Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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219833 Unique Reference Number 08 June 2005 Inspection date Susan Parker 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 1999. She lives together with her mother, who is also her assistant, and her brother.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to provide care for no more than 6 children under 8 years; of these, not more than 3 may be under 5 years, and of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year at any one time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder smokes but not in the presence of minded children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Areas of the house used by minded children includes the lounge, kitchen, toilet, wash facilities on the first floor together with one bedroom for minded children to use for sleeping.

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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 is not registered to provide overnight care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is a fully enclosed rear garden with access to the home via the kitchen.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are exceptionally well cared for in a warm, welcoming and clean environment. They are developing their own excellent understanding of personal hygiene issues such as why they need to wash their hands before eating, and the importance of not spreading germs. This is achieved through excellent daily routines. Children's good health is promoted through the exemplary practice and procedures provided by the childminder and her assistant. Children benefit from participating in a regular and exciting range of physical activities, and through creative use of safe equipment. This enables them to learn to explore a wide range of movements and develop control of their own bodies which actively promotes their physical skills and develops their confidence. The children are positively encouraged to explore their own skills and knowledge of their bodies through daily outdoor play. The children know why they put on

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Helping children to be healthy

Wellington boots and a rain coat to splash in the puddles, why they need to keep in the shade on a sunny day, and why they need to wrap up warmly on a cold or windy day. Children greatly benefit from the exemplary care, knowledge, skills and experience of the childminder when they are unwell or have an accident. This includes skilfully providing for children's individual dietary, religious, medical and physical needs, supported by a close working partnership with the wishes of the parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's safety is fully supported by the expert practice, knowledge and skills of the childminder and her assistant. The children are able to explore the exciting range of toys, equipment and resources in a safe, warm and welcoming environment. Children learn about how to keep themselves safe when near roads and when using equipment such as scissors. Children's safety is a priority. Their safety is efficiently promoted through the vigilance of the childminder and her assistant, who quickly identify hazards, and take effective steps to remove or minimise these. This ensures the children are able to move around and safely explore their environment both inside and outside, which develops their confidence and independence. Children are learning about taking responsibility and keeping themselves safe. They learn about safely waiting their turn on slides and climbing frames, and how to use equipment such as

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

scissors, safely. Children's welfare is rigorously promoted through the childminders clear understanding of signs of abuse or neglect. She has a good understanding of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and would be able to effectively identify, record and report any concerns if required.

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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 very happy and thrive in this environment. They are enthusiastic about the activities provided, and are well supported and encouraged to try new experiences. Children's activities are skilfully planned and provided to enhance their development, provide stimulating challenges, and meet all their individual needs. Children are very confident in their relationships with each other and the adults. Their personal development and self-esteem are promoted through the excellent sensitive and skilled support of the childminder and her assistant. Children's independence is actively encouraged by providing steps so they can use the toilet and wash their hands by themselves. They are encouraged to hang up and collect and put on their own coat and shoes. Children are confident in independently choosing their own resources and activities, and are able to concentrate and persist at their chosen tasks. Children are actively

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encouraged to think and make decisions for themselves which enables them to flourish and develop to their full potential. Children regularly receive praise, encouragement and reward stickers for personal achievement and milestones. This promotes their confidence, self esteem and independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are all provided with equal opportunities to develop their skills, independence and self-esteem in order for each child to reach his or her full potential. Children learn about a wide selection of cultures through excellent planned activities and resources which reflect positive images of race, disability, culture and gender. Children regularly visit a pensioner and have gained an insight into old age and its physical limitations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with special needs would be very well supported. Any child with special needs would benefit from the childminders knowledge, skills and experience to identify these needs and gain any help or advice. through confidential information sharing and a contract of care between the childminder and the parent.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership between the childminder and the parents is excellent. Information is shared effectively and confidentially to ensure the children receive the best care. A selection of references and questionnaires from twelve parents praise the high quality of the care received, and reflect their trust and gratitude.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The care of the children is significantly enhanced by the exceptional organisation. There are clear and concise policies and procedures which reflect the good practice. Detailed records of the children provide sufficient and suitable information to enable the childminder to meet their individual needs professionally. In addition, the childminder continually evaluates her practice in order to improve on the high quality of care she provides. She has produced questionnaires

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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 for the parents in order to gain their opinions and to ask for their comments on any future improvements. The childminder also records the children's activities, games and trips through photographic evidence, with the parents consent. All records, documentation and information is shared effectively, and the comments of the parents, valued. Consequently, the provision is meeting the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the provider agreed to obtain information on what steps to take in case of an allegation made against herself or her family. The childminder has obtained this information and advice which will enable her to ensure the welfare and safety of the children, herself and her family. The provider also agreed to record the times of accidents. Her accident record now shows the time, date, details of what happened and any treatment given. This is shared effectively with the parents and ensures any medical practitioner would have valuable information if required.

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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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