Little Sutton C of E Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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111275 Unique Reference Number 02 August 2006 Inspection date Helen Mary Ball 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 for 22 years. She lives with her husband, teenage daughter and adult son in a house in the Boyatt Wood area of Eastleigh, Hampshire. The ground floor of the childminder’s house is primarily used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, and currently has 19 children on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has five rabbits which roam freely in the garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Early Years Care and Education.

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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 flourish at this setting because the childminder recognises the causes of cross-infection, and is meticulous in reducing risks. For example, she provides disposable hand towels and wears gloves when helping younger children in the toilet. The childminder is an excellent role model to the children and this helps children to develop a very good understanding of how to keep themselves healthy. Older children carefully explain to younger ones that they must use soap to wash their hands. Children thrive as they enjoy an extensive range of physical activities. Their physical development is at an optimum level because the childminder provides a wide variety of activities to consolidate and extend their skills. For example, children use equipment such as climbing frames, space hoppers, tricycles, bikes and bouncy castles with enthusiasm. Children's well-being is further safeguarded because the childminder efficiently maintains all

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Helping children to be healthy

relevant paperwork in relation to children's health, such as accident and medication records. She has undertaken further training to enable her to support children with complex medical needs and has obtained all necessary parental consents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from mealtimes which are relaxed social occasions; they sit together to enjoy food and each other's company. Children choose from a wide and varied range of healthy and nutritious foods which are stored in a well-stocked, accessible fridge solely dedicated to the minded children. They relish choosing their own foods, and this encourages children's independence and understanding of healthy eating. For example, children choose yogurts, apples, pears and cherries for their morning snack. They eat with gusto

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Helping children to be healthy

because they have chosen the food and enjoy their choices.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have constant access to drinks as the childminder provides bottled water; children recognise their own bottles and drink when thirsty. The childminder has undertaken training to enable her to administer specialist feeds to children with disabilities and she has a food hygiene certificate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are secure and well supervised in this vibrant and stimulating environment. They settle quickly and enjoy the happy and harmonious atmosphere. Children respond with delight to the childminder's friendly approach and this creates a cheerful ambience. Children feel valued in an environment where their work is displayed and celebrated, and bright educational posters are used to good effect.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with an extensive range of accessible, high quality toys and equipment that stimulates and excites them. They are inquisitive and interested in what they are playing with, and they are motivated and confident in selecting resources. The childminder has an abundance of dressing-up clothes to fit all children and, because they all enjoy dressing up, she has several sets of matching outfits. For example, she has five wizard outfits. Children benefit because the

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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 childminder willingly loans children toys and equipment, so they can continue their play at home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted through the childminder's extensive knowledge and proactive skills with regard to their safety. Her home is secure and children are closely supervised. Children display an excellent understanding of how to keep themselves safe. They describe the fire evacuation procedures with clarity, and the childminder tests the smoke detectors on a weekly basis. Children are safe on outings because the childminder gives careful consideration to ensuring they are transported safely, having attended a training course on car seat safety and regulations. She has taken all possible steps to prevent children becoming lost on outings and uses innovative ways to further protect them. For example, each child wears a key fob which details the childminder's mobile telephone number. The childminder keeps up to date with health and safety issues by regularly attending training courses, including workshops run by

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is underpinned by the childminder's attention to detail. She keeps written records of risk assessments and safety checks on the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe from harm because the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection procedures. She has attended advanced child protection training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children blossom at this setting due to the exceptional warm and caring relationships which exist between the childminder and children. The childminder's love of children shines through and her enthusiasm for fun is infectious; children flourish in her care and are welcomed with open arms. Activities within the childminder's home are diverse and interesting. Children have a dynamic involvement in planning their day and this means that they are very enthusiastic and become totally engrossed in what they do. They develop good levels of confidence through being able to make choices about how they spend their time. The childminder is versatile and responds to children's spontaneous interests. For example, when the children decide to build a den in the lounge, the childminder provides an extensive range of suitable equipment and is resourceful in providing additional props to extend their game, such as colourful jungle-printed

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

sheets. Children work as a team; they enjoy and benefit from learning from each other. The childminder respects children's efforts and tells them that the tent can remain up overnight, ready for the morning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy outings with the childminder and are involved in choosing locations. They enjoy outings to local zoos and theme parks as well as simple picnics and fishing trips. Younger children benefit from visits to toddler groups, music groups and gym classes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have high regard for the childminder, who has earned their respect and affection. For example, one child entered a competition "Me and my ideal childcare" which was run by Nursery World and the Daycare Trust. Her picture and entry "This is my favourite place because I am always happy and everyone is friends, it is so lovely" gained first prize. This entry was made without the childminder's knowledge, but was supported by other children who attend her

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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 setting. During the inspection, a child stated "it’s really good here, we are never bored. She is the brilliantest childminder in the world".

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is forward-thinking and provides younger children with activity folders. She provides activities which are linked to reading schemes used by local schools, and children enjoy completing these at their own pace without pressure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's play experiences are enhanced because the childminder updates her knowledge and understanding of a range of play issues by attending training courses and workshops. The childminder has attended specialist training which means that she has a sound knowledge of providing play experiences for children with profound disabilities. Children's enjoyment and achievements at the setting are greatly promoted through the excellent documentation in place, including many photographs of the children, daily diaries and displays of children's own art work.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder's home echoes with fun and laughter.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual needs are met exceptionally well because the childminder has an excellent awareness and understanding of equal opportunities and inclusion, encouraging collaborative play so that younger children are can join in all activities. She has experience of caring for children with additional needs and is extremely proactive in ensuring that they are fully enabled to participate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder inspires children by offering an abundance of praise and encouragement. Children respond well to her approach and during the inspection, children's behaviour is exemplary. This consistent and positive atmosphere results in children who are confident and secure, and who enthusiastically participate in activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is outstanding. The childminder works closely with parents who find her professional, enthusiastic and committed to her role. Children benefit from this honest and friendly partnership, because the relaxed interaction provides a seamless transition from home to the setting. The childminder shares her information folder and portfolio with parents, which means that they are fully conversant with the high-quality care that she offers. Parents value and appreciate the dedicated support the childminder offers them, which means they are able to leave their children in her care with total confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

As part of the inspection, the childminder's self-evaluation is taken into account. The childminder asked parents for their input to this process and they unanimously graded her as outstanding in all areas.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder is accomplished and experienced in her role; she shows consistent enthusiasm and zest for working with children. She is self-motivated and is committed to updating her training. Children's care is significantly enhanced by exceptional organisation. The childminder's policies and procedures fully support the excellent practice of a skilled and professional childminder. She has systematically added to her policies to address all recent changes to the National Standards for Childminding. The childminder works over and beyond her childminding hours to ensure that she remains up to date with children's records. This means that children's care and well being are always a priority.

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Organisation

The childminder's portfolio evidences her commitment to providing good quality care for children. As well as written policies and procedures which reflect the first rate practice of the childminder, it includes certificates from the many training courses attended.

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Organisation

The childminder is very well organised, arranging space and resources to maximise care, learning, and play opportunities for children.

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Organisation

Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children at the setting.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, a recommendation was made for the childminder to improve her knowledge and understanding of food allergies. The childminder has thoroughly researched this subject, and now feels competent to care for a child with any food allergy.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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

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