The Rissington School

Inspection report for early years provision

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115525 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2007 Inspection date Janette Mary White 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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and four adult children in Bexley, Kent. All areas of the property are 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding four. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a dog.

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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 have access to drinks at all times and are encouraged to make healthy choices regarding the food they eat. They talk about their favourite food and drink and are provided with appetising nutritious choices. The childminder works in partnership with parents to promote both individual and special dietary needs. Children are provided with an excellent range of experiences, which promotes their knowledge and understanding of good health issues. The childminder gives high priority to ensuring that children’s individual needs are provided for, particularly in relation to hygiene. Children’s routine self help skills are promoted as the childminder encourages their independence. For example, separate towels are provided when they wash their hands. A changing mat and gloves are used when changing children’s nappies. The use of the garden encourages children's physical skills and they know washing their hands

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Helping children to be healthy

after outdoor play is important. They enjoy the challenges of riding bikes, using a small slide and the freedom and space to run around. Children benefit from playing in the fresh air when the childminder extends activities into the garden, such as erecting a wind sock and windmill. Children attempt new challenges for themselves, which in turn, promotes their physical development and sense of wellbeing. The parents have given written permission to seek emergency treatment and advice on their child’s behalf. First aid equipment is accessible, taken on outings, and when taking and collecting children from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are able to move around independently and freely in a safe homely environment where risks are identified and minimised. The childminder is organised and gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. There is a written procedure for emergency evacuation and this is discussed and practised with the children to ensure they understand what to do in an emergency. She successfully helps children learn the importance of safety outside the home, such as crossing roads safely. Children enthusiastically select activities from a excellent range of toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder actively monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development. She has procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. There is a comprehensive child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection procedure and she makes sure that this is discussed with all parents. This procedure ensures her practice is underpinned by a good and up to date knowledge of possible signs and symptoms. The childminder is familiar with the correct procedure to follow should she have any concerns. She is willing to record accidents and existing injuries and discusses these with parents ensuring the safety of children in is always a priority.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are settled, confident and successfully make themselves at home in the childminder's house. They show a great sense of confidence and self esteem and eagerly choose from the wide ranging activities and experiences. These include art and craft, such as threading beads and making a home made map for exotic animals from around the world. They are able to freely choose books, games and interactive toys to help children listen and make connections. Children show an exceptional sense of wellbeing and involvement in their chosen activity, such as threading beads or playing with small trains. They benefit from close contact with the childminder and are delighted, and show a great deal of pride in their achievements. The childminder consistently uses Birth to three matters framework to adapt activities in order to promote younger children’s learning. She inspires the children and regularly praises them for their efforts.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

For example, well done for remembering the fire drill. Children are able to make connections between real life experiences in their play and play purposefully. For example, they make pictures of exotic animals for their map. This is imaginatively extended by the childminder as she encourages and offers different ideas for them to try. Children show excellent levels of curiosity and imagination. They actively communicate with the childminder as they eagerly discuss their favourite activities and interests, such as dinosaurs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder goes to a great deal of effort to ensure that the individual needs of all the children in her care are met. This sometimes involves her conducting research on alternative cultures by borrowing books from the library. There is a good range of resources to promote children's knowledge and understanding of the wider world or to increase their awareness of diversity. Children know and understand the house rules. They are aware of sharing resources and how being kind to each other prevents children from being hurt. The childminder is firm with the children and retains an element of fun. She is sensitive to children’s feelings and consistently turns negative situations into positive experiences. Children respond well to the childminder and they are secure and happy in her care. The childminder has a general awareness of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She has a excellent understanding of her

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Helping children make a positive contribution

policy for parents to make a complaint. There is a written complaints procedure and the childminder has a effective system to record complaints. Children feel very secure and benefit from continuality of care, which comes about through the childminder and parents working together. The childminder has discussed and keeps a record of the information to enable appropriate care. She has also ensured that there is written permission to transport children in any vehicle and the parents are aware of the mode of transport. Children are only released into the care of authorised adults and there is a procedure in place for emergencies.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are comfortable within an extremely well organised environment. They are at ease with their surroundings. The childminder is welcoming and ensures children feel secure, and at

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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 home. Children are not afraid to ask for what they need and initiate their own play. The childminder has a current first aid certificate. A comprehensive range of up to date written information is displayed and given to parents. The childminder’s professionalism is clear within the service and care she provides for the children and parents. Children's welfare, care and learning are effectively promoted due to the childminder providing a versatile range of policies and procedures. The registration certificate is clearly displayed for parents and the daily attendance record contains clear arrival and departure times for children. The childminder has all the relevant checks. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection highlighted one recommendation to; make sure that emergency numbers are available at all times.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection; the childminder has ensured that emergency numbers are included on the children’s record and available at all times.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result, children’s records include all the required information in order for the childminder to take action on their behalf. In addition parents are informed that these numbers will be used in an emergency.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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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