The Brooksbank School

Inspection report for early years provision

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149531 Unique Reference Number 13 August 2007 Inspection date Margaret Coyne 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 was registered in1996. She lives with her two children aged 12 years and eight years, in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor and one bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for two children under five years on a part time basis and two children over eight years after school. The childminder walks to local schools to collect children. The childminder attends a local toddler group and childminding support group. The family have a pet rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well-maintained home. The childminder has established daily routines and children have a gained a successful understanding about the importance of washing hands to help maintain good health. For example, after handling the

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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 pet rabbit and before meals. The children have consistent support from the childminder, she uses positive strategies to develop their understanding of self-care and is a good role model. She gives children clear reasons and explanation why personal hygiene is important. She supervises hand washing and children have separate flannels or use wipes. Latex gloves are worn to change nappies and hands are washed again afterwards.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has excellent recordings in the accident book and clear procedures for administering medication which are shared with parents. She takes positive action to ensure that children's health and welfare is safeguarded. The childminder is trained in first aid and holds a current certificate to ensure that children receive prompt treatment for any accidents and the childminder is confident in the care she provides. However, some items in the first aid box are out of date. This potential compromises the action taken to administer first aid to protect the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy snacks, meals and drinks. The childminder plans her meals each week to ensure that children have a healthy, balanced and varied diet that complies with dietary requirements and the children's preferences. For example, information is gained from parents to ensure that children's individual dietary needs are catered for. Children access different snacks which are predominately fruits which helps them understand about healthy eating between meals. The snack today was bananas, raisins and breadsticks which was met with great enthusiasm by the children. Meals are often prepared from the family meals and reheated to a consistent temperature. The childminder is careful not to reheat food more than once in order to protect children's health. Children are offered regular drinks throughout the day to ensure they remain hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a stimulating range of equipment to promote a healthy lifestyle and their physical development. They practise and develop skills through well planned activities both indoors and outdoors. The garden is planned to incorporate activities to encourage children to use their bodies in different ways. For example, sit and ride cars, a mini trampoline, swings, bats and balls and push along toys. This helps children use their bodies in a variety of ways to stay fit and healthy. Children have access to a range of outings which further develops and promotes physical skills. They go for walks, visit parks and adventure playgrounds and enjoy trips to the farm. Children's dexterity is developed as they use a range of equipment. For example, as they play with the doctors set using the stethoscopes and taking blood pressures. They manipulate various musical instruments and push along toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a stimulating, bright and cheerful, home from home environment with a very good range of high quality equipment. This is appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children have excellent access to play equipment that is safe and well-maintained giving them opportunities for free choice. Play materials are challenging, exciting and stimulating and give children opportunities to extend learning through both adult-led and child-initiated play. For example, activities are available which cover all elements of children's play and learning such as imaginative play, constructive play, creative activities and learning games and resources. The home is set out with safe areas for children to play with the main activities taking place in the living room and some messy play takes place in the utility area. Children's work is displayed here so they develop pride in their achievements.

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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 The childminder is fully committed to making the environment safe and accessible to children. For example, children are safeguarded because the childminder ensures all hazards are minimized. Children remain safe because they can not access any hazardous substances, electric sockets are covered and all low-level glass is safety glass. Children learn the boundaries which help keep them safe such as, not climbing on the furniture and holding onto the wall when negotiating the steps into the garden. Fire safety precautions are in place such as a fire blanket and smoke alarms. An evacuation plan has been documented. However, this has not yet been practised to ensure they all know how to leave the home in an emergency to safeguard them in the event of a fire. Children learn about keeping themselves safe as they practise road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

They talk about the cars and how to cross roads in a safe manner. Younger children learn through example.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A range of procedures and documents ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and the signs and symptoms to look for. She is fully aware of documenting and reporting any concerns and keeps all records up-to date to provide excellent evidence of her practice in order to ensure children remain protected. All required literature has been obtained such as the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures to support her practice and ensure she can follow current policies, working in partnership with parents, to keep children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have wonderful opportunities to play with stimulating and imaginative activities. They are part of a environment that is centred on interesting, challenging and exciting activities both in and out of the home. Well planned visits enrich children's understanding of the local area as they visit the parks, farm, shops and toddler groups. Their natural curiosity to learn is developed through exciting play as they have opportunity to be creative, play with construction, spend time in the garden or interact with the pet rabbit.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans activities that are of a consistently high standard. She has a very good understanding of how children play and learn and is highly effective and skilled at using varied and exciting methods to meet each child's individual needs. The childminder praises and values the children which in turn raises their self-esteem and confidence. She talks to them with great respect and discusses many different topics and issues which increases their vocabulary and communication skills. Children flourish in the care of the childminder because she is consistent, kind and caring about each child's individual needs. Younger children's independence is very well fostered because the childminder knows when to step back and let a child lead. For example, at meal times children are able to feed themselves with some support if required. They operate independently as they move around the home and garden selecting toys and activities that

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond exceedingly well to the consistent praise and encouragement from the childminder. They are proud of their achievements and develop high levels of self-esteem because the childminder and her family make things fun and exciting. Children are able to absorb the learning potential from each activity because it is presented in a fun and natural way. The childminder has started to base activities around the 'Birth to three matters' framework which assists children's overall development. A positive, happy and relaxed environment has been created which helps children feel secure and content helping them thrive within this vibrant home.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a positive attitude and this helps provide children with a well-balanced view of the world around them. They gain an awareness of diversity through activities, discussion, books and other resources. For example, as they play with dolls, the doctors set, look at books together, use mix and match puzzles and play with the small world doll family. Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder is extremely keen to ensure children can express their individualism through activities and adapts her care to take account of different abilities and personalities. A complete profile is gained from parents about their child including their likes and dislikes, routines, medical history, behavioural issues and things such as toilet training and feeding routines. This enables the childminder to tailor her care to meet the needs of each child and to help them settle in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are happy and secure and are part of the childminders extended family. The childminder makes consistent efforts to make children feel welcome and spends good quality time building trusting relationships while helping children learn what is acceptable behaviour. Children thrive with positive discipline techniques that encourage good behaviour and self-esteem. Well-managed strategies avoid dramas and give children skills to develop their own ways to manage and control their behaviour and emotions. Overall the behaviour observed was excellent as children exhibit a strong sense of belonging. They clearly enjoy being with the childminder who supports their behaviour with positive interaction.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Secure relationships with parents ensure that the individual needs of the children are met effectively and helps children feel safe and secure. Parents are involved in the time their child spends in the setting by receiving excellent verbal feedback. For example, the childminder shares the children's day including positive and negative aspects. This helps establish a good working partnership and gives parents opportunity to be involved in their child's day. They are provided with excellent and detailed written information about the childminders practice. For example, a comprehensive information file including contracts, consent forms and any certificates. This is an ongoing working folder which is continually updated with relevant information. Parents have a written complaints procedure to follow in the event of any concerns and a system to record complaints can be utilised if and when they arise. The childminder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

regularly ask parents for feedback and suggestions in any ways to improve her practice or to work consistently together. This again impacts on the trust that has developed between them and on the overall security and confidence of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care and learning is greatly enhanced by the efficient organisational skills and the knowledge and understanding of the childminder. The premises are very well-organised and the childminder is committed to providing a professional and friendly service. She is keen to update her knowledge by accessing additional training although this is difficult at times due to ages of her own children. She meets with other childminders on a regular basis to provide different play opportunities for children and to exchange information between the adults to support and enhance her practice. She demonstrates a secure knowledge of the National Standards which are well implemented across all levels of her care. The childminder has completed some self-assessments under the National Standards such as behaviour management, and child protection. This ensures she can continually assess her own practice and improve on

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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 Ratios are met at all times because the childminder is aware the impact these have on the children's ability to socialise and be cared for in a safe and happy environment. Children play in an exciting and well-organised home with ample space and a broad range of resources to provide stimulating and challenging opportunities. The childminder operates a flexible system in order to fully support the parents and children. For example, a range of hours and times are available to fit in with parents work commitments and children's individual needs. All records and documents are well presented and organised to support the high level of care she provides. These are updated regularly and are kept secure and confidential. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to ensure children's safety with regard to the lock on the toilet door and to maintain confidentiality with her accident records.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The toilet and bathroom doors are now fitted with foam door stoppers to prevent children closing them fully, trapping fingers or locking themselves in. All records in the accident book are recorded on separate pages to ensure confidentiality can be maintained.

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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): • ensure contents of the first aid box are replenished and renewal dates regularly checked to ensure they are suitable to use for children • ensure an emergency escape plan has been practised.

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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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