Oak CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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142418 Unique Reference Number 18 April 2007 Inspection date Sara Bailey 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 daughter aged fifteen years in Galmington, Taunton, Somerset. All areas of the home are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a qualified BTEC Nursery Nurse and an approved foster carer for pre-adoption babies. She is a member of the National Childminding Association, Somerset Childminding Association and the Taunton Deane Childminding Network. She currently has three children on roll. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health and well being is effectively promoted and given the highest priority by the childminder. For example, the home is immaculately presented with the highest standards of cleanliness yet child friendly. Young children spontaneously wash their hands after using the bathroom independently, using liquid soap and individual hand towels. Babies are cleaned using

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 individual wet wipes to prevent cross infection. The childminder wears disposable gloves when changing nappies and disposes of nappies hygienically. All health documentation is very clear, professional, well maintained and appropriately shared with parents. The childminder maintains her first aid qualification to ensure she is competent to deal with minor accidents. She also administers asthma inhalers with confidence on young children, which meets their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met exceptionally well by parents providing healthy, nutritious snacks and meals, which are monitored by the childminder. Children have easy access to their drinks as they play to ensure they do not get thirsty. Children enjoy being active both inside, outside and at daily trips to local toddler groups. For example, young children crawl and play on sit and ride toys in the spacious home. They also benefit from regular outings to the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely safe within the home and on outings as the childminder is vigilant about children's safety. For example, all potential hazards have been identified and addressed to minimise the risk to children. Children are well contained within the lounge/diner whilst playing by keeping internal doors closed. Young children know that they are only to access the kitchen or hallway with supervision and stand at the door ways awaiting instruction. This shows that children are taking responsibility for their own safety. The childminder's supervision is highly effective. For example, children are very engaged and occupied in their play with the childminder within one large room of the home and monitored regularly whilst sleeping on the first floor. They have easy access to a wide range of good quality toys and resources, which are age appropriate and well maintained. Babies and young children's individual needs are met very

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

effectively through a comprehensive range of equipment. For example, there are three bedrooms each with a cot for daytime sleeps, a small table and chairs for mealtimes as well as highchairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder is knowledgeable about all child protection issues through various training courses. She is aware of the signs and procedures to follow in the event of being concerned about a child. She has a written policy, which is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are incredibly happy and relaxed at the childminder's. They are confident and settled in their play and daily routines. For example, they play well together, on their own and with the childminder, often leading the play and having great fun, laughing and expressing their happiness. The childminder supports children's play in an exemplary way. For example, there is constant interaction to develop language skills, extend their vocabulary and encourage children to think about answers. She effortlessly engages three pre-school children at different ages and stages of development. For example, whilst playing with Duplo she labels animals and makes the animal noises for the younger children and develops older children's colour recognition, counting and encouraging them to problem solve and build more complex models. She manages individual routines with ease, making sure each child feels secure. For example,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

babies are taken to bed one at a time when she observes they are ready, with their comfort toys. This time is used effectively to have one to one time with older, pre-school children. For example, they read books together and discuss every page in detail, extending the child's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 knowledge of the world, such as scarecrows being made of straw and their purpose. These discussions prompt the child to burst into song and link their learning with previous experiences. The childminder is sensitive to the children's needs with an inspector present and is skilled at making the children feel safe through how she talks about the visitor and supports their interaction with her. Children have a wonderful, positive relationship with the childminder and respond well to the warm, kind care provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children learn about equality of opportunity through the childminder's positive role modelling. For example, she treats all children as individuals but values their differences and ensures both boys and girls have equal access to toys, which includes resources that reflect diversity. The childminder understands each child's likes and dislikes, favourite colours, favourite toys and their individual development. She is aware that a child is a little apprehensive about starting playgroup soon and talks positively about the experience and links it with the childminder's by saying that she can't wait to hear all about it, and for example, "I wonder what colour the play-dough might be?" knowing this is a favourite activity of hers. She is very aware of any specific needs and how to support children's learning and care to ensure they make good progress. She has also completed a sign language course to help communication with non

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is exemplary due to the childminder's calm, caring, consistent approach. She uses positive behaviour management strategies such as praise and encouragement. Older pre-school children are excellent role models to the babies, due to the childminder's own positive role modelling. They are proud to show babies how to behave and become involved in the routine, which makes them feel important and build their self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children greatly benefit from the childminder's excellent partnership with parents. For example, parents are kept well informed about their individual child's development and routines through a daily diary and daily interaction. The childminder is extremely knowledgeable about the children's home situations, which ensures continuity of care. The parents wishes are clearly respected and parents are kept well informed about the childminder's expectations through the sharing of written policies.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is significantly enhanced by exceptional organisation. Each day of the week the children attend a different toddler group for variety yet stability and continuity of routine. Time spent on outings is balanced with clear times for meals and sleep on their return alongside play within the home. The childminder organises her space and resources really well to ensure children are given her full attention at all times.

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Organisation

Children greatly benefit from the childminder's knowledge and understanding of child development. She is a qualified Nursery Nurse with a wealth of experience in caring for children. She has an excellent knowledge of the National Standards and a commitment to providing the highest quality of care. She attends workshops and is an active member of the local and National Childminding Association to ensure she keeps up to date with the latest information. All documentation is extremely well presented, professional and promotes confidentiality. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection it was agreed to address one recommendation relating to safety. The door security has been improved by the childminder keeping the front door locked, which ensures children are secure and the bathroom door has been fitted with a bumper to prevent children being able to fully close the door and lock themselves in.

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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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