Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY331601 Unique Reference Number 30 May 2008 Inspection date Sandra Daniels Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and two years in Brentwood. The whole of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a rabbit as a pet.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding three children aged four and three years on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups and takes children to the local library and the park.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and the local childminding network.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a clean and welcoming family home, where they are beginning to develop an understanding of good hygiene and personal care through consistent routines and good role modelling by the childminder. The childminder promotes good practice to prevent the spread of infection and keep children healthy, for example, no outdoor shoes are worn in the home and hand washing forms an integral part of their routine. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms, is in place and up-to-date. This positively safeguards children’s well-being.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and well-being are further promoted through effectively planned opportunities for physical play both inside and outside of the home. For example, they enjoy the slides and the bouncy castle in the garden and go for walks to the local park where they can access larger apparatus such as the climbing frame. Such activities enable children to develop coordination and promote physical development.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have a growing awareness of healthy food options, which is supported by a healthy and well balanced diet. A written sample menu ensures that parents are aware of the types of meals provided. The childminder provides all meals and snacks for children and they thoroughly enjoy assisting in the preparation tasks. Children chop fruit for their snack and choose from a selection of toppings for their home made pizzas. Children talk excitedly about the fruit and vegetables they plan to plant in the garden. Drinks are available for children at all times and the childminder reminds them to quench their thirst, particularly in hot weather and after physical exercise.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe and secure environment that is welcoming and child-friendly. Space is well organised and enables children to freely explore and take small risks while being protected from harm. Children benefit from the use of a playroom where they play together, and a 'quiet room where they can relax and look at books. Children access an extensive range of safe and suitable toys and resources that are creatively displayed for independent choice.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children become aware of the boundaries to keep themselves safe, and learn about fire safety when practising the evacuation procedure. They have made colourful signs with the childminder which are posted at all of the exits from the premises. Children are supervised very well and on outings babies and young children are safely strapped into buggies or the relevant car seat for their age and size. All appropriate safety equipment is in place, including safety gates, smoke alarms and the security of the premises ensures children are safe and secure at all times. For example, there is a safety lock on the front door which remains in place when children are in the home.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection. A well-written policy statement is shared with parents.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely settled and happy within the home. The childminder provides children with a very broad range of activities and experiences which they clearly enjoy, show considerable interest in, and which cannot fail to promote their development and learning in all areas. Children enjoy making treasure maps and hunting for the missing treasure around the house. They make models using clay and are extremely proud of their robots and dinosaurs. Children thrive because the childminder has an excellent knowledge of child development and recognises the importance of play in children’s learning. Interaction between the childminder and children is superb and she sits with them while they play together and talks to them about the weather and what day it is, as they complete the daily weather chart and calendar. The childminder praises children's efforts; this positive encouragement ensures that children feel valued and motivated.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is skilful in developing children's language and thinking through open-ended questions, such as asking the children which car they think will go down the track the fastest. This is then extended as children are encouraged to consider why some cars travel faster than others. Is it that they are heavier or lighter; bigger or smaller? Children have lots of different opportunities to be creative owing to the wide range of different art and craft activities the childminder provides for them. For example, imaginative collages, paintings and modelling. Children enjoy using their imaginations as they make a tent underneath the table. The childminder takes photographs of the children participating in the activities and outings to show to the parents and the children. She makes observations of children at play and uses these to assess and record children's learning and developmental progress. This is an area which

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the childminder is keen to develop further in order to maximise outcomes for children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children learn about the local and wider society through the extremely good range of resources and activities provided by the childminder. These include visits in the local community, for example, to the library, shops, parks and to the 'Secret Nuclear Bunker'. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice as she ensures all children are fully involved in the life of the setting; this means they feel valued and free from discrimination. Children discuss the colourful posters which welcome them to the setting in several languages. They celebrate many festivals with the childminder, using their creative skills to make candles for Diwalli. The childminder has an extremely positive attitude towards caring for all children, including those with physical disabilities and/or learning difficulties.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses her experience well to provide a positive atmosphere in which children can feel relaxed and secure. She recognises and acknowledges the range of emotions that younger children may experience and supports them to develop in confidence and self-esteem. This means children behave well. The childminder helps them to negotiate and take responsibility for their own behaviour by supporting them, being a positive role model and encouraging the children to share and care for one another. Children develop social skills and are polite and well-mannered, saying please, thank-you and sorry appropriately.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the extremely positive partnerships the childminder has developed with their parents. Parents views are sought and acted upon regarding their children's care and development. The childminder uses a daily diary as a method of communication, in addition to verbal feedback; both formally and informally. Some information is displayed for parents'

p.4

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 attention and all policies and procedures are discussed in detail before children attend. Children benefit because the childminder has an extremely flexible approach to her job; considerately placing children's needs first.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall children's needs are met. Children's welfare, learning and care are promoted effectively by the use of clear written policies and procedures which are shared with parents when they visit. All required records are in place to ensure that children's needs are met effectively and their safety is well promoted as they are never left with people who have not been cleared.

p.5

Organisation

Children receive very good levels of adult support which promotes their confidence. This means they can make selections from a good range of resources and enjoy time with the childminder engaging in activities, such as trips out to places of interest. Children enjoy a range of activities in a well-organised home that is designed to provide opportunities for play and learning. For example, a designated play room is used for activities such as floor play and messy play, whilst there is another room which is used for quieter activities.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder has undertaken a variety of training which demonstrates her commitment to providing a quality service, these include the Introduction to Childminding Practice course, a first aid course and the Code of Practice for children with special needs. She keeps well up-to-date with current developments and legislation and is keen to attend further training to gain recognised childcare qualifications.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to further develop her knowledge of other cultures and celebrations to share with the children. Children now have many opportunities to discover and learn about similarities and differences in our society. Children look at colourful posters welcoming them to the setting in various languages, discuss and celebrate festivals from around the world and participate in many activities which help them to develop a positive attitude to diversity.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 the already good practice of observing, assessing and recording children's learning and development

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6