Childminder in Rutland

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY136990 Inspection date 25 April 2006 Inspector Susan Andrews

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged five, and eight years, in a residential area on the outskirts of a market town. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house, except for the utility room, is used for childcare purposes. There is a fully enclosed 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 four children, some of whom attended on a part-time basis. Schools, parks, shops, the library and places of interest are within easy walking or

p.2

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 driving distance. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family has two cats.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has a good understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and has developed highly effective procedures and practices that guide children and promote their health. Children thrive and enthusiastically explore, test and develop their physical skills. They gain a good understanding of hygiene and become increasingly independent in their personal care. Children are cared for in a really welcoming, warm, and well organised home. The childminder has an excellent understanding of health and hygiene issues and operates a rigorous approach regarding the importance of minimising the risk of cross infection. Hygiene is seen as a priority, for example, children use individual, flannels and hand towels and careful attention is paid to children's personal hygiene needs. The childminder's hygiene practices regarding hand washing are of the highest standard. Children are encouraged to actively learn about good hygiene practices

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

through daily routines. They learn about hand washing after nose wiping, after playing outside or before eating. Children are involved in good and consistent hygiene practices, regarding toileting and nappy changing, helping to develop their independence. Excellent care is taken to ensure children are protected from the hot summer sun by the use of sunhats and creams. The issues are discussed and children are encouraged to understand why this is important. The childminder is vigilant in ensuring children have access to shade when playing in the garden or on trips to the park. The childminder holds an appropriate first aid certificate and has obtained and uses all the necessary documentation for the recording of accidents and the administration of medication. She has discussed these procedures with parents and has provided them with information about her commitment to meticulously maintain her records.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

She has an extensive written sick children policy, so that the risk of cross infection to children is minimised and that parents are familiar with the expectations and procedures. The childminder has obtained the appropriate written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice to support children's health and safeguard their well-being. Children rest when they are tired and have appropriate sleep routines based on their individual needs. They engage in varied opportunities for quiet and restful activities such as listening to a story, handling small world toys, construction and creative equipment and using puzzles as well as active play experiences to extend their physical skills.

p.3

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 They have planned and spontaneous opportunities for regular exercise using the spacious and well equipped garden area. There is an excellent selection of outdoor toys and children use their imagination as they play in the sandpit, play games and use sit and ride cars. Children take exercise by regularly walking into the shops or to the local school and playgroup. They have carefully supervised trips to places of interest to feed the ducks and to local parks and recreation areas. Therefore children can enthusiastically explore, test and freely develop their physical control and skills when they run, balance, climb and jump. Children have a choice and free access to drinks and snacks, for example, water, fruit juice, milk and fresh fruit. The childminder encourages children to take further

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

drinks during periods of hot weather of physical exercise and to recognise if they are thirsty. Children's nutritional needs are fully taken into account by the childminder, as she ensures food is prepared and stored appropriately. Children are encouraged to eat healthily and to make informed choices within a well-planned menu containing a good balance of fresh fruit and vegetables, carbohydrates and proteins and dairy products. Children eat their snacks and meals together in a social environment. They spend time talking with the childminder and each other, learning about the food they eat, what is good for them and how it helps them to grow strong. Arrangements are in place so that children's preferences, religious and cultural needs are met and verbal and written arrangements are made to ensure careful attention is given regarding any allergies.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a home where the childminder is mindful of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and implements highly effective procedures and vigilant practices so that risks of accidental injury to children are minimised. For example, children play, rest, eat and sleep in the designated childcare areas of the home where toys and equipment are specifically placed at child height so that they may choose in safety. Dangerous substances such as medicines, cleaning materials and sharp knives are kept out of reach in locked cupboards and children's access to the stairs on the fire is protected. Children play in the garden area which is safely enclosed and kept free from hazards and poisonous plants. When on outings in the car, small children are safely secured according to their age and weight. When out walking younger children are kept safe by the use of appropriate harnesses and reins. Children are beginning to gain an

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

awareness of road safety through activities with the childminder and when crossing the roads. Children are protected as the childminder has a comprehensive understanding of child protection issues and reporting procedures. She recognises the signs and symptoms of abuse, is aware of her duty to protect the children in her care and has given this further consideration and has produced a detailed child protection written

p.4

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 policy which she discusses and makes readily available to each parent at the time they place a child in her care.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and they are happy and eager to participate in the exciting range of well planned activities and learning opportunities, that are available each day based on a range of themes. They grow, learn, play imaginatively and achieve well, because of the childminder's excellent knowledge and understanding of early years practice issues and guidance, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children play in a calm, comfortable and vibrant child-oriented environment, where a flexible approach to routine is based on children's individual needs. There is an appropriate balance of adult and child-led activities which allows children to deal with their own feelings for example of joy, delight and frustration and to develop, learn and explore at their own pace. Children are at ease, confident and reassured by the childminder's sensitive and gentle approach.

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children listen to music, sing songs and recite nursery rhymes. Children are inspired and play together, using a range of percussion instruments and gain an understanding of tone, pitch, harmony and rhythm. Early communication skills are extremely well supported through lively conversation and the high-quality interaction between the childminder and the children. They listen attentively to stories and are captivated by their favourite books. Together the children and childminder compile scrap books that include a range of children's art activities, projects, themes and photographs. Children are inquisitive and fascinated as they engage in a range of life experiences. For example, baking and cooking, shopping and selecting exotic fruits for their own snacks, going to the shops and visiting friends. Children are engaged in role-play and dressing up. These experiences help children to work co-operatively with each other

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and to understand the world around them. Children enjoy the activities, they learn and achieve well and have lots of fun.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children have excellent access to play resources which reflect diversity and take into account the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children develop a good understanding of the wider world, for example, through understanding where they fit into their families, by the inclusion of each others' differences, similarities and range of abilities. Together, children celebrate a range of festivals including Christmas, Chinese New Year, St. George's Day, St Patrick's Day and Diwali, which helps them feel positive

p.5

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 about their own and other cultures and to feel valued. They also meet other children and adults when on outings to the library, shops, playgroup and local places of interest, parks and recreation areas, developing their sense of belonging to the local community. Strategies are in place to manage children's behaviour effectively. Children behave well, are polite and they respond really well to simple and consistent house rules so that they know what is expected of them, for example taking turns with their toys and saying please and thank you. Children's understanding of right and wrong is increased as they respond to gentle reminders to care for their environment and each other. By understanding how their behaviour affects others, they are learning to play together harmoniously, taking turns, sharing their toys and are treating each other

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

kindly. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their achievements are encouraged and praised, so that children's self-esteem and sense of identity is enhanced. For example, by the childminder who acts as a good role model and by using books, toys and activities that reflect positive images of culture, gender, special needs and differing abilities. The childminder recognises and values the importance of providing parents with a good range of information about the childminding service and listening to them to ensure children's needs are met. At the time a child is placed in the care of the childminder, parents receive a wide range of documentation and information about the childminding service. This includes the childminder's aims and objectives, an extensive range of written policies, for example, regarding behaviour management, equal opportunities, child protection, a sickness policy and parent contracts. Written

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

consent is obtained from parents to allow children to participate in certain activities, for example, to go to travelling the childminder's car and go on walks and outings. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure information is exchanged with parents on a regular basis through conversation, questionnaires, daily diaries and through regular contractual reviews. Children therefore benefit from this consistency of care, for example, maintaining similar routines, ensuring children's preferences and allergies are addressed and a healthy diet is provided. Children feel secure and parents develop confidence and trust in the childminder and the service that is offered.

p.6

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for in environment where the childminder rigorously evaluates her practice taking into account the National Standards, the 'Birth to three matters' framework, and additional information provided by the National Childminding Association . Children's care is greatly enhanced by the exceptional quality of organisation and the childminder's ongoing commitment and desire to continue to improve the provision of the high quality service to parents and the children in her care. For example, children

p.6

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 benefit as the childminder continues to enthusiastically embrace training opportunities. She has completed first aid and additional childminding courses. She has attended the 'Birth of three matters' framework training workshops and a wide range of courses relating to children's development and care. Children are happy, calm and settled within the childminder's routines which includes effectively organising activities, time and space. As a result children are enthusiastic and inspired, engaging in a range of innovative and imaginative planned and spontaneous activities both indoors and outdoors. These include themed activities that are varied and flexible and take into account children's ages and stages of development. The childminder maintains a highly organised business-like approach to her

p.6

Organisation

childminding. She has clear knowledge of her duty to effectively meet the National Standards and takes seriously her childminding responsibilities and has all the relevant documentation in place to support the childminding service. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and effectively uses their wide range of documentation. She provides written statements regarding an extensive range of procedures and policy documentation which are readily available to parents and has a positive impact on the consistency and quality of care, contributing to children's health, safety and well-being. Overall the provision fully meets the needs of children who attend.

p.7

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve arrangements for sharing records about individual children with their parents. The childminder took active steps to address this issue involving parents and obtaining their views through the use of questionnaires. She has implemented an effective daily diary system where children's routines, dietary needs, development and achievements are recorded. Parents take the opportunity to use the diary to record issues relating to the children's care at home. Children therefore benefit from this positive exchange of information and continuity of care.

p.7

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.

p.7

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.7

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 outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.7

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

p.8

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

p.8

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

p.8