Slyfield, Nicola Annette

Inspection report for early years provision

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153240 Unique Reference Number 23 October 2006 Inspection date Maureen Croxford 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 has been registered since July 2000 and there are currently 11 children on roll on a part time basis. She lives with her husband and two school age children in a house set in a residential area of Guildford, Surrey. Areas used for minding include the lounge/dining room and kitchen. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Local shops, schools and parks are within walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are healthy and thrive in the setting because the childminder follows extremely thorough hygiene procedures, including wearing gloves for nappy changing. The childminder supplies individual towels and flannels for the children, which are hung on labelled pegs in the cloakroom. Children are developing exceptional self-care skills and increasing their independence, for example, when washing their hands at appropriate times. They learn the importance of good hygiene through regular routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has an excellent understanding of procedures regarding accidents and the administration of medication. Children are safe and protected, as comprehensive records are kept by the childminder and parents are required to sign the medication and accident books.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's strong knowledge of healthy eating. During the inspection, the minded children enjoy a snack of grapes. They have access to drinking water at all times. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that their dietary needs are met. For example, she is fully aware of the needs of the Jewish children in her care and she keeps a list of kosher foods with her at all times, including when she takes the children out for a visit.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are active and engage in a broad of physical activities in the garden, the local park, soft play area and parent and toddler group, which subsequently promotes a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The children enjoy a safe and secure environment because the childminder is consistently vigilant and fully aware of potential hazards. Children move about the provision safely and easily while being supervised at all times because of the well-organised floor space. Children develop an awareness of dangers through general conversation. They feel safe and are extremely confident because of the high levels of support and supervision provided by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder provides a wide range of suitable furniture and equipment. Children are developing their independence, as they are able to access their own resources. Children feel welcome as they enter the provision, as they are able to hang their coats and bags on a child sized coat rack. The comprehensive range of toys and play materials is very well organised and stored in low-level storage boxes in the lounge. They provide children with stimulating challenges and meet the needs of all the children who attend. All children are encouraged to make their own choices throughout the day and take responsibility for themselves, for example, clearing away their toys after use. The childminder supports and encourages them enthusiastically, promoting their self-esteem effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is very aware of potential risks and hazards both inside and outside the home. She ensures that the premises are extremely safe for children. She carries out a basic risk

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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 assessment before the children arrive. Her portfolio includes fire procedures, emergency procedures and policies. She makes this information available to parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of safeguarding children procedures. She would recognise the possible signs of abuse as she has attended relevant training courses. She ensures that parents are aware of her responsibilities to protect children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has an exceptional understanding of child development and she has attended many training courses relating to her work. Children benefit from her strong support. She participates fully during activities, encouraging children to join in. She is affectionate and consistent in her approach to the care she offers. Children have many opportunities to develop an extensive range of skills and progress well in all areas in a extremely stimulating and interesting environment. The childminder implements the Birth to three matters framework when planning activities for younger children and babies. She has a sound understanding of the Foundation Stage of Learning and uses her knowledge to plan stimulating activities for children aged three to five years. She keeps individual developmental records on children, which she shares with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children reach their full potential because they have the time and opportunity to work out problems for themselves. They are encouraged to persevere, for example, the childminder supports and encourages them to achieve when using the computer. The childminder knows when to allow play to develop and when to offer assistance to help children to make progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder differentiates activities and resources effectively, taking into account each child's abilities and needs. During the inspection, the children paint candles and candle holders as they celebrate Diwali. The childminder shows the inspector candles that the other children have decorated, even the youngest child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident, have good self-esteem, and are eager to join the well-planned activities. The childminder develops the children's communication and social skills effectively through good quality conversation, such as open-ended questions and encouraging them to consider what they are doing. The childminder displays white boards around the room showing interesting facts, which older children enjoy. She makes good eye contact and responds quickly and appropriately to the children, making them feel valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are beginning to show an awareness of the world around them, through practical activities and regular outings, including visits to the local parent and toddler group. The childminder cares for children from different cultures and religions and is thorough in her research into their needs. She works very closely with parents for example, by identifying their dietary requirements. A poster is displayed in the entrance hall welcoming children in several

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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 languages. Other posters reflect positive images of other cultures and genders, which helps to promote equal opportunities. The childminder changes these regularly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder takes into account the children's individual needs and is fully aware of the need for confidentiality. She has experience of working with children who have special needs and working with parents to ensure that children receive consistency and continuity of care. She adapts activities to the age and stage of development of the child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a consistent approach to managing behaviour and ensures that clear rules and boundaries are in place. She manages the children’s behaviour very well, using mainly distraction, encouragement and praise. She gives clear explanations aimed at each child’s level of understanding, for example, letting children know why it is dangerous to leave toys out after playing with them. She has a written behaviour management policy in her portfolio.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is outstanding. Children benefit from the childminder's proactive partnership with parents. Their needs are met through detailed discussion with the children and parents, and extensive paperwork. She is dedicated to offering parents excellent written information about their children's care and development. She takes the time to get to know the children and their families to ensure that children feel settled, happy and valued. All certificates including the insurance documents and the registration certificate are displayed in the entrance hall.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder has an extraordinarily professional approach to childminding. She holds appropriate childcare qualifications and sees training as very important. She keeps up to date with current information and guidance which results in her ability to deliver high quality care. She has a very clear understanding of the requirements of her registration and the inspection process. She plans the daily routines for children and organises the space within her home extremely well to ensure that they are very well cared for in an appropriate environment.

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Organisation

Children benefit from a very welcoming, safe, secure and stimulating environment. The clear, written procedures, which the childminder implements effectively, protect the children in her care. The childminder organises the daily routines extremely well and offers many play opportunities suitable for the children's stage of development. The children enjoy their time in the provision because resources and activities provide a vast range of challenges, which are well planned and easily accessible. The childminder has a well developed portfolio in place. All legally required documentation is comprehensive, detailed, and accurate, stored appropriately and shared with parents.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints 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

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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