Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY361632 Unique Reference Number 03 July 2008 Inspection date Sylvia Crawford 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 registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and their child aged 17 months in Wolverton, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor except the lounge for childminding and one bedroom upstairs for rest. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder takes children to the local pre-school and attends a toddler group on a regular basis.

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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. She currently has four children on roll. The childminder holds the Nursery Nurse Examination Board qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health and welfare are of high priority to the childminder. She ensures they play in a clean environment where they learn from an early age the importance of good personal

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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 hygiene through effective well organised daily routines. The childminder has devised an excellent range of polices and procedures, which are shared with parents, to support her childminding practice. For example, children who are infectious are not allowed to attend in order to prevent the spread of contagious ailments to other children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means she can give appropriate care to children if there is an accident. She is meticulous about recording any accident or incident and these are countersigned by the parents or carers.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a wide range of very good home cooked meals, which are both healthy and nutritious. This helps children to develop healthy eating habits. Comprehensive and imaginative menus are devised by the childminder which take into account children's individual dietary or cultural needs. These are on display on the notice board. The childminder is very aware that children need to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and is vigilant about ensuring they always have a drink of water to hand. Parents receive written details each day of their child's food intake. This supports continuity of care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a very wide range of activities that support their good health, including regular opportunities for vigorous outdoor play both at home and during trips to nearby parks, or soft play areas. In the garden, children move around confidently, pushing or riding wheeled toys, improving their physical skills and developing their spatial awareness. They also develop their fine motor skills, for example, when playing in the sand and water trays.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in a secure environment where they can move around safely and where high priority is given to their personal safety. The childminder completes regular written risk assessments, identifying possible risks or hazards and actively takes prompt action to ensure a safe environment. She takes precautions to prevent accidents, for example by using socket covers and stair gates. Children practise evacuation procedures regularly so they have a clear understanding of the importance of staying safe in an emergency. High priority is given to close supervision at all times and particularly when using the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has organised her conservatory into a play room where children can independently access an excellent range of toys and equipment. Resources are stored in boxes and trays and are well labelled to encourage letter recognition. Children also have a wide range of toys and equipment to choose from in the garden. The childminder ensures that all resources are appropriate for the children's ages and stages of development. All toys are well maintained, clean and in very good condition and the childminder checks them regularly to ensure they remain safe. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety when on outings, ensuring they are safely strapped into the buggy or car and helping children to have a good understanding of how to keep safe while crossing roads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected because the childminder has attended training and has a sound knowledge of child protection issues. She has a very good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and keeps herself up to date with relevant literature. The childminder is aware of the procedure to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. The childminder ensures that parents understand her responsibilities through her well written and clear child protection policy.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They achieve well because she is highly skilled and uses her extensive knowledge of child development to provide high quality care. Children are very happy, settled and relaxed in the company of the childminder. They are motivated, eager and actively participate in the activities and experiences offered to them. Children's individual needs are met as the childminder is aware of their developmental stage and knows them very well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is enthusiastic and experienced; she uses her wealth of experience to plan an extensive range of opportunities and activities, which are organised around particular themes of interest. For example, autumn and hedgehogs, and creatures under the sea. Children benefit from the childminder's excellent understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and the Foundation Stage Curriculum. The childminder has detailed written plans which cover all areas of children's development. She has a planned routine that is flexible and accommodating to children's individual needs. Children's progress is monitored and observations recorded in a progress file which is shared openly with parents. The childminder also completes a care plan for each child showing their likes, dislikes, special dietary needs and the sessions they attend.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses positive language to actively encourage children's enjoyment and confidence. Children develop a sense of pride in their achievements as they are congratulated when they complete an activity, such as painting and jigsaw puzzles. Children are confident and relate very well to each other, they benefit from the childminder's highly skilled ability to balance her time interacting with children effectively and at appropriate moments to allow them to play together. Children are animated and excited when the childminder takes an interest and listens carefully to what they are saying and joins in with their play. Children have access to very good resources and interaction from the childminder sustains children's interest and enables them to successfully develop their play. For example, painting children's hands to encourage them do hand prints when using the paints.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Early communication skills are extremely well supported through spontaneous, but high quality adult to child interactions. Children are extremely confident and self assured because of the excellent support and encouragement they receive from the childminder, for example, they all sit on the floor reading a story and looking at the pictures. The childminder carefully plans for play in the garden and therefore children are developing their physical skills. Children's independence is fostered as they make their own choices and decisions in all areas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children learn to value themselves and others in an atmosphere where their ideas, thoughts and feelings are respected and where they learn about others. The childminder achieves this through well planned themes and spontaneous activities. Children's natural curiosity and questions are dealt with in a sensitive and considerate manner. The childminder's written equal opportunities policy and practice ensures children's equality of opportunity. Children are actively encouraged to help tidy up, take turns, help and care for each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder helps the children understand about the living world through a range of activities and experiences, for example, planting a vegetable plot in the garden this year and a visit to the Sea Life Centre.

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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 Children are very happy and content in their play which is seen as children play happily together and chat with one another, the childminder and inspector. The childminder is clear about the importance of promoting and encouraging children's positive behaviour and self-esteem. She does this through lots of positive praise and encouragement and this results in the children being extremely well behaved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit greatly from the excellent partnership the childminder has with parents, this supports the children's development very well and ensures continuity of care. Children's individual needs and requirements are discussed carefully and in detail prior to placement allowing the childminder to meet their individual needs. Letters of support from parents were seen during the inspection. These were extremely positive about the care the childminder provides for their children. The childminder gives feedback on children's development and general well-being verbally each day and in written form by means of a daily book and written observations. Parents are given a lot of written information about the children's achievements and the service the childminder provides. This is through a notice board in the play room, a regular newsletter and copies of the childminder's policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for in a very well planned and organised environment. The childminder is very clear about her role and responsibility in providing a high quality service to the children and their family. The childminder has an extensive and sound knowledge of child development and has attended many training courses, covering a wide variety of topics. She is pro-active in accessing training, reads relevant publications and ensures she keeps up to date with current practice. This continuing development ensures that children benefit greatly from her increased knowledge and understanding.

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Organisation

The layout of the childminder's home and outdoor area is very well organised for children to play safely. They benefit from an environment where they receive excellent adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The day is very well planned, allowing children time for quiet and active play. Information kept about children is relevant, helps promote their welfare and is freely shared with parents. The childminder regularly reviews and evaluates her service, to identify any improvements that she could make.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation, records and parental permissions relating to the minded children are maintained and regularly updated. This helps to keep children safe and promotes their care and learning. The childminder keeps all documents securely to maintain confidentiality. She has a comprehensive range of policies and procedures, information and other records to support her outstanding practice. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she 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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