Allen Marie Elizabeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY276983 Inspection date 05 January 2006 Inspector Anne Felicity Taylor

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged two and eight years in the Kings Norton area of Birmingham. Children have access to all rooms on the ground floor and one bedroom and the bathroom located on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years and two children aged between five and eight years, most of whom attend on a part time basis. She also offers a service to children over eight years. The childminder attends a local play and

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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 stay group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is also a member of an inclusion service, for children and their families who may need some childcare support. In addition the childminder has achieved the Quality First, quality assurance award, level three.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene routines as they are encouraged to wash their hands and wipe their noses. Younger children experience stress-free potty training and their independent toileting is encouraged as a significant achievement. The childminder is an effective role model, washing her hands regularly. Thorough and clear nappy changing and nappy disposal routines are in place ensuring children stay clean and healthy; disposable gloves and aprons are used. A comprehensive written health and safety policy is in place, including a sickness policy and information about infectious diseases. Parents have easy access to policies and they are all discussed with the childminder during settling in visits. Parents are very well-informed about any events during the day, as appropriate procedures are carried out, for example, accident and medication recording. Any

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Helping children to be healthy

medication administered is carefully monitored and stored safely ensuring children's well-being at all times. Children are cared for with concern and expertise if they have an accident or become ill as the childminder is first aid trained and a fully-stocked first aid box is available. Children are very well-nourished and enjoy the healthy and varied diet provided. They are offered three meals a day plus morning and afternoon snacks. There are written four-weekly menu plans which effectively show parents the interesting and nutritious diet their children are offered. Children learn about healthy eating as the childminder involves them in growing and buying ingredients and helping to prepare food, for example, bread pizzas. All food is home cooked from fresh ingredients. The childminder has completed food hygiene training and food is stored safely. Babies follow their individual home routine as far as possible for bottle feeds, drinks and

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Helping children to be healthy

meals, offering continuity of care. Parents are consulted regularly regarding dietary needs and preferences, ensuring all individual needs are fulfilled. Children socialise and help each other during snacks and meals as they all sit together to enjoy their food, for example, younger children chat as they help each other to cut up their bananas. Physical activity is a high priority in the daily routine and children enjoy frequent opportunities for play that contributes effectively to their health and well-being. All the children benefit from having easy access to the garden, enjoying wheeled and push-along toys and bat and ball games. They are encouraged to experience and talk about the weather as they walk to school and as they are taken out in the rain as part of a planned learning event. Children are offered indoor physical play should the weather prevent outdoor play, for example, the small slide set up in the conservatory.

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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 The childminder supports the physical development of the younger children well as babies and toddlers learn to crawl and walk safely in the clear play space. Older children are offered a wide variety of activities to help them develop increasing finger and hand control, for example, puzzles, arts and crafts and construction. Children's individual needs regarding sleep and rest are met well, following discussion with parents. Babies sleep in a comfortable and quiet bedroom with individual clean bedding and older children can nap on the settee. Children sleep safely with the close supervision of the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a clean, very secure and child-friendly environment. They have access to the ground floor of the house which offers plenty of free play space, effectively encouraging their physical development. Children are offered a very broad range of appropriate play equipment, much of it at child height, enabling children to make independent choices. Children develop positive attitudes to others following the strong example set by the childminder and as they see images of general society reflected in books, toys, puzzles and pictures. Extensive appropriate procedures are in place for checking and cleaning all equipment and toys regularly, ensuring it is all suitable and safe for the children. All equipment is of high quality. Children are kept safe because the childminder has an excellent understanding of health and safety issues and is vigilant, supervising the children herself at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

They play safely in the enclosed garden as the childminder is skilled at explaining the need for any rules that are in place, for example, the area to play in. Accurate registers are completed daily. Children begin to understand about keeping themselves safe as the childminder discusses road safety when they are out walking and as they discuss and practise the fire drill. Fire safety equipment is in place. Children are very well protected from abuse or neglect as the childminder has a professional understanding of child protection issues. She has completed in-depth appropriate training and is clear about her responsibility to report concerns. Parents are aware of the policies and procedures that are in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have their individual needs met very well because the childminder and the parents develop strong open relationships and constantly exchange information, for example, baby routines and children's likes and dislikes. Routines are flexible and adapted appropriately to meet the individual needs of children attending, for example, to accommodate trips and outings for older children. Children make excellent progress and are confident and secure in the friendly environment, displaying great warmth and affection towards the childminder. The children appreciate the active involvement of the childminder in their play, for example, joining in the Balamory

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 board game. Parents are given regular feedback about their child's day, including activities and achievements. Children are proud of the work they take home and which is displayed around the childminder's home, effectively boosting the children's self-esteem. Current photographs show parents the marvellous variety of activities offered to their children when they are in the childminder's care. Children's progress is monitored effectively with simple assessments being completed by the childminder every three months. Younger children are very well supported by the childminder as they develop their independence and confidence, for example, as they progress with potty training. They are excited as they build a tent and squeal with delight as they hide inside. Children are offered many valuable opportunities to build positive relationships with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

other adults and children as they welcome visitors to the childminder's home and when they attend the local pre-school. Their learning is effectively challenged as the childminder skilfully extends themes and projects from the groups to the home environment, for example, looking at light and reflection. Children's knowledge of the world is further enhanced as they enjoy trips to the library, the Nature Centre, Avon Croft Museum and the Lickey Hills. They celebrate a number of different festivals, enjoying making naan bread to accompany the curry during Diwali. Children gain a valuable insight into the needs and feelings of others when they take Ben Bear home with them, recording what he does and how he behaves when in their care. Older children are offered an impressive variety of stimulating, interesting and well-planned activities. They grow tomatoes and runner beans to cook for lunch and they select conkers and leaves on nature walks to complete collage pictures. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

learn to co-operate with others and consolidate relationships as they organise and perform a nativity play for the younger children. They experience different media, selecting their own materials for art and craft activities. Children are challenged effectively as they experiment with the computer, sending e-mails and devising posters for a local campaign. They have been involved in a local restoration programme, looking at historic building and open spaces and enjoyed taking rubbings of old buildings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are highly valued as individuals and all their needs are met. They develop positive attitudes to others following the strong example set by the childminder. Children are offered many very effective opportunities to gain an understanding of others through looking at positive images and discussion. They celebrate a number of different festivals and are able to have frank open discussions with the childminder about all aspects of equal opportunities. Children's eating and sleeping routines are discussed regularly as there is a constant exchange of information between the childminder and the parents; children therefore develop a strong sense of belonging. There are procedures in place to meet the needs of children with special educational needs, working alongside parents and others involved in the child's care. The childminder displays a commendable

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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 commitment to inclusion. Older children are encouraged to share and to be considerate and helpful, effectively developing a good awareness of the needs of others. They begin to understand right from wrong through the consistent boundaries which are in place and the age appropriate methods the childminder uses to manage behaviour, for example, distraction and explanation. Children respond positively to the praise offered and their self-esteem is enhanced. The partnership with parents is excellent. Children benefit from the strong, open relationships between parents and the childminder, effectively supporting the involvement of parents in all aspects of their child's care and learning. Parents appreciate the daily exchange of information and the positive links the childminder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

has with the school. Parents have the opportunity to read all the policies and procedures put in place by the childminder, increasing their confidence in the care offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children develop very well and have lots of fun and affection when in the care of the childminder. She has taken advantage of courses offered, keeping up to date with developments in early years, for example, 'Birth to three matters'. Children feel secure and are confident in her care, where they are offered an excellent variety of well-planned activities. The welfare and safety of the children is the highest priority for the childminder and correct ratios are always maintained. The organisation of the childminder's home ensures that the children have plenty of stimulating play space indoors and outdoors, with easy access to a wide range of appropriate and interesting activities and equipment. Children are comfortable and make excellent progress as they are cared for within the flexible routine. Effective procedures and policies support the childminder in working very

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Organisation

successfully in partnership with parents. Children benefit as their families are welcomed into the childminder's home and are fully involved in their care. The children thrive in the caring and stimulating environment. The childminder evaluates, monitors and improves the quality of her care as part of an accredited assurance scheme. Overall the range of children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the safety on the stairs. Children are now safe when using the stairs as a banister and rail have been fitted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted has received one complaint since the last inspection relating to National

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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 Standard 2: Organisation and National Standard 6: Safety. Ofsted investigated this complaint by carrying out an unannounced visit on 6th October 2005. Ofsted found that the childminder was not exceeding the number of children specified in her conditions of registration. Ofsted raised an action to ensure that all the children's details are kept so they can be made available to the inspector and that children's arrival and departure times are recorded daily. Ofsted is satisfied that the childminder has taken appropriate steps to address the concern, and remains qualified for registration. 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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