is highly vigilant about supervision and safety. Comprehensive daily risk assessments and a high level of safety awareness ensures risks to children are minimised. For example, a thorough fire evacuation plan has been prepared and is clearly displayed on the notice board. Regular emergency drills and a fire blanket further protect the children against risks of fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are effectively protected because the childminder is highly knowledgeable about her role in child protection procedures. She has undertaken recent training and has all the necessary documentation to hand including contact numbers for relevant agencies. A clear safeguarding children policy is in place and shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are excellently settled and cared for by a childminder who works in an exemplary manner to meet their individual needs and promote their welfare. Children's individual developmental records are of a superb quality. Initial assessments on admission indicate existing routines and abilities, then later records highlight children's achievements and clearly address the next steps to continue their learning. Children are supported by a highly skilled childminder who is sensitive to their changes and develops an open discourse with parents to ensure consistent care for 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 Children are highly valued as individuals by an exceptional childminder who plans a motivating series of activities for the children whilst also allowing freedom of choice. For example, in one day the children make fun, creative craft works, bake cakes for their lunch, paint prints of their feet, make three dimensional pictures, play a series of games, enjoy story time and indulge in creative play with playdough. Children are very confident and self assured, freely expressing their needs which are listened to and promptly addressed. The childminder has consistently high expectations of the children and uses many opportunities to enhance children's play and learning. For example, whilst out for walks in the local countryside, a theme is selected for the walk. This may include learning new words, such as 'over' and 'under' whilst near bridges,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

counting ducks and boats, recognising numbers on signs and returning home to continue themes in craft work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from a very good range of resources and activities which promote diversity and develop their knowledge of the wider world. For example, children celebrate festivals, such as Chinese New Year, using chop sticks, carrying out activities at Eid time, dressing up in Asian costumes and reading books about other countries. Children's individual needs and cultural values are respected by the childminder who is very willing to learn about specific requirements from parents. All children are valued and the childminder understands that some children have specific needs. She is aware of the importance of working with parents and, if necessary, external agencies to ensure all children's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved and polite. The childminder is sensitive to changes in children's behaviour and works in close consultation with parents to ensure behaviour concerns are fully addressed. A superior behaviour management policy is actively implemented and ensures all children are welcomed and treated with equal concern. The childminder uses highly effective methods to deal with inappropriate behaviour and these include distraction and re-directing children's attention whilst ensuring that they apologise for any upset they may have caused. Children enjoy their rewards of praise and stickers for their efforts and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are well informed of the children's progress and welfare. Children are well cared for because the childminder is fully aware of the importance of clear communication with parents and she welcomes their views. A detailed complaints procedure is in place and copies are given to parents to keep at home.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are excellently cared for by a rigorously well organised childminder. Children are protected because all the adults in the household have undergone the necessary checks and Ofsted is informed of any significant events and changes affecting the childminding service.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's highly reflective, professional approach. She reviews her work and practice and is very committed to developing her knowledge and skills in childcare and related fields. The childminder has an inspiring approach to her work with children due to her superior knowledge of child development and learning. First class records show children's progress and are available for parents to read and add their own contributions. Children and parents benefit from a series of meticulous policies and procedures which expertly meet the

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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 needs of children. Confidentiality is scrupulously maintained with all information stored in a secure manner.

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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

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): • continue to develop stocks of everyday and natural resources.

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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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