McEvoy, Rachel

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY295286 Inspection date 11 May 2005 Inspector Christine Clint

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 their child who is of pre-school age. They live in a house close to Emsworth, Hampshire. The childminder is able to walk to the local shops, school, beach and park, she also uses the car for minded children. Children are cared for mainly on the ground floor and there is a fully enclosed garden which is available for outside play. The family have no pets. The childminder is registered to care for five children, she currently cares for two children full time and one child on a part-time basis.

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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 The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on regular basis. She has the B TEC National Diploma in Childhood Studies and has a current certificate in first aid training.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from a very well planned and balanced diet because the childminder has an exceptional knowledge of healthy eating. She plans and prepares a full menu of regular home cooked meals and the children happily take part in preparing the food when this is appropriate. They are eager to socialise at meal times and enthusiastically help in preparing the table and socialising together. Children are healthy and thrive in the setting because the childminder follows highly effective hygiene procedures, she uses innovative signs and symbols in the bathroom to encourage and remind children to wash their hands. Older children can easily identify their own towels from the signs in place and they are keen to be independent. Children are excited and active in the garden, they are highly stimulated by the childminder's superb involvement in their physical play. She is very aware of dressing

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Helping children to be healthy

the children appropriately for outside play according to the weather. She discusses this with the older children to enable them to learn and understand. Children's medical needs are fully considered, the childminder records all information from parents in advance and she responds and makes contact with parents immediately, in the case of illness. There are very professional methods to record daily information regarding children's health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are very safe and secure because the childminder is acutely aware of potential hazards and is fully conscientious in her diligent supervision of the children throughout the day. The family home is comfortable, warm and light, it is very child orientated with easy access to an all grass, secure, rear garden. Children freely use the ground floor areas organised for their play and they can easily reach a wide variety of very suitable play equipment to meet their varying stages of development. Children are continually motivated and stimulated by the childminder's involvement and her suggestions for playing with equipment available. The childminder is meticulous in continually observing all of the children at all times, she ensures that the youngest child has play equipment that is entirely suitable for her needs. Outside play resources are carefully placed apart from each other to ensure children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn very effectively about responding to the smoke alarms by practising regular fire drills with the childminder. Older children are knowledgeable about the routines for fire drills and parents are informed of the procedure. Children's well being is supported by the comprehensive accident records available and by the childminder's very secure knowledge of child protection procedures.

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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 are gaining high levels of confidence. They are flourishing in an environment that is very dedicated to their needs. The childminder meticulously plans and organises their day to ensure that they have time to pursue a variety of activities to support and stimulate their development. Children are continually encouraged to use their imagination; they show interest and enthusiasm when listening to stories, they are captivated and inspired to build houses for the animals in the zoo. The childminder uses frequent questions to increase and consolidate children's understanding of language and quantity, she listens and responds to their answers. Children's physical and emotional needs are excellently met because the childminder is aware and perceptive, she recognises when their behaviour shows signs of tiredness or hunger. Children are learning about right and wrong through the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminders skills of explanation and through the events of the day. They are relating well towards each other, they interact continually and are encouraged to play and share equipment. Children are extremely happy and settled they respond well to the childminder who shows a strong ability to include the outcomes for babies, toddlers and all children in her daily practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children have many opportunities to extend their knowledge about the wider world. They are learning to speak different languages and they are provided with play equipment and books that reflect other cultures and diversity in society. The childminder is keen to learn French herself and the children show how they can count confidently in Spanish. Children's individual needs are very effectively supported by the childminder because she has good experience and understanding of recognising special needs. Children's behaviour is exceptional because the childminder offers praise and reassurance at all times. Children respond eagerly to assist the childminder because she gives clear explanations which are appropriate for each child's stage of development, she also shows a very positive attitude and is keenly interested at all times. Children are thoroughly settled and feel valued because the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder has formed strong links with their parents, she refers to all the family during conversation and encourages the children to talk about their activities when they go home. Children have daily diaries which contain the events of the day and give parents an extensive understanding of their achievements and development. The relationship with parents is fully supported by written agreements to cover all aspects of the children's care and confidentiality is consistently maintained.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are exceptionally well protected and kept safe by the childminder because she has a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for registration and a

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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 very professional attitude towards the inspection process. The childminder ensures that children are fully occupied and involved when in her care, she entirely prioritises their needs and enthusiastically organises their day. She continually plans and provides activities to inspire, interest and engage children at all times and she fully participates in their play. Children are happy and secure because all child care arrangements are fully recorded and regularly shared with parents. Overall the provider meets the needs of the range of all the children attending the setting.

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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

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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