Fortuna School

Inspection report for early years provision

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134229 Unique Reference Number 08 March 2007 Inspection date Susan Victoria May 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 husband and three children aged six, eleven and sixteen years. They live in Chalgrove; a small village in Oxfordshire. The ground floor of the premises is used for minding. The first floor is used for sleeps and access to the bathroom only. There is a secure garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for five children and is currently minding four children on a full and part time basis. The childminder is prepared to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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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 thrive because the childminder follows highly effective procedures which meet the children’s physical, nutritional and health needs. The exceptional support and guidance she provides helps children gain an excellent understanding of hygiene and a real desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care. The childminder holds all of the required documentation to accurately record all accidents and administration of medication. She has a valid first aid certificate in place to ensure she can deal with minor accidents effectively. This promotes children’s well-being at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children explore and develop physical control in stimulating daily indoor and outdoor experiences. The childminder considers the individual routines of the children when planning activities and children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. The childminder has an excellent understanding of each child's stage of development and children are confident to try out new skills, request help if needed and achieve in a safe environment. All children develop a positive attitude to physical exercise. They clearly enjoy, and participate eagerly in the range of activities offered; for example, getting excited at the prospect of going for a walk; or dancing to music; activities in which children join enthusiastically.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to drinks throughout the day and enjoy snacks and meals prepared by their parents. Food and bottles are stored appropriately to ensure food remains fresh at all times. Meal times are sociable and relaxed occasions set around the family dining table, this helps influence future eating habits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Risks of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder is extremely vigilant and has a thorough understanding and daily practice of completing risk assessments to reduce potential hazards. She provides excellent opportunities for children to achieve a balance between freedom and setting safe limits; for example, when on outings the childminder has information on the 'footsteps', programme to increase older children’s understanding of road safety. This helps children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe. Younger children are securely fastened in buggies until it is safe for them to get out; in areas such as an enclosed play park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A stimulating and challenging range of toys and resources entirely appropriate to the children’s age and stage of development is available. Children self-select and make choices from the comprehensive range accessible to them. The childminder sources other outlets to help increase the variety of toys and experiences available to the children; she has high regard for children’s safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected and safeguarded from harm whilst in her care; as the childminder has an excellent understanding of her role concerning child protection. She is very aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures to follow should she have concerns about a

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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 child in her care. She holds all of the required paperwork to record existing injures and incidents that have happened to children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The children are secure and self assured in the childminders home, they settle well and are totally at ease in the setting. They relate well to each other and show each other care and consideration. Young children play alongside each other confidently and meet other children at local groups and pre-schools to socialise. Older children choose to relax after school or play as they wish. The childminder provides an extensive range of appealing toys, which the children clearly enjoy, show considerable interest in, and which cannot fail to promote their development and learning in all areas. Children begin to learn to share resources during their play. For example, two young children happily share the play people in the dolls house.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder recognises the uniqueness of children and is sensitive to their individual needs; children make excellent progress because of the superb support they receive from the childminder. She spends time playing appropriately with the children and listening to them in order to further their progress. Children are eager to invite her to take part in their play. Children’s care, learning and play are enhanced through the childminder’s clear understanding of child development. She has regard for the 'Birth to three matters' framework and takes inspiration from this and other reputable sources when planning activities. The childminder is skilful in extending language and thinking through open-ended questions, dialogue and activities. For example, children learn about the environment on their regular trips to the park and the childminder provides fun activities at her home to continue their learning. Children's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art and craft, painting, music and pretend play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely settled and happy in the childminders home. The childminder takes time to get to know the children well. This enables her to follow their individual routines, understand their moods and preferences and effectively ensure their needs are met. The childminder has a positive understanding of all equal opportunities issues; this helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. Children develop a sense of place and a healthy respect for the environment through regular outings within the local community. For example, they visit the library, play bus and local parks, learn about recycling and pick up litter.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the extensive communication and strong relationships in place between the childminder and parents. The childminder provides a strong role model and helps the children feel good about themselves. The childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of learning difficulties and/or disabilities and offers support to ensure all children reach their potential and participate fully in the setting.

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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 The childminder has high expectations and consistent boundaries to help develop children's sense of right and wrong. Older children understand why there are house rules and this helps them to begin to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Children respond positively to requests from the childminder and are eager to help and please. Praise and encouragement from the childminder builds children's self-esteem. Children develop a strong sense of self through this positive attitude.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are excellent; this contributes greatly to the children's wellbeing. Parents are welcome in the home and receive detailed information about the childminders practices and the outcome for their child. The childminder shares information with parents about how their children are progressing through daily verbal and written communication. This sharing of information supports and enhances children's learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder enhances the children's care through an excellent understanding of high quality organisation to ensure the effective running of the children's day. Comprehensive and concise policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. The childminder ensures all her records are accurately maintained and adopts a professional approach to childminding. This promotes the children's welfare, care and learning. To ensure the childminder meets children's needs; she shares all relevant information with parents. An excellent two-way flow of verbal and written information ensures continuity of care.

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Organisation

Children benefit from an environment where they receive substantial adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The childminder is proactive and uses the time well to enhance the children's learning and development. A flexible approach allows children the opportunity to organise and pursue their own ideas. The childminder has a high regard for the Birth to three matters framework and uses this alongside her own experience and knowledge to provide effective support, care and learning of the children. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

To safeguard children, the childminder requests prior to the children being minded; parental written permission to seek medical advice or treatment in the event of an emergency. To further protect children, all administration of medication details are recorded in line with the standard.

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Improvements since the last inspection

To ensure the needs of the children and parental preferences are met, children's individual records contain requests for information that include language, culture and religious observances.

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Improvements since the last inspection

To improve fire safety precautions the childminder has fitted a smoke alarm that conforms to BS EN standards on each floor of the house.

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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

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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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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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