Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY349312 Unique Reference Number 23 July 2008 Inspection date Tina Kelly 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 husband and daughter aged four years. They live in Chiswell Green, a suburb of St. Albans, Hertfordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, this includes a play room. Children do not generally access upstairs, there is a downstairs cloakroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There are no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children. At the time of inspection one child aged one year was being cared for alongside the childminder's own child. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive as they are cared for in a warm and welcoming home that is maintained to a very high standard. Children's individual and health needs are identified and maintained as the childminder works very closely with parents to ensure all records are relevant and up to date.

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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 Daily activities are adapted to take into account the children's different needs. They have opportunities to rest and to play when they need to.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about good personal hygiene through their daily routines. Young children are co-operative at nappy change times. The area used is well resourced and prepared in advance, disposable gloves are used to maintain a high standard of hygiene at all times. The childminder talks to the young children throughout the process, giving reassurance and explaining what is expected of them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are extremely well nourished. The childminder has an extensive knowledge of food preparation and how to maintain a hygienic environment. She extends the children's food experiences at every opportunity. The family vegetable patch is a good resource for fresh vegetables. For example children can see them grow and assist in the cropping. Peas grown in the garden are eaten straight from the pod. When families have specific cultural dietary requirements these are adhered to in line with the parents requests. The childminder discusses all aspects of the children's developing tastes. Sample menus are displayed in the portfolio, one outlines interesting and nutritious meals, the other gives specific detail of how vegetarian diets will be met in full.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has an in depth understanding of appropriate types of toys and activities that will promote the children's developing physical skills. Young children are encouraged to practice their newly acquired skills which are enhanced and extended with age appropriate toys in the home, play room and garden. Children move with a growing confidence, they are keen to explore new experiences such as a small trampoline and simple ride on toys. Children are exceptionally well supported by their childminder who provides a vast range of opportunities that enable them to run, climb and for them to explore their environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an exceptionally well-managed and secure but homely environment. Their safety is fully promoted because the childminder has developed and implements policies and procedures that identify potential hazards that are particular to her home. She keeps documents to evidence the maintenance of house hold appliances such as the boiler and of the car service history. A comprehensive check list is in place to monitor all areas where children have regular access. Appropriate measures are in place to maintain the children's safety such as a listening device to monitor children who sleep upstairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have free access to a wide range of age appropriate resources. These are stored at low-level in the play room and the family lounge. Toys that are not suitable for very young children are stored in the play room and utility room. Older children are able to ask for assistance in accessing them whilst maintaining the safety of the younger children. Children learn to keep themselves safe through their daily routines. They are reminded not to tread on the toys and to pick up resources so they do not fall over. They learn about simple road safety when they are taken out in the community.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm through the childminder's extensive recording systems such as the accident, incident books and the children's daily diaries. The childminder has an excellent understanding of maintaining the welfare of all children. Exceptionally well presented registration portfolio contains comprehensive policies, procedures and leaflets that ensure the children's well-being is maintained at all times. The childminder has the leaflets and contact detail provided

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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 by the Local Safeguarding Children Board. She is confident in seeking advice if she had concerns regarding the welfare of any children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy their time at the childminders home, they are happy and settled in her care. Children have developed great confidence and self esteem as they are exceptionally well supported in aspects of their care and play. Children show a growing independence as they freely select toys and resources from storage around the home. Photographs show children taking part in a range of exciting events and activities. The childminder is developing ideas that will extend and promote these activities as the children become older and need more challenge. Outings are an important aspect of the weeks routines, the photographs show children engaged in activities at the local children's farm and at physical play sessions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's language and conversational skills are consistently supported by the childminder. Age appropriate books are very popular, children sit with their carer to read favourite books. They are beginning to recognise the different animals and are learning about the sounds they make. The childminder effectively uses open ended questions to prompt children to make choices about their play and what they would like to do. Very young children are developing good physical skills, they are competent at walking up the garden and keen to try new experiences with help and support such as the small trampoline. They show great delight as they jump and are helped to climb on and off the low-level structure. Children are encouraged to explore their surroundings, resources and toys are specifically provided to extend and develop recently acquired skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The activities provided for young children are linked to the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Well kept observations in the daily diary show how different aspects of the children's learning skills are developing. Photographs presented in a folder are linked to the aspects laid out in the framework which ensures all aspects of their developing skills are identified and met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are highly valued and respected. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure all children are fully included in all aspects of the weeks routines and activities. Close and caring relationships increase the children's sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self worth. The childminder has very good routines and procedures in place to help all children reach their full potential. These strategies cater for learning difficulties and physical disabilities. She would seek advice and discuss issues with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's good behaviour is reinforced with consistent praise and encouragement. Children are actively encourage to keep the play areas tidy and to help to put toys away. The childminder clearly explains what is expected of them. They are learning simple rules such as sitting properly on the child sized chairs and to put their feet down so as not to fall.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to the children's well-being. The settling in process is lengthy and ensures the children are confident when they come to be cared for full time. The childminder ensures she is fully informed about the children's family backgrounds.

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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 During the day the childminder takes photographs of the children playing, she sends the information to the parents remedially with her phone camera. This close contact ensures parents are aware of the children's daily routines. Parents are provided with a wealth of information that fully informs them about the childminding service and procedures that are in place to protect their children in the registration portfolio. In addition to this parents are also made aware of the requirements for registration as important documents are on display around the home.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care and well-being is supported by the excellent organisation of both the childminding business and the activities and routines that are in place. The childminder's portfolio and associated folder contain strong evidence to show her commitment to providing outstanding care for all children.

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Organisation

The childminder has a very positive approach to providing new opportunities for children and to enhance her practice. She provides exciting and interesting activities and experiences for the children in her care. She is aware of forthcoming implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She effectively implements many aspects of the courses that she has attended to promote her practice and childminding business. The document toolkit provided by the National Childminding Association is used comprehensively to ensure appropriate records are maintained, this paperwork is supplemented by permission and procedures that have been developed by the childminder to cover specific issues that are relevant to the childminding arrangements.

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Organisation

The childminder is highly attentive to the children's needs. She ensures they have a balanced choice of activities that can be changed and adapted as required. She plans her week around the needs of the children in her care. Children benefit from a carer who is dedicated to their well-being and development. The childminder provides an outstanding care provision, her practice ensures all children achieve and where every child matters. Overall children’s needs are met

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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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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

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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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