Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360020 Unique Reference Number 10 June 2008 Inspection date Rachael Williams 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 2007. She lives with her partner and two children in a quiet cul-de-sac in Felton, North Somerset. Children have access to the ground floor of the premises. There is a fully enclosed back garden for outside play. The childminder takes children to local toddlers groups, parks and local places of interest. The family care for a pet dog.

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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 cares for two children on a part-time basis. She also minds for children over eight years old.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the local authority.

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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. Children thrive in a scrupulously clean and well maintained family home. There are excellent systems in place to ensure a hygienic environment is provided for the children. For example, there are stringent arrangements to ensure that children are protected whilst around the family's pet dog, as it does not access the children's outside play area. There are meticulous hand washing regimes to ensure that the spread of infection is minimised effectively to avoid children becoming unnecessarily ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are fully protected in an emergency as the childminder has relevant paediatric first aid training. There is a well stocked first aid box which is maintained with hygienic and sterile equipment. Accidents are appropriately recorded, monitored and promptly shared with parents. The childminder has good understanding of the requirements to administer medication, such as, maintaining accurate records. She prefers to contact parents, however, and ask them to administer medication, such as, paracetamol suspension, if it is required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop healthy lifestyles and benefit from playing in the fresh air in the garden or when they walk to the village or local parks. The compact garden is well equipped with a range of equipment to encourage children's balance, coordination and small muscles skills. For instance, a child confidently explores the playhouse as she takes her first steps. Children enjoy nutritious meals and snacks which meet their individual dietary requirements. Children are encouraged to maintain good fluid levels as drinks are provided regularly to ensure they remain hydrated throughout their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from a spacious, well equipped homely environment. They have free access to the ground floor of the premises and move independently throughout. A young child thoroughly enjoys exploring the lounge which is used as a quiet area where she can roll freely on the rug and sleep comfortably. Children benefit from a dedicated area within the kitchen which is well equipped with developmentally appropriate toys and resources which are easily accessible in wheeled baskets. Additional resources are readily available and rotated according to children's interests and developmental needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in very secure premises, where locked doors and a fully enclosed garden prevent them leaving without supervision and allow no access to unauthorised visitors. The childminder skilfully balances children's need for independence with good systems and routines, hence they are protected from harm. The childminder is vigilant and closely supervises the children. Sensible safety precautions have been established. For instance, stair gates are used to prevent access to the first-floor and children are restricted to the lower level garden to avoid contact with the cows in the adjacent field. The childminder has very good understanding of safeguarding issues and procedures and therefore, children are well protected from suspected abuse or neglect.

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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's emotional wellbeing is supported effectively as the childminder develops close bonds with them and responds well to their needs. The childminder shows a good understanding of daily routines which follow familiar patterns, such as, regular sleeping and eating time to promote children's growth and development. Consequently, children are confident and settled and thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children explore their environment confidently. They are given the opportunity to experiment with the vast selection of resources whilst the childminder makes careful observations in order to provide children with appropriate challenges. For example, a crawling baby thoroughly enjoys exploring the sound of the piano and is encouraged to find her voice when using the microphone to sing along. The childminder responds well to this developing language. The childminder listens carefully to parents and support their wishes, for instance providing a crawling baby with numerous opportunities to 'cruise' around the room in preparation for her first steps. A young child shows good coordination and spatial awareness as she begins to complete 'lift and place' jigsaws; she expertly presses the button to make animal noises.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in a warm and welcoming environment as the childminder has excellent knowledge of them. Good relationships are established with their families to ensure continuity in children's care and development. Through clear settling-in procedures children are settled and confident as essential information is shared, consequently the childminder has excellent knowledge of children's individual needs and their routines. Careful consideration of when children are minded ensures that there are opportunities for children to have one-to-one support. Good use is made of the local environment to enhance children's experiences and to support their understanding of the diversity in our society. Regular attendance at toddler groups ensures children's social skills are further developed. Although the childminder has not cared for a child with additional needs she feels confident to liaise with parents and outside agencies to ensure each child's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

welfare and development is promoted effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well, as close and caring relationships have been established, which ensures that the children are fully engaged in meaningful activities. The children are developing good understanding of expectations and boundaries, as they receive clear direction from the childminder. For example, the childminder intervenes when a toddler decides to climb on the playhouse bench; as she progresses to standing on the bench the childminder removes her explaining that this activity is detrimental to her safety.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Excellent relationships are established with parents providing children with flexible and appropriate care according to their individual needs. Parents receive a wealth of verbal information when children first attend to ensure their understanding of childminding practices, such as, the complaints procedure. There is a regular exchange of information to ensure their individual needs are met and that achievements are regularly shared.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for by a dedicated childminder who is keen to update her knowledge of child development, for instance through accessing training for the Early Years Foundation Stage and food hygiene. The childminder uses her knowledge and understanding of early years to plan and organise an exciting play environment within the family home. In addition, excellent use is made of the local environment to further enhance children's development.

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Organisation

All regulatory documentation has been established, which underpins the outstanding childminding practice. For example, an accurate daily register records children's attendance to ensure that high ratios are maintained in order for children to feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

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

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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