Middleton Tyas Cof E Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 121509 Inspection date 20 September 2005 Inspector Cheryl Walker

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1996. She lives with her family in Epsom Downs. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor and the enclosed back garden. Toilet facilities are provided on the ground floor. The family have a cat. The childminder is a member of both the National Childminding Association and a local childminding network. She has a level three qualification in early years care and education, and is a part-time staff member in a local Playgroup.

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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 The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of five children under eight years and is currently caring for five children who attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Excellent procedures ensure children's health and the childminder's ability to act quickly in the event of an emergency. Current first aid training means the childminder can deal with any accidents appropriately. Children show clear understanding of personal hygiene. They know that they remove their shoes and wash their hands when they get back from school because this is a consistent part of their routine. Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle and participate in a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. Walking to and from school and regular opportunities to access the well equipped garden give regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise. A varied balance of meals and snacks encourage children to make healthy choices in their diet and lays the foundations for healthy eating. The childminder works closely with parents to meet children's individual dietary needs and accommodates their

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well cared for in a home where effective action is taken to reduce any risks. This means children can play happily and move freely and safely. Children enjoy play in very clean premises where they can safely select from a wide range of exciting toys which are in excellent condition. These are well organised, at child height and displayed attractively to promote interest. Children quickly learn to become responsible for their own safety because the childminder is skilful in explaining safe practises and allowing them opportunities to safely do things for themselves. Children walk confidently and safely back from school, stopping at agreed points along their journey. Children's welfare is protected. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues which enable her to act appropriately should she have concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Happy children have excellent relationships with the childminder. She communicates very effectively with children and has a clear understanding of their individual needs.

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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 Children participate in a varied and interesting range of activities which encourage them to develop and enable them to socialise. They have formed warm relationships with the childminder and with their peers. Children independently access activities from a wide range of imaginative and stimulating resources. They eagerly explore the activities and become engrossed in play. The childminder enhances this as she spends a great deal of time sitting with the children, getting to know them and involving herself in their play. Children gain good levels of confidence and self-esteem through highly supportive interaction.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children feel highly valued and respected as individuals. Discussion with parents and the childminder's awareness of the likes and dislikes the children have enable them to participate in activities that they enjoy. The childminder takes a very sensitive approach to ensure she is able to meet children's needs. She shows a good understanding of the issues involved in caring for children with special needs. Behaviour is excellent. Children learn about good behaviour as they receive regular and appropriate praise. The childminder is a positive role model who has effective procedures to help children manage their behaviour. Children show mature consideration for others around them. They negotiate turn taking independently and work together to solve disputes. A consistently calm approach to behaviour management enables children to feel secure and gain a real sense of belonging within the setting. The childminder listens to children effectively to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

make them feel valued and acknowledged. Children benefit from successful partnerships between the childminder and their parents. Information sharing takes place on a daily basis to ensure they work together to actively meet children's needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Excellent levels of organisation ensure children are well cared for. The childminder has a strong knowledge and understanding of childcare. She is committed to improving her practice and regularly attends relevant training courses and workshops. The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, a recommendation was raised concerning the information recorded on child record forms. The childminder has improved and updated the forms

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Improvements 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 to include each child's language and religion. Full discussion of children's needs ensures their needs can be fully met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 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

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

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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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