Brackenfield School

Inspection report for early years provision

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121757 Unique Reference Number 06 August 2007 Inspection date Alison Weaver 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 has been registered since 1996. She has a recognised childcare qualification. She lives with her two teenage children in a three storey house in Seaford near to shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor and the lower ground floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder has two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding five children. The childminder attends a local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. The childminder is trained and experienced in supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment. They learn about good personal hygiene through effective everyday routines. The childminder uses effective questioning to get children to think for themselves about whether they need to wash their hands. Children

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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 learn the importance of cleanliness as they wash their hands after messy activities, when visiting the toilet and before meals. They chat together about germs and bugs so they develop an understanding of why they need to wash their hands. Effective hygiene practices adopted by the childminder, such as for the changing of nappies and for keeping the kitchen clean, contributes to keeping children healthy. A sick child policy, clear accident procedures and the childminder's up-to-date first aid training means that she can act in the best interest of children should they become poorly or have an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating through the variety of meals and snacks the childminder provides. They enjoy a wide range of nutritious healthy meals that are cooked with fresh ingredients. The childminder produces a weekly balanced menu that children and parents can see. Older children are also involved in planning and writing healthy menus in the holiday periods. Fresh fruit and vegetables are available daily. The childminder makes very good use of the ‘My favourite’ chart on the wall in the kitchen. She uses this to talk with the children about what is good to eat and a lot of useful discussion arises from it. This helps children develop their awareness of the importance of a healthy diet. Access to regular drinks helps children keep their bodies hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Physical activities are a regular feature of the day. The children make good use of the garden to play and develop their physical skills. Children are free to run, ride on tractors and play on the slide. In addition, they enjoy regular fresh air when going on walks and outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a secure and well-organised home where risks are minimised effectively. The use of a dedicated child friendly playroom means that they can play free from harm and safely develop their independence. Toys and resources are stored appropriately, well maintained and clean so that children can play safely. Children are gently reminded how to play safely with the different toys. Effective procedures for the collection of children and the childminder’s very good knowledge of child protection procedures contribute to the safeguarding of children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

An appropriate evacuation plan, smoke alarms and an accessible fire blanket contribute to keeping children safe in the event of a fire. The children regularly practise fire drills with the childminder so that they know what to do themselves if there is a fire. They also learn how to make an emergency telephone call by the use of role-play scenarios.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has clear procedures for outings to help keep children safe whilst in her care; for example, appropriate child restraints are used, emergency contacts are in place and a first aid kit is taken on outings. Children learn how to cross roads and walk around the local area. The childminder reinforces issues with them such as stranger danger as they go on outings. These all contribute well to children’s understanding of how to keep themselves safe in different situations.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy, relaxed and enthusiastic. They are very independent and confidently make decisions about the activities they wish to pursue. They play very well together and form very good relationships. New children very quickly make themselves at home and join in enthusiastically with the activities. Children enjoy their play in a caring and loving environment

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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 where they are valued as important individuals. This means children feel good about themselves and their achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder builds excellent close, caring relationships with the children and knows them really well. They communicate easily together and children thrive in the atmosphere of continual praise and encouragement. She helps children improve their language skills by talking to them and promoting their speech. The childminder acts as a very positive role model by showing enthusiasm as she joins in the play with the children. The childminder devotes her time to playing with the children and supporting them in their play. As they have fun, the children develop and learn new skills, such as counting, recognising names and sounds of letters. The childminder keeps a record of what each child achieves so that she can plan their individual targets to help them make progress. This exceptional practice ensures that each child develops well whilst in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder makes excellent use of the playroom for the children. Children can independently choose from the easily accessible resources. These toys are age appropriate and offer challenge and stimulation to the children. Children enjoy a very wide range of activities that support development for all ages and capture their interest. For example, they become absorbed in making snails and slugs with the play dough. They have fun dressing up and playing in the garden. They thoroughly enjoy creative activities such as making pebble people.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans activities and themes but remains flexible to take into account the needs and interests of the children. Older children, in particular, have the opportunity to be involved in the planning of their holiday activities and outings. The children enjoy outings to a variety of interesting places such as Newhaven Fort, the Sea Life Centre and go on train trips.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's awareness of the wider world is promoted by the use of a good range of resources, which show positive images of diversity. The childminder talks to the children about differences in a positive way. She extends children’s understanding of other cultures through some activities where they learn about different celebrations and countries, such as when they make lanterns for Chinese New Year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder works effectively with parents to meet children’s individual needs. She makes very good use of link books to communicate with parents. They exchange information with each other so that they can provide consistent care and support for each child. The childminder has completed training in and has some experience of working with children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Her knowledge enables her to provide appropriate care for these children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive praise and encouragement given by the childminder. The children behave well and respond positively to the childminder. The children develop an understanding of appropriate behaviour as the childminder explains about right and wrong to them. She deals with any incidents in a calm manner and helps the children understand that they need to respect others. They learn to share and take turns as they play. Children learn to take responsibility for themselves as they tidy up after finishing an activity.

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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 good. The children benefit from a well-organised environment and day. They receive a good level of adult supervision, which helps them feel secure and settled. All the relevant and required documents are in place and generally well maintained. Overall, the records help support the care of children and comply with regulations. However, the record of administration of medication lacks some necessary detail. The childminder has a variety of helpful written information and policies for parents to give them a good overall understanding of the service she offers. It also helps promote consistency of care for the child. The childminder is less secure about her knowledge of how to deal with any complaints.

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Organisation

The childminder shows commitment to improving her knowledge by attending ongoing training such as courses on food hygiene, child protection and fire safety. The childminder continually reviews and develops her childcare practices and the care she provides for minded children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection two recommendations were made. The childminder has addressed both recommendations well. She has made the shed glass safe and so improved safety for the children in the garden. The childminder has also improved her documentation to ensure she has all the necessary parental consents from parents and thus safeguards children.

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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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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): • improve knowledge of the current regulations with regard to complaints • improve the records relating to the administration of medication.

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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 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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