Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY364385 Unique Reference Number 03 July 2008 Inspection date Margaret Baines 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 lives with her husband and young child in Blackpool close to local amenities such as schools and parks. Children have access to the lounge and kitchen dining room on the ground floor. plus the bathroom and the two bedrooms for rest on the first floor. There is a enclosed yard for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. At present there are five children on roll who attend on a part time basis. The childminder receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health is promoted exceedingly well because the childminder is extremely diligent in the way she follows current environmental health and hygiene guidelines. For example, she uses highly effective cleaning routines to minimise the risk of cross infection for children in her care. There is a most comprehensive written policy document in relation to managing children's health and the responsibilities of the childminder and these are adhered to at all times. Children learn excellent hygiene procedures in the care of the childminder, for example

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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 they ask to wash hands before snack and they know that they have their own towel and face cloth available for them. They are developing an excellent understanding of their health through everyday experiences and the most supportive guidance by the childminder. Consequently, children are exceedingly well protected from the risk of infection. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, therefore she feels very confident to deal with an emergency should one occur.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning how to keep themselves healthy through delightful regular physical exercise, for example, walks to the park and free access to the exceptionally well resourced outdoor area. Children thoroughly enjoy their outdoor play. Children rest and sleep according to their needs because the childminder has an excellent knowledge of the needs of individual children, based on observations and consultations with parents. This provides the most effective continuity of care between home and the setting.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy social meal times where they all sit around a table. Children are extremely well nourished because they receive a broad and balanced diet of freshly prepared, home cooked meals and snacks. The childminder uses fresh produce so ensuring children are extremely well nourished in her care. Children are encouraged to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables each day, which they record on a chart for all to see with great delight.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an extremely welcoming indoor and outdoor environment. There are excellent examples of children's delightful artwork on display, enhancing the environment in a most positive way. This gives the children an immense sense of pride in their achievements. The home is exceptionally well organised, giving children amazing choices and variety from the wealth of easily accessible and extremely well organised toys and resources. The childminder for example, gives children exceptional choice as the toys are organised so well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have independent access to an amazingly wide range of easily accessible and extremely well maintained toys and equipment, both indoors and out of doors. The environment is very safe for the children because the childminder checks this daily and has in place a written risk assessment. She also teaches children about safe procedures. For example, they have practised the evacuation procedure, therefore learning how to evacuate the home quickly and safely. Children are also taught how to keep themselves safe, for example by helping clear away toys and by learning to walk, not run when indoors. Children are safe when on outings because the childminder is most vigilant about using safety equipment, such as reins, and follows her clear effective procedures for keeping children safe. This maintains the children’s safety most effectively both on and off the premises.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a comprehensive written policy and a secure knowledge of the procedure to follow in the event of a suspicion of abuse. She remains open with the parents at all times. She has attended recent training in safeguarding children. This ensures the protection of children is assured at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children in this setting are confident and show a great interest in what they do because of the immensely secure atmosphere of trust between the children and childminder. The childminder

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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 offers excellent continuity of care and has an in-depth knowledge of the individual children she cares for because she seeks a wealth of information to ensure she can meet all individual needs to a very high standard. This provides children with a sense of security. Children confidently ask questions and know that the childminder will give them an honest answer. She is always happy to listen to the children and make suggestions to aid their play and development, but also knows when to encourage and allow child centred play and therefore to sit back and observe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from an extremely well organised play space and carefully planned activities, which relate to their interests or significant events in their lives or the world, for example, birthdays, holidays and celebrations which reflect other cultures. Weekly observations ensure the childminder has an excellent knowledge of the needs of the children and uses this information to develop her planning. The detailed planning and spontaneous events, help children engross themselves in the activities and develop a broad range of skills, for example, counting skills when sharing out bricks and cars. This provides children with an environment which is fun, relevant to them and an excellent starting point for their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy excellent relationships with the childminder who is a very good role model for the children. There is an atmosphere of calm and the day is organised to allow children both quiet and more vigorous play times. For example, children enjoy the outdoors daily, whatever the weather. Children also enjoy quieter times when the childminder reads a story as they enjoy some quiet restful time with her. Consequently, children enjoy a very varied and developmentally rich environment where they learn through a wide choice of play activities planned to meet their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for by a childminder who ensures that she has an in-depth knowledge of their needs through regular consultation with their parents and observations of their development. She is extremely skilled in planning for each individual child. Consequently, she meets their needs extremely well and children therefore flourish in her care. Children are always consulted about what toys they wish to play with. For example, they make suggestions and choices about the resources they wish to play with, particularly the older children. This most effective interaction gives children a strong sense of belonging and a real feeling of security. Children enjoy learning about our wider world through planned activities, displays and an excellent selection of toys and books, which are supplemented by the library when needed. Children have excellent opportunities to experience our wider world through play, for example

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Helping children make a positive contribution

they enjoy food tasting enjoying Chinese crackers and pancakes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning how to manage their behaviour because the childminder gives them excellent support. For example, the childminder employs very effective strategies for dealing with inappropriate behaviour, such as distraction, based on an in-depth knowledge of the possible reasons behind it. Children are learning to be aware of the needs of others because the childminder reminds them when they are being unkind and unhelpful.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for according to their parents' wishes because the childminder maintains regular contact through very detailed daily diaries, which keep them exceptionally well informed about progress and what has happened during the day. Parents' views are most valued and actively sought by the childminder who believes strongly in working in partnerships with parents

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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 to enhance the all round development of the children. This creates continuity of care between home and the setting and maintains a real sense of security for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children feel secure and settled within this extremely well organised environment. There are the most detailed and clear policies and procedures in place to promote children's learning and development in addition to their welfare. Documentation is shared with parents, for example they receive reports on their child's development regularly and toy update the children on any relevant information to ensure that she meets the individual needs of the children exceptionally well. The childminder acknowledges confidentiality and ensures that it is maintained at all times. Children's attendance is recorded clearly to show ratios are met, confirming that children have excellent support and supervision at all times. Written permissions are in place for all aspects of the child care practice, therefore parents are exceptionally well informed about all aspects of their child's day in the care of the childminder. The childminder records all accidents

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Organisation

and incidents in a most detailed format.

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Organisation

Children are looked after by the childminder in an extremely safe, secure environment where they have room to develop their independence and learning through excellent planned experiences. The childminder is keen to develop her practice by attending additional training. For example, she attends short courses offered by the local authority to enhance her practice.

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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 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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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