Silverthorne, Julie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 155511 Inspection date 01 December 2005 Inspector Jacqueline Crawford

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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 good. 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 2001. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 8 and 3, in a house in Goring, West Sussex. The whole house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 5 both part-time and each day, and 1 child over 5 before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler and carers group, takes children on regular outings to the library and to local parks. The family have a dog.

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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 has a qualification in NNEB (Nursery Nurse Examination Board).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle because the childminder follows extremely good health and hygiene routines throughout all areas of her provision. The childminder's effective care procedures ensure children are well protected from infection. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care routines whilst developing their independence. For example, children learn the significance of regular hand washing after toilet visits and before handling food. Children are extremely well nourished as the childminder provides an excellent range of healthy snacks and meals, which include home cooked food, fresh fruit and vegetables. Children develop a strong awareness of healthy eating through discussions with the childminder about the benefits of different foods, and as they skilfully help to prepare their own food. Children and the childminder enjoy sitting together to enjoy relaxed and social mealtimes. The childminder works effectively

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Helping children to be healthy

with parents to ensure children have their health and dietary needs fully met. Children benefit from plenty of fresh air and daily physical activity, as they walk to and from school, enjoy outings and during their play. The extremely good range of resources and the provision for outdoor play in the garden, enables children to develop their control, co-ordination and physical skills effectively. Children rest and relax in comfortable surroundings according to their needs. They regularly enjoy quiet times together sitting with the childminder to listen to stories.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are very well cared for in a warm, spacious, safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety and uses her well-implemented procedures and risk assessment to ensure children are protected from harm. Children have access to a suitable and safe range of toys and equipment, which are of good quality and regularly checked for cleanliness and safety. The childminder obtains written permission from parents before children use the large trampoline in the garden. The close supervision of the children allows them to take appropriate risks and enjoy play in safe surroundings. Children learn to keep themselves safe and avoid accidental injury both in the home and in the garden. Children are taught to carefully manage the stairs as they play in the different areas of the house. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure children's safety on outings, as she teaches them the importance of road safety when

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

walking and ensures they are well protected in the car. Children are appropriately protected as the childminder understands her role in child

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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 protection, but she has a basic understanding of procedures to put into practice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and settled in the welcoming, stimulating and child centred environment. They develop warm relationships with the childminder and form good friendships with each other. The extremely good interaction between the childminder and all of the children, enables children to feel at home and part of the family. Children develop their confidence and self-esteem effectively because the childminder provides plenty of positive praise and encouragement and values their achievements. Children enjoy meaningful conversations with the childminder and are often fully absorbed in quality imaginative and creative play. The excellent play provision and extremely well planned activities include imaginative art and craft sessions, which enable children to explore and experiment with different resources, for example, to produce Christmas decorations for their families. Children's enjoyment and opportunities for learning are effectively promoted through

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

a full range of stimulating activities, for example, cooking experiences and preparation of own lunch. Children enjoy an extremely good range of well planned 'out and about' activities, social occasions and activities which help them learn about the world around them. The childminder has an excellent understanding of child development and uses guidance such as Birth to Three Matters in her practice. She plans and monitors daily activities and routines extremely well in order to meet the children's developing needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder works effectively with parents in order to meet children's individual needs. She ensures all children are made welcome and every child is fully included in the life of the setting. Parents receive good information about the provision and are kept well informed about their children's care and progress during daily discussions. Children develop a true sense of belonging as they feel comfortable and are extremely well supported by the childminder. Children benefit from the childminder's calm and sensitive approach. The consistent strategies and simple house rules are appropriate to the children's understanding and are shared with parents. Children have many opportunities to make choices and to effectively develop their independence, for example, choosing from a variety of sandwich fillings to make their lunch. Children make decisions in their play and learning and can access resources

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and toys easily and independently. The childminder ensures there is a good balance of adult led and child-initiated indoor and outdoor activities which maintain children’s levels of engagement and enthusiasm. Children become aware of their own needs

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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 and the needs of others, through the excellent support they receive from the childminder and as they help each other. Children are becoming aware of diversity within society, through a wide range of books and resources and the varied range of activities and outings.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The good organisation of the provision and the procedures in place, ensure children are well protected and cared for. The childminder has a clear knowledge and understanding of child development and refers to guidance such as Birth to Three Matters to enhance her practice. The childminder has high regard for the well-being of all children and effectively supports their care, learning and play. Most of the legally required documentation and records are in place, although the record of attendance is not effectively maintained. The childminder has a professional approach to childminding which is reflected in her good organisation and activity planning. She provides excellent information to parents about the provision of childcare and the play and learning programme. Her effective policies and procedures are well implemented and promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment and achievement and their ability to make a positive contribution.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection three recommendations were made. To ensure the daily record of attendance is completed in accordance with the regulations, to obtain written permission from parents for emergency treatment, and to ensure the garden gate is secure. The daily record of attendance is still not completed on a daily basis, but written permission is now in place for emergency treatment. The garden gate is now securely padlocked thus improving the safety for children in the setting.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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

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 quality and standards of the care are good. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • increase knowledge of child protection procedures • ensure the required records are completed in accordance with regulations

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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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