Inspection report for early years provision Unique Reference Number Removed for security purposes Inspection date 23 May 2007 Inspector Melissa Cox Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding 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. 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. THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection: The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT? The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her family in Bramley, near Basingstoke. Most of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are currently three children on roll. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a pet cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. (NCMA) THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION Helping children to be healthy The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean home where the childminder follows good hygiene rules in order to prevent the spread of infection. For example, she consistently uses gloves when cleaning up after toileting accidents or for nappy changing. Independence regarding toileting is successfully promoted as the children develop the skills necessary to take themselves to the toilet. Children stay healthy because the childminder controls infection by excluding children who become sick or unwell. She has a clear written policy which is shared with parents and carers. Appropriate documentation is available to record accidents and the childminder is very clear about her responsibilities regarding the administration of any medication. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They are offered drinks regularly and can access water or juice at any time. Snacks are well presented and enjoyed by the children, who are developing an understanding of the need for a healthy and nutritious menu. The childminder finds out about children's individual dietary requirements from parents and keeps a daily written record of these. Children enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities that contribute to their good health. Each day the children walk to and from school with their childminder and there is an opportunity to play in the well-equipped garden, where the swings, slide and climbing frame support the development and improvement of children’s physical skills and agility. Children enjoy jumping on the trampoline and have ample space in which to play with balls and other apparatus. Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe The provision is outstanding. Children feel at ease in this comfortably furnished home from home environment. Children's work is proudly displayed on the playroom walls, showing that their childminder values all that they do. The available space is used very well to ensure that children may play safely under direct supervision at all times. Children independently select activities from a suitable range of resources, which are stored in well-organised boxes at floor level. Toys are maintained in an excellent state of repair, are age-appropriate and provide high levels of challenge for children. Children are developing a good understanding of keeping themselves safe. This is promoted through discussion and good practice encouraged by the childminder, for example, gently reminding children to sit down when they eat or to keep the toys away from the steps in the garden. Excellent fire precautions are followed. For example, smoke alarms are in place, a fire blanket is available in the kitchen and a clear evacuation plan has been drawn up. Children learn how to protect themselves in the event of a fire or emergency as the childminder practises fire drills with the children on a regular basis. Effective procedures are in place for the safe collection at the end of the day and detailed written risk assessments are in place for all areas of the house used for childminding purposes. The childminder has relevant literature to which she can refer to help her safeguard children's welfare and has attended a relevant training course. Children are safe with the childminder, who has a robust understanding of child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She has a well written child protection policy which she shares with parents. Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do The provision is good. Children are extremely settled and self-assured as they make themselves at home in the very relaxed setting. The childminder keeps a good pace of activities going throughout the day, skilfully establishing children's interest levels, recognising when they lose interest and changing the activity for something fresh and different. Children spend their time purposefully as they self-select activities of their choosing. For example, they explore textures as they cut shapes with the play-dough. They have good opportunities to develop their social skills as they play alongside and cooperatively with their peers. Children make good progress because the childminder assesses their current level of understanding and introduces activities to build on and extend their learning. She actively encourages early communication skills. Words are constantly repeated to reinforce early speech patterns and new words, such as 'umbrella' are introduced as part of the ongoing dialogue between the children and the childminder. She has a clear understanding of their abilities and uses this knowledge to sensitively set further challenges in order to promote children's continued progress. Children are taken on regular outings to discover their own community. They enjoy books, games and puzzles, and are becoming independent in organising their own play. They also mix with other children through regular attendance at the local toddler groups or at the local park. Helping children make a positive contribution The provision is good. Children enjoy an interesting and stimulating range of activities which positively promote their awareness and understanding of cultural diversity and disabilities. Children join in, take responsibility and play a productive part in the setting because the childminder values every child by making them feel special. Children develop a strong sense of belonging because their artistic creations are displayed on the walls. The childminder has a positive towards caring for children with additional needs and has a good understanding of how to meet their individual requirements. Children are very well behaved. The childminder keeps the children busy with purposeful and stimulating activities and uses effective distraction techniques to manage any tantrums or challenging behaviour. Children learn to make choices, make decisions and develop a marked respect for their childminder and each other. They are rewarded with substantial praise and encouragement. The childminder ensures that every parent receives a copy of all her written polices and procedures. This ensures that parents are fully informed of the service she offers. She finds a daily diary exchange system very useful in ensuring continuity of care for babies. The childminder completes a daily summary of activities and daily care needs. She sends this home with the children so that parents have the opportunity to make their own written comments in return. This secures the vital exchange of information between home and childminder. The childminder has devised a complaints process in line with new requirements and meets the needs of the children through the daily routine as discussed with their parents. Organisation The organisation is good. Children feel at home and are totally relaxed as they play in the warm and well organised home. The childminder ensures children have easy access to fun and interesting activities. As a result, children are independent and make choices in their play. The childminder works successfully with parents, which provides positive outcomes for the children. Her clear use of written procedures and routines which cover all aspects of the National Standards effectively supports children's welfare, care and learning and underpins her highly professional practice. The childminder has a much organised approach to her documents as they are easily accessible. She adopts a highly committed and conscientious approach to every aspect of her childminding and is committed to gaining further qualifications through extended training and professional development. The childminder has a developing understanding of Birth to three matters framework which she plans to use to enhance her childminding practise. This ensures that she is able to meet the varying needs of the children in her care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. Improvements since the last inspection Not applicable Complaints since the last inspection Since registration 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. 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. THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection: The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT? 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): * continue to improve the outcomes for children under three by using an approach in line with Birth to three matters. Any complaints about the inspection or the report should be made following the procedures 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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