Price Christine

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 250423 Inspection date 16 December 2005 Inspector Myra Lewis

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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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband, three adult children and two children aged eight and ten years. They live near Solihull, close to of local shops, parks and public transport. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden area available for outside play, part of which is fenced off as there is a fish pond. The childminder provides a before and after school service and regularly attends local pre-school groups and takes children to the local park. She is registered to provide care for five children and currently has six children on roll.

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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 an active member of the local childminder support group and also a member of the National Childminding Association. She holds an Early Years Qualification and Quality First Assurance Award.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in this child friendly environment where robust policies and procedures are in place, to effectively meet children's physical, nutritional and health needs. The children receive excellent attention to their personal care needs, through well established daily routines. Children are actively and consistently encouraged to develop their independence and self-help skills. Children's health is strenuously safeguarded through the childminders current knowledge of first aid and her clear awareness of the risk of infectious diseases. Positive steps are taken so that the risks to children are effectively minimised. Many opportunities are provided for children to develop their physical skills. They regularly enjoy walks to the local park, play in the garden and visit local toddler groups. There are lots of trips planned to places of interest, such as visits to Kingsbury Water Park and Hatton Country World. Therefore children have many

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Helping children to be healthy

opportunities to observe and learn about their local surroundings and benefit from plenty of fresh air. Children reflect these experiences through pictures which are positively displayed on the wall. They benefit from a flexible routine that ensures children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual requirements. Children calmly and comfortably fall asleep, as they feel safe and secure in their surroundings. Children are extremely well nourished through the regular provision of healthy meals, snacks and drinks, that take account of their individual dietary requirements, preferences and adhere to their parents wishes. Children develop an excellent awareness of healthy food choices and lifestyles, through very good practical activities and ongoing discussions with the childminder. Children enjoy many different cooking or tasting activities, for example tasting raw carrots and making biscuits.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children talk about the different vegetables in the childminders homemade vegetable soup and learn why it is sometimes smooth or lumpy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are kept very safe and secure in their surroundings as the childminder is extremely vigilant and has taken positive steps to make her home safe. Children move safely and independently throughout the home and engage easily in their chosen activities and play happily. Children have access to a vast range of good quality toys and resources that are easily accessible, suitable for their purpose, in good condition and conform to safety standards. All toys and equipment are regularly

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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 checked and children are encouraged to pick toys up off the floor to prevent accidents. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are suitable for their age and stage of development. Children are learning the importance of keeping themselves safe, they practice road safety whilst out walking and follow strict guidance from the childminder when travelling in the car. Children's understanding is further supported by good use of appropriate resources such as books, posters and role play activities. Children are made aware of the emergency escape procedures and practice the fire drill regularly. Children are very well protected by the childminder who has a secure understanding of child protection procedures and knows who to contact if she should be concerned.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Therefore children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from the childminders excellent knowledge and understanding of child development, such as 'Birth to three matters'. Activities are thoroughly well planned to stimulate and interest the children. For example through topics about 're-cycling' resources and 'growth'. Children's progress is monitored through ongoing observations, that aid the childminder in planning the next step of children's learning. Children are able to make independent decisions about their own play activities and have easy access to a broad and varied range of resources. For example collage pictures using a variety of materials, role play activities, books, puzzles, games, drawing and construction toys. Through many well planned outings within the local area and to places of interest, children benefit from first hand experiences of the world around them. They enjoy regular trips to the park, enjoy looking at books in the library and enjoy socialising

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with other children at toddler groups. Children reflect these experiences through pictures which are displayed on the notice board and shared with their parents. This fosters children's self-esteem positively. Children enjoy their time with the childminder, they make extremely good progress as she gets to know the children very well. Close and caring relationships are well established and increase children's confidence and sense of belonging. Children respond positively to praise and encouragement and benefit effectively from the childminder support and involvement in their play. Children's language development is excellently promoted, through general conversations and through the childminder's effective use of questions, which stimulate children's thinking and encourages their listening skills. Therefore children make very good progress in their play and learning which has a significant impact on their overall development.

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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 All children are made very welcome and are treated as part of the family. Children's individual needs are clearly understood by the childminder, who is extremely attentive to their respective care needs. The daily routines are flexible and well organised, and take account of the differing needs of children in attendance. Children have an excellent relationship with the childminder and benefit from her support and positive interaction as they play. Children are learning excellent social skills, as they learn to play together and through regular attendance at local toddler groups. The children have extensive opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the wider community, through planned activities, visits to local places of interest and access to resources that reflect positive images of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good behaviour is valued and children are extremely well behaved, confident and sociable. They are actively encouraged to share, take turns and play together, as the childminder has effective strategies in place to create a positive caring environment. Challenging behaviour is dealt with in a sensitive manner that is appropriate for children's level of understanding and maturity. Children consistently receive praise and encouragement for their effort and achievements, which helps them develop a good understanding of right and wrong. Children benefit from the very strong partnership the childminder has effectively established with parents. There is an extremely good portfolio of information, relevant to the childminding service provided, which is shared and acknowledged by all parents. The children's daily routines and excellent variety of activities are shared openly and communication is effective. Therefore children's overall well being is

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from the excellent care they receive from an experienced childminder, who is highly motivated, extremely well organised and committed to ongoing training and development. Children enjoy a broad range of play experiences, that gives excellent support to their overall development. Children benefit from the very well established daily routines, which have a high regard for their individual needs. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed. The childminders thoroughly detailed policies and procedures are shared and acknowledged by all parents, who are therefore kept very well informed about their children's daily activities and progress. Overall the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were two recommendations made at the last inspection which the childminder has addressed. She has reviewed her procedures regarding written consent from parents for children to receive emergency treatment and updated her complaints

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Improvements 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 policy.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004. 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

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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