Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY341381 Unique Reference Number 29 April 2008 Inspection date Susan Mann 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 registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged two and five years old in Salisbury, Wiltshire. The whole of the home is registered 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 four children under eight years old at any one time. At present, there are two children on roll, both of whom attend part time. She is able to walk and drive to local schools and pre-schools. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in the care of the childminder. This is because she makes their good health and happiness her top priority. All routines and procedures are exemplary. For example, children are protected very well from the spread of illness because the childminder has an exceptionally clear and detailed policy on sickness which is shared with all parents to ensure children do not

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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 attend when they are unwell. Children know to wash their hands before eating, and each uses an individual hand towel to limit the spread of germs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wealth of nutritious foods to promote their physical well-being. The childminder prepares these from fresh ingredients, and she liaises closely with parents to ensure that all dietary needs and preferences are met completely. For example, children enjoy regular healthy snacks such as raisins and banana, or sandwiches made with a wide range of healthy fillings. Parents know what their child will be eating because the childminder prepares a menu plan each month. Children enjoy milk or water to drink. They have constant access to drinking water to ensure they can help themselves whenever they wish.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit greatly from daily opportunities to play and exercise in the fresh air. They walk to the local park where they play on equipment that helps them develop their coordination skills whilst having fun. They also play in the childminder's secure garden. Here, for example, they may play on the climbing frame or draw or paint at the easel.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe in the childminder's welcoming home. They have plenty of space to play, eat and rest. Children are protected from injury because the childminder has taken effective steps to minimise hazards and dangers in her home. For example, corners on the table and hearth are protected by plastic coverings, and stair gates are in place to prevent children accessing the stairs or kitchen. Children play with a wide range of toys that are clean and of good quality. Many of these are presented in low level storage so that children may help themselves. This helps to foster their independence and enables them to make their own choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are secure because the childminder has devised effective systems to ensure they are safe. For example, when on outings, the childminder carries all relevant contact details for each child in case of emergency. There are robust systems in place to ensure that children are always collected by known adults. Children would be safe in the event of a fire. This is because the childminder has planned an evacuation procedure that is practised with the children so they become familiar with it. These drills are recorded and evaluated to help promote their safety further.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe from harm and neglect because the childminder has a good knowledge of how to safeguard their welfare. This part of the provision is underpinned by a comprehensive policy on child protection which is shared with all parents so they are fully aware of her responsibility.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy and settled. They enjoy a superb range of activities that are wholly suited to their age and stage of development. Their experiences are significantly enhanced because the childminder is exceptionally skilled at interacting with children and helping them to develop through play. She gives them her utmost attention, speaking clearly and explaining tasks and events thoroughly to assist their understanding and interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy an excellent mixture of child initiated play and planned activities. Each day, the childminder prepares a craft activity such as painting. For example, two young children are

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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 completely engrossed as they paint flower pots. They concentrate on painting the pots inside and out, talking about the colours they are using as they do so. When they have finished, they all help to clean the table and tidy up. A young child vigorously scrubs the table with his cloth. They then quickly settle to playing on the floor, and a child pushes a fire engine around. Later, he snuggles up with the childminder on the sofa to share a story book with her. As they look at the pictures together, the childminder skilfully extends his interest by listening to him carefully, and pointing out different features in the pictures to talk about.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the inclusive attitude of the childminder. She is dedicated to ensuring that their individual needs are met. Children are encouraged to be helpful and kind to one another. For example, when tidying up the toys before snack time, they all join in to help. The childminder gives each child lots of individual praise for their participation which encourages them further. Positive behaviour is promoted effectively by the childminder. She is a good role model for children to follow because she is very kind and patient. She liaises with parents over any behavioural issues to ensure children benefit from a consistent approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children settle well because of the strong relationship that exists between their parents and the childminder. Each day, the childminder completes a diary that provides details of what the child has done which provides parents with a valuable insight into their child's time with her. Parents have a good understanding about the provision and the aims and ethos of the childminder. This is because they are given a great deal of relevant written information at the outset.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are well cared for. The childminder is experienced in caring for children with additional needs and is knowledgeable about child development. Children learn about our diverse society through playing with a basic range of resources that reflect some elements of society. These are of good quality, but the range is limited which means that children do not have a variety of opportunities to learn about other cultures and beliefs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the efficient organisation of the childminder. She has devised a useful range of written policies and procedures which prioritise children's welfare. These provide a robust framework for her provision. All required documentation is properly maintained to provide an accurate record. Children benefit from the experience and enthusiasm of the childminder. She is suitably qualified and holds a current first aid certificate, which means that she is able to provide appropriate care in the event of injury or illness. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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. 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): • further develop existing range of resources and activities to enhance children's understanding of a diverse society.

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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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