Billingham South Community Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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111524 Unique Reference Number 18 June 2007 Inspection date Susan Mann 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 has been registered since 1992. She lives with her husband and adult daughter in a four-bedroom chalet bungalow in Romsey. The childminder is registered to care for six children under the age of eight years. She currently cares for six children who attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The downstairs living area of the home is used as play space and children can either sleep upstairs or downstairs. There is a secure rear garden. The family have several small pets that live outdoors.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Association of Childminders and is qualified in Paediatric First Aid.

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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 nurtured by a range of highly effective routines and procedures. Children wash their hands thoroughly before they eat and after using the toilet to prevent the spread of infection. Each child has their own towel which helps limit cross contamination. The health of younger children is promoted because the childminder is extremely diligent to ensure that nappy changing is hygienic. She uses disposable gloves to prevent the spread of germs. All necessary documentation is comprehensive to ensure that health requirements are fully adhered to. Children who have individual dietary needs are completely catered for in order to assure their well being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children relish the wide range of nutritious snacks offered to them. For example, the childminder asks children what they would like to eat, and they enthusiastically choose grapes, apple and raisins. Parents provide packed lunches and meals. These are stored in named containers in the fridge or freezer to ensure that food stays fresh. The childminder is dedicated to ensuring that children eat a healthy diet. This is supported by a policy which promotes healthy eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children flourish because they have lots of fresh air and exercise. They enjoy daily opportunities to go on walks and outings. They also regularly visit a local soft play centre and a children's theme park. These excursions provide children with plenty of opportunities to run around to develop their level of fitness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's safety and well-being is the childminder's utmost priority. She is extremely vigilant to ensure that children are completely protected from harm. She thoroughly assesses possible risks and hazards and takes highly effective steps to address these. For example, to keep toddlers safe when on outings she uses a tracking alarm which sounds a warning when a child moves too far away from her. Older children wear wristbands that have her mobile telephone number on them to enable any lost child to be swiftly reunited with her should they wander off. The childminder carries out thorough checks on her home and equipment. These are meticulous because she uses prepared check lists to ensure that a comprehensive assessment is made.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are exceptionally well cared for in the childminder's welcoming home. They benefit from the excellent arrangement of the house which provides children with lots of space to play safely. Toys and resources are plentiful to provide a great deal of variety and choice for children. These are stored at child height to allow children to access them freely. This encourages children to become independent. The range of equipment is highly suitable for the ages of children who attend, and this significantly enhances children's comfort and enjoyment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected from harm and neglect because the childminder is extremely knowledgeable with regard to safeguarding children's welfare. She has attended training to expand and update her knowledge. The provision is underpinned by a high quality policy which is shared with parents so that they are aware of her responsibilities in this area.

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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 delight in their time with the childminder. They are enthusiastic and eager to participate. The childminder demonstrates exemplary practice. She listens intently to what children say and shows great interest. This encourages children to become confident speakers. She is dynamic and provides children with superb activities. For example, three young children snuggle into her to read a story about the 'Very Hungry Caterpillar'. They enjoy looking at the pictures and are completely engaged. Their understanding of the story is enhanced because the childminder has made a story sack, and the children enjoy playing with and counting the toys as they listen to the story.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's enjoyment and development is exceptional because the childminder thoroughly plans each activity. This ensures that children benefit from an excellent range of play which extensively promotes their learning. Children participate by choosing topics that interest them, and this promotes their enjoyment further.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are inspired to try new experiences. Younger children use a textured sound mat that makes relevant noises when pictures are pressed. One child is unsure whether she wants to tread on it. The childminder sits with her gently introducing her to the different sounds in a very relaxed way. Soon she is confident to try the activity herself, and she has great fun running back and forth over the mat, making the different sounds.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely settled in the childminder's care. This is because the childminder tailors her provision to fulfil their individual needs. Children benefit significantly because there is a very strong partnership between their parents and the childminder. Parents are provided with all the policies and procedures of the provision. These form the framework of the care offered by the childminder. Each day, there is verbal discussion about a child's well-being. This enables the childminder to gauge the well-being of the child. She values the information parents provide. It also provides parents with an opportunity to discuss any issues so that there is consistency between home and childminder. These discussions are supplemented by informative diaries which the childminder completes each day. These are very detailed, and they provide parents with a superb insight into their child's day. Parents are extremely appreciative of the high level

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Straightforward house rules, such as 'remember to be kind', encourage children to manage their own behaviour successfully. These are fully explained in the childminder's policy on behaviour management and this helps to promote a coherent approach. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities receive highly effective support. The childminder is very experienced in caring for children with a range of needs. She liaises closely with parents to help children make good progress. The childminder is trained in using Makaton sign language to assist children to communicate.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children flourish in the care of the childminder. They benefit from her professional and cheerful approach. The childminder is highly experienced. She has attended a wealth of relevant training

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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 courses to update and develop her knowledge, and is planning to do more. Documentation that supports the provision is exceptionally thorough and accurately maintained. Children benefit greatly from the relaxed and child-friendly routine which meets their needs completely.

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Organisation

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 asked to address one issue which concerned the safety of garden plants. This has now been fully addressed. The harmful plant has now been removed and children are able to play safely in the childminder's garden.

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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. 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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