Russet House School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 130958 Inspection date 07 November 2005 Inspector Christine McInally

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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 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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1996. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 8 and 11 years. Her husband is also a registered childminder and they work together. They live in a house within easy access of the A27 close to local amenities. The whole of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from illness and infection by the childminder's consistent and well organised hygiene routines. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and understand why they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet or before eating food. Children enjoy regular physical play both indoors and out. This provides good opportunities for exercise and fresh air. For example, they develop their co-ordination through climbing and balancing on the fixed equipment in the garden. The children's own daily routines are followed, including times for rest and quiet play. Children gain a good understanding of the elements of a healthy lifestyle. Meal and snack times are sociable and while parents currently provide packed lunches for the children, the childminder demonstrates a good awareness of healthy eating practices.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming child friendly home where children feel safe and secure. Children enjoy their play in a safe environment where the childminder has identified and minimised risks, such as, ensuring items that might be harmful are inaccessible to the children. Space within the house is well organised and children can access the toys and resources which are checked regularly to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm them. When on outings the childminder ensures children know why they need to stay close, hold hands and learn about road safety, helping them to develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe. The childminder has an awareness of all safety-related issues and has in place all the relevant policies and procedures to ensure children's safety. Children's welfare is protected as the childminder has an understanding of her role and responsibilities

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

with regard to child protection. She is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and has a good knowledge of the procedures to follow should she have any cause for concern. All of these measures contribute to the safety and welfare of the children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and settled in the warm, family atmosphere. They are happy and confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. They enjoy a good variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages. The interesting and worthwhile range of activities and outings provided help children learn a great deal about the world in which they live. The childminder spends a great deal of time playing directly with the

p.3

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 children and they respond well to the individual attention. Children have access to a good range of well chosen resources which are used to support children's learning and development in all areas. The childminder reads to the children and asks questions helping to develop their language skills. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art and craft, painting, music and pretend play. The childminder is extremely warm and affectionate making children feel comfortable and valued. Children are very happy, relaxed and confident in the childminder's care. She spends time playing with them, is interested in what they do and say; children respond very positively to her.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel good about themselves because the childminder treats them with respect. They develop an awareness of their own and other cultures because the childminder has a positive attitude towards diversity. However, she has a limited range of resources that reflect diversity. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through the regular outings and trips provided. Children are happy and feel secure in the childminder's home. Children develop stable relationships with others and benefit from the childminder's frequent praise and encouragement. The childminder sets clear and consistent boundaries and children learn what acceptable behaviour is. The childminder has friendly but professional relationships with the parents. She discusses the children's needs thoroughly with the parents ensuring their individual needs are well met. The childminder forms good relationships with the children and

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

values their contributions; as a result, they are developing their own personal independence well.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very at home and benefit from the well organised play space provided. Children's enjoyment and achievement is successfully supported by the childminder who has an approved childcare qualification and a sound knowledge and understanding of child development. They receive good support from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well, helping them feel secure and confident. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The childminder has established positive working relationships with parents and maintains her records well promoting the children's welfare, care and learning. She discusses all aspects of the children's care with the parents, who are kept well informed of their child's achievements. The childminder also has appropriate first aid

p.4

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 training to work with children.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • continue to increase the resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.5