Burgh by Sands School

Inspection report for early years provision

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112106 Unique Reference Number 10 July 2007 Inspection date Helen Mary Ball 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 for more than 20 years. She lives with her husband and adult daughter, in a house in the village of Braishfield in Hampshire. The childminder is also a registered foster carer for teenagers. The ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed area for outside play which is specifically for minded children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding 17 children on a variety of part time contracts, some of which are term time only. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The childminder has two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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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 at this setting because the childminder recognises the causes of cross infection and is meticulous in reducing risks. For example, she provides each child with individual hand towels which are colour coded, and she wears gloves when changing nappies. Children are independent in hygiene routines because the childminder provides suitable equipment to enable them to reach the soap and taps without help.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities for outside play, which helps them develop confidence and to move with control. They have ample opportunities to develop their small muscle skills through simple activities such as threading buttons. Children's emotional well-being is effectively supported because the childminder remains close to the children at all times, and she offers sensitive support and encouragement to very young children; they feel secure in her care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and welfare are efficiently underpinned because the childminder maintains accident and medication records, and has a current first aid qualification. The childminder has written a medical emergency plan, and a sick child policy. This means that, in the event of an emergency, parents are fully aware of the steps the childminder will take to ensure their child's well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from mealtimes which are relaxed social occasions when they sit together at the table with the childminder, to enjoy food and each other's company. The childminder asks parents to provide nutritious packed lunches, and she supplements these with healthy snacks such as fruit and toast. Baby feeds are given in accordance with children's own routines, and parents are kept fully informed about their child's food intake as the childminder maintains a detailed daily diary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are eager to attend, and relish their time in this vibrant and safe setting which puts children first. For example, the childminder displays children's art work and this makes them feel valued. Children benefit from a dedicated playroom, where they have ample space to move and play freely without restriction. Children delight in the childminder's friendly and relaxed approach, which makes them feel totally at ease in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with a wide range of accessible toys, which meets their developmental needs. The childminder constantly reviews and replenishes the books and toys, and has recently purchased a number of high-quality reference books. She understands that children learn in a variety of ways, and school-age children benefit from both the internet and reference books when completing homework tasks. Children are inquisitive and interested in what they are playing with, and are confident in selecting resources from the large storage cupboards. In addition, the childminder borrows toys from the local toy library; this means that children are continually stimulated with new resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are effectively protected because the childminder knows each child well and is able to promote their safety. For example, she provides clear boundaries and careful supervision, although she is not over-protective. This means children have the sense of freedom and independence, but within safe limits. She has efficient systems in place to protect children on

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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 outings. For example, children wear identity tags which contain the childminder's mobile telephone number, and toddlers wear reins or wrist straps. The childminder has efficient systems in place to ensure that only authorised people can collect the children. The childminder has completed health and safety training and has carried out a risk assessment on her home. As a result, children are safe and secure in her care. Children are protected in the event of fire because the childminder has written an emergency evacuation plan, and children take part in regular fire drills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very effectively safeguarded because the childminder has attended the Advanced Child Protection training, and has written a child protection policy which is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children flourish at this setting, due to the warm and caring relationship which exists between the childminder and children. They are relaxed and secure in her care, and the childminder places good quality purposeful play as a high priority. As a result, she plans a broad range of activities that excite and interest children, and takes them on a wide number of exciting trips to local farms, indoor activity centres and parks. For example, children regularly visit Longdown Dairy Farm in the New Forest, an indoor activity centre in Romsey and they took part in an outing to the Isle of Wight.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder shows an excellent understanding of children's language development. She encourages children to talk about what they are doing, and what they would like to do. She supports younger children's communication skills and reinforces their developing vocabulary by repeating words back to them. This helps children to communicate effectively and reduces frustration. Children report that the childminder makes children's holidays enjoyable and that everybody is safe and happy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the childminder's extensive knowledge and wealth of experience in caring for a wide range of children with differing abilities. The childminder is fully aware of current changes in childcare and education, and is proactive in accessing all necessary training to enable her to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage in September 2008.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual needs are very effectively met because the childminder actively promotes close liaison with parents. She treats each child with equal concern, and ensures that all children take part in activities at their own level. The childminder understands that young children need routine and stability, and as a result ensures that she follows their individual routines. She welcomes children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities at the setting, and is willing to undergo any necessary training to enable her to meet a child's particular needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has realistic expectations of children and she ensures that behaviour management is consistent and in line with parent’s wishes. Children are inspired by the childminder because she offers plenty of relevant praise and encouragement, which is appropriate to children's ages and stages of development. Older children learn the house rules, and the childminder helps them to express their needs appropriately and to negotiate conflict; this helps them to become sensitive and to respect their interactions with each other.

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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 Children’s well-being is significantly supported by the childminder’s partnership with parents. They all work together in numerous ways to meet each child’s needs and this ensures a seamless transition between home and the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder is accomplished in her role and shows a continued enthusiasm for working with children. Her portfolio evidences her commitment to providing good quality care for children. For example, in addition to the wide range of written policies and procedures, it includes an abundance of certificates from additional training courses attended. The childminder has an NVQ Level 3 qualification. All necessary documentation is completed correctly, is up to date, reviewed regularly and well organised.

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Organisation

Children’s care is greatly enhanced by the efficient and effective organisation. The childminder’s comprehensive policies and procedures protect children, promote their well-being and support their development. Children’s space is organised in a highly effective manner and all resources meet the children’s requirements. Individual needs are met through the childminder’s attention to each child’s routines and requirements. This means that children feel safe, secure and supported.

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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, a recommendation was made to ensure that the childminder assistant attends a suitable First Aid course for child carers. The childminder's husband has now attended a first aid course which means children are protected in the event of accident.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children and to keep a written record, signed by parents, of medication given to children. The childminder now obtains written consent from parents, and asks them to countersign the medication book following administration of medication. This means that children are protected from overdose.

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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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