Beech Down Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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116064 Unique Reference Number 07 November 2006 Inspection date Michelle Julie Gutcher 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 registered in 1997. She lives with her family in a house in Staines. The whole of the childminder's house is 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 six children at any one time. Currently there are four children on roll. Local parks, shops and schools are within easy walking distance. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler groups. The family have a cat and a fish pond. The childminder 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 extremely well-protected from illness and infection, as the childminder maintains a scrupulously clean and healthy environment. She ensures that nappies are disposed of hygienically and that the changing mat and children's toys are thoroughly cleaned to prevent cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The daily routine is carefully planned to ensure children have ample time to play in the fresh air and undertake regular exercise. Children play in the garden enabling them to run about and move around freely. Children regularly visit local activity centres, parks and toddler groups to enable them to climb and use a range of physical play resources. This enables children to undertake frequent and robust exercise to enhance their physical well-being. They develop balance and co-ordination as they play on the swings and climbing apparatus.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies and younger children have planned times for sleep and naps, to ensure they have plentiful rest to promote their healthy growth and development. Children have their own freshly-laundered bedding and use their own sponges and tooth brushes after meals to prevent cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are extremely well catered for. They have frequent drinks and eat healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit. Children access drinking water freely, enabling older children to respond to their body's needs when they recognise they are thirsty. Mealtimes are regarded as extremely sociable occasions and children enjoy a healthy range of home-cooked, nutritious meals. Babies and younger children sit at the table with older children and adults, to enable them to develop good habits in using table manners and develop positive attitudes towards healthy eating. At snack time children enjoy sitting at the dining table cutting up their own bananas using child sized knives. This promotes the children's independence skills. The childminder has an excellent awareness of food hygiene as she has undertaken relevant training regarding the Environmental Health regulations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from an extremely well-designed, totally child-orientated environment in which they can be fully supervised at all times. Children's safety and security is given optimum priority. Children play in rooms which have been fully scrutinised for any potential dangers and a comprehensive risk assessment is undertaken to identify any hazards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn how to keep themselves safe as the childminder explains potential dangers to them. For example, young children learn they must not put long ropes around their necks whilst playing as they may hurt their necks. Toddlers clearly understand about being careful near babies and do not allow them to access toys with small pieces.

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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 Children play with an extensive range of high quality toys and resources, all of which are checked regularly to ensure they are safe for children to use. Sleeping children are monitored closely to ensure their safety and welfare at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected in the event of an emergency. The childminder practises emergency evacuation procedures with the children and has identified designated places of safety to ensure children's security and welfare. There are excellent systems in place for the safe arrival and departure of children. The premises are fully secure and children are unable to leave unsupervised. The childminder informs parents that children can only be collected by authorised personnel and a secure password system is in place to protect and safeguard children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a comprehensive knowledge of child protection issues and fully understands the procedures to follow if she is concerned about a child. This promotes and safeguards children’s welfare within the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have extensive opportunities to participate in a stimulating, fun and diverse range of play opportunities. They undertake numerous outings to the seaside, farm, park, toddler group and soft play centre, which broaden their experiences and enable them to socialise with other children. The childminder provides an extremely fun, relaxed and vibrant atmosphere, enabling children to enjoy themselves, make new friends and feel settled and secure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in many purposeful activities, enabling them to be highly stimulated and confident in the childminder's care. Children enjoy activities which are suitably planned to cater for their different developmental milestones. They enjoy challenges and develop confidence to try new things and gain new skills, as the childminder allows them to explore and experiment and develop interest and curiosity. Children use great concentration as they master threading the string through the tiny holes in the animal shaped boards. They enjoy pulling the end of the string out of the holes and eagerly look to put it back into another.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children form very strong relationships with the childminder and enjoy close interaction. Young children successfully make their needs understood through gestures and sounds, which the childminder responds positively to, demonstrating a clear understanding of their differing needs. The children's learning is constantly extended by the childminder's skill of questioning and talking to them about the activities they are engaged in. Children enjoy close and loving relationships with the childminder. She engages in play with them and enjoys their company. Children sit at the dining table playing a picture card game of snap together. The children excitedly turn the cards over and attempt to name the pictures. The childminder claps and verbally praises each of them for their efforts and reinforces the correct name when the children are unsure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has completed the Birth to three matters training. She demonstrates a full understanding of stimulating children's development and implements this in daily practice.

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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 Children develop high levels of confidence and self-esteem. They feel listened to and clearly understand that their needs will be recognised. They feel valued as members of the childminder's family, enabling them to be extremely relaxed, happy and secure in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder gives children regular opportunities to learn about the world they live in through outings and activities that introduce them to other cultures, for example by attending regular parent and toddler groups where children socialise with others from different backgrounds. Their appreciation of other cultures is enhanced by the variety of toys and puzzles that reflect diversity. They have opportunities to look at books that depict characters with disability. They play with boy dolls, Chinese and African dolls and enjoy dressing up in the multi racial outfits, for example Spanish and Indian clothes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder enables children to develop a sense of belonging whilst in her care, for example by responding to a child wanting a cuddle. She has developed a close and loving relationship with them and they look to her for support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is skilled at supporting children and encourages them to take turns. She has developed strategies to deal with inappropriate behaviour, using distraction or talking to the child in a firmer tone of voice. Children are well behaved and play together harmoniously. They are beginning to develop a good understanding of what is right and wrong. The childminder sensitively explains when the children take toys away from one another that it makes their friends sad. Children are learning to understand the importance of sharing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed superb relationships with parents who are kept informed of how their child is progressing both verbally and in the form of a daily diary. The childminder records observations noting the children's development and progress and uses these to produce an annual report for parents to keep.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from being cared for by a qualified and experienced person who is committed to attending childcare training and development courses. She has, and continues to undertake, appropriate training to enhance her existing meticulous practice and enthusiastic knowledge, thus enabling her to provide high quality childcare. The childminder is very clear about her role and responsibility in providing a high quality service to the children and their families. She has attended several Birth to three matters training workshops and has put in place an effective system to record and assess children's development.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation and records relating to the minded children are retained, ensuring that the childminder is able to care for children in a safe and confident manner. The childminder holds a current first aid qualification helping to ensure that incidents or accidents are dealt with in an efficient and prompt manner. Children's individual needs and requirements are well known and discussed with parents and carers prior to their child starting, ensuring their

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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 individual needs are well addressed and provided for. Children's safety and enjoyment is given a high priority as the childminder obtains parental consent for several aspects of her care. Extensive comprehensive written polices and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents. Parents actively take part in reviewing the paperwork and their views are respected by the childminder.

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Organisation

Observations relating to the children's minded day, development and general well-being are fed back to parents and carers informally as they collect their children at the end of their minded day. The childminder also completes a daily diary and observations for young children which she gives to parents. Children benefit from the excellent communication between the childminder, parents and carers.

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Organisation

The layout of the childminders home and outdoor area is very well organised for children to play safely, and they benefit from an environment where they receive excellent adult support to help them feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

The day is very well planned, allowing children time for quiet and active play. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare.

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Organisation

The high quality of the provision means that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection one recommendation was raised. This related to the required vehicle documentation. The recommendation has been addressed and the car insurance includes business cover.

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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.

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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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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

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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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