Mersery Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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129237 Unique Reference Number 07 March 2007 Inspection date Paula Durrant 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 good. 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 1993. She lives with her husband and their 14-year-old son in a residential property within Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for a total of six children under the age of eight years. She is currently minding a total of three children, under the age of five years. All of the children in attendance are part-time. The family do not have any pets. The childminder attends parent and toddler groups and makes full use of other community based amenities.

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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 good. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care as they follow the daily routine. They know when and why they wash their hands due to the consistent intervention of the childminder who explains about germs and the effects that they can cause to their bodies, making them poorly and unwell. Exemplary practices, such as the use of antibacterial solutions to cleanse hands and individual towels and bed linen all contributes to the prevention of cross-contamination. Children's health is maintained in the event of a medical emergency as the childminder holds a current first aid qualification and ensures sufficient medical supplies are available in her first aid box. All accidental injuries and medication administered are recorded in line with registration requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is flexible in the provision of meals working in partnership with parents and carers. Current practice is that all parents provide a packed lunch which is stored by the childminder in her fridge until required. Children learn about healthy eating as the childminder encourages children to eat savoury foods prior to sweet items. She talks to the children about the food they have and their likes and dislikes. Should a child not eat what has been provided then the childminder will supplement parents' provision. She has a clear understanding of individual dietary needs. Children remain well-hydrated as drinks are always available and replenished periodically throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of physical activities which contribute to their good health. They have access to a secure and safe garden area which is equipped with an array of challenging resources to develop increased control and coordination. The childminder also provides indoor activities, such as opportunities to draw and cut with scissors in order to enhance children's fine muscle movements. Children rest and are active in accordance to their needs. Younger children sleep in line with home-care routines whilst older children sit quietly to recuperate their energy levels.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe secure family home where all necessary safety precautions remain in place. The childminder is highly vigilant undertaking daily checks of the home prior to children's attendance. Children remain in sight and hearing at all times. Children access an extensive range of high-quality resources maintained in good repair. The childminder abides to manufacturers recommendations providing age-appropriate equipment that holds a recognised safety kite mark.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children stay safe as the childminder is vigilant in her practice. She gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children’s safety outside the home. For example, children know to adhere to the 'house rules' such as not climbing on the furniture as they may fall and hurt themselves. They know to listen and obey the instructions of the childminder when out, such as keeping safety restraints fastened in the pushchair and holding hands when walking. Although children benefit from developing an awareness of fire

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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 safety as they undertake periodic practice evacuations, the childminder does not have a formal written procedure. This would enhance current safety protocols.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is priority in this household. They are cared for by a suitable adult who has a clear understanding of child development. The childminder has completed vetting checks and demonstrates a strong knowledge of child protection. She knows where and how to record and report concerns in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in this family orientated and highly stimulating setting where the childminder carefully prepares her home in readiness for the children. Exceptionally close relationships with the childminder reflects a positive extension of home life. This effectively enhances children's self-esteem and confidence. Children are enthralled and totally focused in their play due to the exceptional provision of age-appropriate activities and the childminder's consistent enthusiasm and inventiveness of teaching children through everyday life experiences. For example, when out on a visit to the local train station the childminder uses the opportunity to talk about the speed of the trains and the type of people who ride on them, giving reference to people who work like mummy and daddy. She also teaches children about safety when visiting the park, such as not approaching unfamiliar dogs as they may not be friendly and touching

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

animals without washing their hands after is unhygienic.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has an exceptionally competent understanding of child development and effectively uses her life experience, training in childminding and the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enhance and guide her practice. This supports provision of flexible, high quality care expertly tailored to each individual child's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual needs take high priority in this home from home provision. A superb partnership with parents enables children to receive extended family care. The childminder knows the children well and uses information gained from parents to implement highly effective care plans for each child. Mutual respect, love and understanding all play an integral part of the childminder's practice. Children are exceptionally polite, courteous and respectful of the childminder and her home. They know the 'house rules' and use social graces such as 'please' and 'thank you' without prompt. Children play an active part in their own learning. They make independent decisions in their play. They have positive levels of self-esteem and respect the opinions and actions of others because the childminder consistently praises their efforts and reaffirms their achievements, guiding their social and moral development. Behaviour is

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder adopts a highly professional, conscientious approach to her childminding and is extremely confident in her childcare practice. She is constantly seeking ways to improve her skills and is happy to incorporate any suggestions which might further enhance her provision for the children and their parents. The childminder uses her maternal instincts, her many years experience of working in the role, her firm commitment to continued training and her effective organisation to promote positive outcomes for children.

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Organisation

Children feel very much at home and are comfortable in the well-organised, suitably prepared and inviting family environment. The childminder enriches children's care, learning and play through her constant enthusiasm, interaction and inventiveness. Children confidently choose activities and participate with eager relish. Children extend their own play and learning in a natural and imaginative way, strongly encouraged by the childminder's expert practice. Her clear use of written procedures and routines which cover all aspects of the National Standards effectively supports children's welfare, care and learning and underpins her professional practice.

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Organisation

All written parental permissions are in place and documentation is reviewed periodically and changes implemented where appropriate to comply with current guidance. The childminder gives utmost priority to maintaining relevant and up-to-date knowledge of child care in this rapidly changing field of expertise. She uses childcare literature and the local authority training manual to maintain and improve her skills. The childminder offers high quality opportunities which are rooted in an expert knowledge of childcare and development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to provide resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice particularly with regards to disability. Children benefit in developing an awareness of diversity as the childminder has increased her range of resources to incorporate equipment that reflects positive images. She was also required to ensure that an accurate daily attendance register is kept. This is now in place and maintained appropriately. Children's welfare is therefore promoted as accurate documentation ensures their whereabouts in the event of an emergency evacuation.

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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 good. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • extend current good safety practice; this refers to having in place a formal written fire evacuation procedure

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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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