Balderstone St Leonard's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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119415 Unique Reference Number 19 October 2006 Inspection date Lisa Paisley Inspector

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Integrated Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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.

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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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Childminder was registered in 1999. She lives with her three children aged 15, 13 and 11 years in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. All areas 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 a maximum of six children under eight years and when working with an assistant the childminder is registered to care for a maximum six children under five years at any one time. The childminder is also registered to care for one child overnight. She is currently minding four children under five part time and three children over five before and after school and during the school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a guinea pig as a pet.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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. The childminder is a member of an approved childminding network and is currently not in receipt of funding for nursery education for three and four year olds.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are well protected by the childminder's consistent high standards of hygiene. They play and learn in clean and exceptionally well-maintained premises. The childminder provides very good equipment for children to take care of their personal hygiene. For example, they use antibacterial soap and individual hand towels. The thorough nappy changing procedures prevent the spread of infection. Soiled nappies are discarded effectively and the changing mat is cleaned after each child's nappy has been changed. Children learn about personal care through daily routines and gentle reminders to wash their hands. Excellent procedures are in place in the event of a child being unwell whilst in the childminder's care including a written sickness policy and a detailed emergency plan in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder providing an extensive range of healthy foods including fresh fruit and vegetables and on occasions organic foods such as strawberries. Weekly menu plans are displayed, ensuring parents are kept fully informed about their child's care. Drinks are made available throughout the day and children choose from either fresh drinking water, fruit juice or milk. They are encouraged to help themselves from their own cups, increasing their independence. The childminder is comprehensive in the exchange of information with parents to ensure she meets children's individual dietary requirements. Children enjoy mealtimes where the childminder ensures that it is a relaxed sociable, encouraging their confidence and social skills when in eating in small groups. Children also enjoy having picnics in the garden and when on outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive in the healthy environment where they frequently enjoy fresh air and exercise. They enjoy an extensive range of physical activities which helps keep them healthy. The childminder links in the 'Birth to three matters' for younger children, ensuring their development and good health. All children have access to physical play through the extensive range of resources the childminder provides, which are mainly outside. They make daily trips out to the local park, woods, beach and toddler groups, promoting their physical well-being. Children have very good opportunities to rest and be active, according to their needs, in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play safely within the well organised, safe and secure premises of the home. They are protected by the very good practice the childminder follows for the safe arrival and collection of children. She has clear procedures to be followed in the event of a child being uncollected or lost. The childminder carries out very comprehensive risk assessments and effective action is taken to reduce any potential risks within the home. For example, safety gates, fire guards

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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. and low level sockets covers are in place and cleaning materials and sharp knives are inaccessible to children. The home is effectively organised, resulting in the children being able to move around safely with independence, self-selecting toys. Toys and equipment are thoroughly checked ensuring there are no broken parts that could harm them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded by the excellent fire safety precautions she has carried out. The fire equipment is regularly checked and tested. Children benefit from participating in regular fire drills, ensuring children are able to evacuate from the building quickly and safely. They learn about safety through gentle reminders such as not eating the play dough or climbing on sofas. When on outings the childminder ensures children know about why they need to stay close and the importance of road safety and being aware of strangers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear and comprehensive understanding of child protection issues. She is clear about her responsibilities in protecting children from harm. She has obtained information with regard to the government booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried a Child Is Being Abused' and the Local Safeguarding Children's Board. The childminder informs parents of her role and responsibility in protecting children. As a result parents are fully informed about of her role in protecting children and the appropriate action being taken when dealing with a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy, settled and extremely confident in the childminder's home. They are highly motivated and engrossed in the varied activities provided. Children enjoy an extensive range of planned and spontaneous activities, for example children's choice, cooking, play dough, sticking activities and water play. The childminder has effectively implemented the 'Birth to three matters' framework. As a result, young children have excellent opportunities to experience a varied range of activities that are suitably challenging for young children. The childminder consistently uses a range of open ended questions to extend children's learning and imaginations, this includes talking about recent events such as walking in the woods and feeding the squirrels.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop confidence and self-esteem through the excellent relationships they have with the childminder and other family members. Children look to the childminder for reassurance, help and assistance and she responds in a warm, caring and enthusiastic manner. Young children are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong as the childminder uses a broad range of appropriate and sensitive strategies for managing children's behaviour. All children receive regular praise and encouragement developing their self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

After school children enjoy there time at the childminders as they are able to participate in the range of activities offered. During the school holidays the childminder plans trips out to local attractions such as Rayleigh Windmill, Wat Tyler park, Marsh farm and train and bus rides.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is good. The childminder has a good secure knowledge of the Foundation Stage curriculum which is used effectively in planning activities that are suitably challenging for children. The childminder's planning is very detailed and comprehensive, covering

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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. all the required elements of the Foundation Stage curriculum. This results in children having a very broad range of play experiences that are suitably challenging for children. There is plenty of flexibility within the childminder's planning allowing for child initiated play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans a broad range of activities that are varied and interesting for children. She ensures children have good opportunities to learn about sharing and taking turns. The childminder ensures that children have a good range of opportunities for mark making, during daily routines and role play and activities such as crayons, pencils and painting. She encourages children to engage in conversations in developing their language and communication skills. The childminder ensures children have good opportunities to use a range of books, encouraging their appreciation of books and helping children to predict stories and events. The childminder provides good opportunities for children to experience early mathematical concepts through their play and early calculation skills are developed through every day experiences such as cooking to develop children's understanding of weight, size and capacity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder ensures that children have good opportunities to explore a range of creative activities such as painting, sticking, collages, sand and water. Children's creative imagination is developed through role-play for example, acting out doctors and nurses. They have regular trips out within the local community this includes the local shops, park and woods. Children learn about the wider world around them through planned activities such as collecting stamps from Hong Kong and developing concepts of different time zones around the world. There is good selection of resources this includes 'globe trotting', puzzles and people with disabilities. Children have good opportunities to use an extensive range of outdoor equipment such as quoits, bikes, balls, a climbing frame where they can practise and develop their physical skills. Children's manipulative skills are encouraged through using a board range of resources, such

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as mark making tools, magnetic toys, puzzles, scissors and threading equipment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are treated as individuals and with respect, helping them feel good about themselves. They gain an awareness of diversity through resources and activities that are provided such as books, games, puzzles, play people and equipment, for example a toy wheelchair. Children are beginning to develop a sense of place of the world around them through regular outings to the farm, beach, woods and local parks. The childminder has previous experience of caring for children with special needs and is confident to judge how well individual children's needs can be met within existing routines. All children are included in planned activities and have free access to a vast assortment of toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn to share and take turns with toys and resources, ensuring they play harmoniously together. They respond well to consistent and regular praise and encouragement, ensuring they feel confident and valued in the home. Positive and warm relationships are established between the children, as the childminder provides a positive role model. For example, positive interaction is encouraged between young and older minded children. They receive a very good level of supervision and support so that any difficulties are sorted out quickly and effectively by the childminder. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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. The partnership with parents and carers is good. The childminder works hard at developing good relationships with the parents and she is very committed and professional in her approach. Good quality information on the Foundation Stage curriculum is given to parents and activities provided is recorded daily. There is good written and verbal communication in place which contributes to children's continuity of care. Parents have access to relevant information about her practice, certificates, reports, policies and guidance. There is an admissions procedure for new children ensuring the childminder has a good understanding of the children's needs and parents gain a clear understanding of her role.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are happy and settled in the well-organised, child-centred environment in which they come first. Play experiences are effectively organised to accommodate children's individual needs. Children are supervised effectively at all times and daily routines are planned to incorporate school collections and individual time with younger children. The childminder has recently updated her first aid certificate, she has completed her Childminding Practice training to level 3 and she has a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in child care. She continues to update her child care practice by attending an extensive range courses, including 'Birth to three matters' framework, behaviour management training and health and safety training.

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Organisation

The childminder has an excellent range of policies and procedures in place that she uses to promote the care and welfare of children. Records and documentation have been effectively organised, enabling the childminder to spend her working day with the children. The childminder has a good understanding of the Foundation Stage curriculum guidance, however, as she is currently not in receipt of funded children she needs to ensure that she keeps up to date with current practices by reviewing and evaluating her practice when caring for funded children. She is very professional, committed and enthusiastic in her approach to childminding and she works extremely hard to ensure that the childminding runs smoothly. This results in providing outstanding continuity of care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to obtain a fire blanket, which conforms to BS EN standards and to check that business use is covered within the car insurance. The childminder has taken the appropriate steps in addressing the two recommendations, resulting improved procedures and increased protection for minded children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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

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.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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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 nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop a system to evaluate and review the quality of nursery education delivered to ensure good standards are maintained.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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 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.

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