Hillside Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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401420 Unique Reference Number 30 August 2006 Inspection date Mandy Black 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 1996. She lives with her husband and adult son in a semi-detached property in a residential area, on the outskirts of Harrogate. Children have access to the dining room, kitchen, conservatory, family TV and music room, utility room and the toilet. All rooms are situated on the ground floor. There is a rear outdoor play area which consists of an upper and lower-level paved area. A school collection service is offered from the local school and pre-school. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years, and currently cares for nine children under eight years on a full and part-time basis. When working with an assistant, together they may care for a total of 11 children under eight years. The family have five dogs and three cats. The childminder is a member of The National Childminding Association and has completed her CACHE Level three in Childminding Practice.

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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 infection and are very well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill, because the childminder follows thorough health and hygiene routines. A detailed sickness policy is strictly implemented to protect the health of all children, which all parents receive in their prospectus. It is very clear that excellent hand washing practices are consistently observed. Children are fully supported to wash their hands before meals and after outdoor play. A large photo of a child washing their hands is displayed prominently in the bathroom to actively encourage children in this area, and they can easily access antibacterial soap and the paper towel dispenser. This helps children to effectively understand simple good health and hygiene practices and prevent cross infection. The childminder demonstrates a considerable regard for the potential dangers of the sun. For example, large umbrellas are used

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Helping children to be healthy

outdoors to protect children, sun creams are frequently applied, hats and sunglasses are used and drinks are provided far more frequently.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are extremely well nourished and enjoy food from a superb menu that includes wholesome, nutritious and balanced meals. This includes five daily portions of organic fruit and vegetables. Inspirational and appealing recipes are taken from recipe books for children, and multi-cultural options are regularly included, providing them with opportunities to try new and different foods. A pureeing service is offered, enabling babies to benefit positively from freshly prepared meals. Children learn very effectively about healthy living. For example, they are provided with lots of choices as they discuss and purchase a range of more unfamiliar healthy foods to try, such as pomegranate or pineapple. They grow cress and tomato seeds which enables them to actively learn where food comes from and how good it is for you to eat.

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Helping children to be healthy

An excellent range of wheeled toys, such as tractors with trailers and bikes, space hoppers, bats, different sized balls and hoola hoops, in the childminder's garden, enables children to develop and refine many of their physical skills. Effective and frequent use is made of local parks and the various equipment on offer, as well as nearby soft play centres to further extend physical opportunities for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder's home is extremely safe, secure and welcoming to children. Indoor and outdoor play space is significantly well organised to ensure that children are able to move around freely and safely. Very high priority is given to safety. For example, a closed-circuit television system is in place, and thorough risk assessments are carried out within the home and when outings are planned, to monitor and maintain children's safety. High levels of supervision at all times effectively minimises accidents involving children and all necessary safety features are in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

An extensive range of well organised resources are provided to fully meet every developmental area and all age groups. They are regularly checked for safety and suitability and stored very attractively in the conservatory, in low-level shelving with clear storage boxes, which promotes

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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 wide choices for children. Displays enhance the already attractive and thoroughly stimulating environment and create a considerable sense of belonging for the children. These include an attractive weather chart, a height chart at children's level, postcards, photographs of themselves and displays that link to themes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about many different aspects of successfully keeping themselves safe through their frequent and worthwhile discussions with the childminder. They take part in informative visits, such as going to the fire station, where they can learn about the dangers of fire. This really supports the regular fire safety drills carried out with the childminder. She discusses the importance of playing safely outdoors and not intentionally crashing into each other, as they speed around a 'circuit' on wheeled toys. Children are fully aware of the dangers of busy roads and respond positively to their discussions with the childminder about the Green cross code, which is displayed prominently for them at home, as they cross roads safely together.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates an in-depth understanding of child protection issues and her important role. She has attended many relevant training sessions and is very knowledgeable about local procedures, which ensures children in her care are successfully protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are amazingly happy and so content. It is very clear that they are extremely at home and undoubtedly thoroughly happy being with the childminder. The childminder demonstrates an extremely caring approach and a natural affinity with children. Wonderful interaction is observed at all times and this ensures that positive and rewarding relationships are established. Children ask questions and talk to the childminder and each other with confidence. They chatter away to each other during their imaginative play with a bendy Scooby Doo figure and talk to the childminder about spider-man and venom, asking lots of amusing questions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show exceptionally high levels of interest in what they do. For example, the childminder plans a superb range of activities that link to themes that interest and excite children. Children's learning in all areas is successfully promoted with particular focus on individual children, which ensures that all children are effectively benefiting and learning at their own rate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is brimming with ideas and is extremely proactive in developing activities and resources that will stimulate children and help them acquire new knowledge and skills. Children are fully able and totally encouraged to use their initiative and think for themselves. Older and younger children are observed to be making choices continually in their play because they clearly know what is available, and the layout of resources fully promotes independent choices. The childminder suggests activities they may not have considered and asks them probing questions to ascertain their understanding and encourage further learning. For example, she talks to the older children about the positive and negative forces noticed when building with a magnetic construction set, which ensures they gain new knowledge. They enthusiastically respond to the challenge of trying to attach pieces together that are giving lots of resistance.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Extremely successful relationships with parents have been established to ensure children's needs are consistently well met. Information is shared effectively during the settling-in visits, fantastic verbal communications and ongoing questionnaires provide parents with huge scope to contribute. A superbly presented prospectus, as well as access to a full range of additional information, ensures parents are fully informed and knowledgeable about all aspects of the childminding service.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are definitely learning to understand responsible behaviour and excellent behaviour management strategies are observed, in line with the childminder's written policy. She skilfully supports children to play well together, actively encourages them to share, take turns and be kind to each other, which helps them develop self-esteem and respect for others. Children respond so well to the positive interaction from the childminder and this results in them feeling incredibly secure and clear about behavioural boundaries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children become highly aware of the wider society as they access an excellent range of resources and activities. These include wonderful books, themes such as Africa and cooking Chinese food. Dressing-up clothes and play-people that are multicultural or have disabilities, are used very effectively to promote children's understanding.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder demonstrates an exceptional and commendable commitment to continual improvement which ultimately impacts positively on all the outcomes for children. Although she has attended a huge range of relevant training courses, she feels she is 'still learning'. This shows that she has an unquestionable sense of purpose and a will to ensure children in her care receive the very best she can provide. She keeps herself up-to date with relevant information and is knowledgeable about recent changes in legislation that affect children's safety when travelling by car.

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Organisation

The childminder is highly organised, manages her time and routines consistently well, giving equal concern and priority to the needs of older and younger children. She is extremely conscious of not over-committing herself, preferring to be able to devote plenty of time to the children she currently cares for. A comprehensive range of very easy to understand policies are shared with parents, and they clearly and accurately reflect the childminder's professional practice. Documentation is all in perfect order and stored with a very high regard for confidentiality.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has thoroughly and effectively addressed several recommendations that impact positively on children's care and safety. She has vastly improved resources, activities and play opportunities for younger children, to promote their language

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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 and intellectual development and support their learning and play. An excellent range of resources and activities are available and used very effectively to promote children's understanding of diversity in society. The systems in place to record medication administered to children are in perfect order.

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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

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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