Francis Holland School

Inspection report for early years provision

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101158 Unique Reference Number 23 March 2007 Inspection date Ruth Tharme 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 lives in a six-bedroom, detached property to the north west of Cheltenham. She lives with her husband. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding. There is a playroom and enclosed outside area. Children sleep upstairs when overnight care is provided. Local amenities within walking distance include shops, a school and a doctor's surgery. The family has three pet cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1971 and may provide care for six children under eight years and overnight care for two children. There are currently 12 children on the roll, who each attend for a variety of sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has completed the Nursery Nursing Examination Board Certificate (N.N.E.B.) and holds a current first-aid certificate.

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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's health is actively promoted. Hygiene standards are very high. Children have individual towels and flannels and effective hand-washing procedures are implemented. The childminder's home is clean and tidy with well established routines in place to ensure that any mess or spills are cleaned up immediately to minimise the risk of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Arrangements for sick or injured children mean that they receive appropriate treatment promptly. The childminder holds a current first-aid certificate, has a range of first-aid equipment readily available and has requested prior written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Children who are infectious are excluded from the setting to prevent illness spreading. Those who fall ill whilst in the setting are able to rest in a quiet, calm environment whilst they wait for their parents to collect them.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children have their own, easily identifiable cups which are within reach at all times. This means that they can have a drink whenever they choose. The childminder keeps detailed records of children's dietary needs and ensures that information is available to all those working in the setting. This means that specific dietary requirements are well met. There is a strong emphasis on healthy eating. Fresh foods, including organic fruit and vegetables are provided so children receive a healthy and balanced diet.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit greatly from the clean and welcoming environment. The house is attractively presented in a child friendly manner. Pictures and resources are presented at child height to attract and maintain their interest. A cleaner is employed and the premises are maintained to a high standard so children are safe and comfortable. The home and garden are well organised to meet children's needs. There is ample room for children to move around freely and play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The extensive range of resources is checked and cleaned regularly so toys are safe for children to use. A wide variety of media including both made, and natural resources meets the needs of all age groups. Toys are rotated regularly to maintain children's interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is very aware of potential hazards and takes well-considered steps to minimise the danger to children. Stair gates are fitted, radiators are covered and sharp edges are padded to prevent injury. The garden is fully enclosed, tools and equipment are stored safely and all play equipment is regularly checked for safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A comprehensive range of precautions reduces the danger from fire. Extinguishers and a fire blanket are readily available. Assembly points are identified and labelled. Drills are practised monthly. Sleep arrangements are equally well considered to assure children's safety. A monitor is used and children are checked on every ten minutes. Babies sleep on their backs in the feet-to-foot position. The room temperature is monitored and all children have fresh bedding supplied.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A high priority is given to children's security. Entrances are kept locked and a closed-circuit television system monitors the premises. Systems ensure the safe drop-off and collection of

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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 minded children. Parents nominate authorised collectors and written consent must be provided by parents if anyone other than themselves is to collect a child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a clear knowledge and understanding of child-protection issues. She is able to recognise a child who may be in danger and has clear systems in place to ensure that such a child is appropriately protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children take part in a rich and varied range of activities which promote their all-round development. A wide selection of activities are available throughout the day, both in and out-of-doors. The childminder ensures that routines are flexible to accommodate children's individual and changing needs. For example, a child who is tired at lunch time is able to sleep and have their lunch later.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are frequent opportunities for children to explore and investigate. They enjoy planting and growing their own vegetables and enthusiastically look out for signs of spring, as part of a 'spring watch' project. Adults in the setting skilfully ask open questions and support children to problem solve, encouraging them to think.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Equipment is stimulating and fun. It attracts and holds children's interest and supports their development. Opportunities to develop children's knowledge and understanding are recognised and exploited, for example, they learn the correct names for a selection of toy dinosaurs as they play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Visits to local places of interest such as the wildlife park or soft-play centre and visits to the setting by members of the community such as the local policeman promote children's knowledge and understanding of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder meets regularly with parents to discuss children's specific needs. She keeps detailed records and ensures that she is well informed and therefore able to meet needs fully. Children make use of a wide range of resources which reflect positive images. They take part in activities such as eating with chopsticks, learning a foreign language and tasting foods from around the world which increase their knowledge and understanding of their world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are well supported. The childminder works closely with parents, sharing information on a daily basis. Children are all valued and have their differences acknowledged. Activities are differentiated for each child, so all are given the support they need in order to achieve.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder takes a positive approach and uses distraction techniques successfully. All adults model good manners are clear about boundaries so children know what is expected of them. Reward charts are used effectively to encourage good behaviour. Children are keen to gain a certificate which acknowledges their efforts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents speak highly of the care their children receive. The childminder works hard to develop a strong relationship with the parents. She provides care according to their needs and is always

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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 available to discuss any concerns they may have. Children benefit directly from the close partnership with parents as they receive a consistent and well considered approach to care. Parents are well informed about their children's progress. The childminder provides valuable written information, shares documentation and sends photographs by e-mail so parents can see images of their child in the setting, whilst they themselves are at work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has clear procedures to follow should a complaint be made by a parent. No complaints have been received but the childminder has systems in place to record any concerns and to make information available to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder is well qualified to provide high-quality care for young children. She uses the internet for research and attends additional training to ensure that her knowledge and skills are up-to-date. All those living or working on the premises have been checked for suitability and children are well supervised at all times so they are not at risk from unsuitable adults.

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Organisation

Children benefit from good levels of adult support. The childminder and two assistants work together to support the minded children. Clear, high-quality documentation is in place to ensure that an accurate record is maintained of children's attendance.

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Organisation

Records are routinely shared with parents, who acknowledge all entries with a signature. Children's individual files are stored where they are readily accessible when needed, but confidentiality is maintained. The certificate is clearly displayed in the entrance area so parents can easily view the conditions of registration.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was made that the provider develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She has since attended a relevant training course and is now well informed. She able to identify a child who may be in danger and take appropriate action to protect them.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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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