Teagues Bridge Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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129791 Unique Reference Number 25 September 2007 Inspection date Maura Pigram 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 in 1992. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in Bushey, Hertfordshire. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outside play. The childminder is close to all amenities. She attends toddler groups and takes children to local parks. The childminder has received the Hertfordshire Quality Standards Award and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder works closely with the parents. Likes and dislikes and any allergies are discussed and recorded prior to childminding commencing. Children have easy access to filtered water throughout the day and are reminded to have frequent drinks. Infants are encouraged to be fully involved in their mealtimes as they

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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 are offered utensils so that they can learn to feed themselves. As a result, children are independent and eager to participate. Meals such as casseroles and roast dinners are prepared using fresh ingredients. Children are encouraged to try a variety of foods such as Chinese dishes and humus. Children help to grow some vegetables in the garden such as tomatoes and peppers. As a result, children have a healthy diet, are well nourished and learn about healthy living.

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Helping children to be healthy

Procedures are in place to help the childminder act in the children's best interests should they require medical attention. All necessary documentation, including written parental consents and contact details are in place. This means that the childminder can act quickly if children become ill or if there is a medical emergency. The childminder keeps records of any medications administered and of any accidents. She has a current first aid certificate and the first aid kit is well stocked and easily available. This means that children's health, if they have an accident, is safeguarded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from cross-infection because the childminder has a clear policy in place regarding the exclusion of children who may have a contagious illness. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. However, they do not brush their teeth following breakfast or other meals. This means that opportunities to teach children simple good health and hygiene routines is underdeveloped.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s physical skills are well nurtured. They become adept at using utensils and tools as the childminder plans useful activities, such as cookery and printing using fallen apples from the trees in the garden. Children enjoy using large outside equipment, such as the slide. They regularly visit parks where they enjoy various equipment. Consequently their balance and co-ordination is effectively supported. Children's sleep and rest patterns are discussed with their parents. As a result, children benefit from the continuity of care between the childminder and the parent.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe environment. They move around freely to play and are able to access resources safely. Children use a wide range of good quality, developmentally appropriate toys and equipment. These are cleaned and checked frequently to make sure they are safe for children to use. Effective procedures ensure that accidental injury is minimised. Regular risk assessments, for example, are carried out and toys are stored safely. An emergency evacuation procedure is in place which is practised with the children. Consequently, children know what to do on an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised according to their age, ability and level of understanding. This means they are kept safe from potential hazards whilst developing independent skills. They learn about safety as the childminder provides them with safety activity books. This provides various opportunities for discussions about keeping safe when they are out and about. Consequently, children are beginning to understand about how to keep themselves safe. Children's safety and welfare is protected because the childminder has a clear knowledge of child protection reporting procedures. She has documentation referring to the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Consequently, children's welfare is well protected.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are enthusiastic and happy as the childminder provides a calm and vibrant environment. The childminder actively encourages the children to freely play between the outdoor and the indoor area. They are very confident to make decisions, explore and investigate. For example, they love playing in the garden. They delight in finding snails and making them a 'house' to shelter in. Consequently, children's natural curiosity as learners is very well promoted as they explore the garden and talk about the insects and snails they find. In addition, they regularly go on outings to visit nearby reindeer.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All areas of children's development is significantly enhanced by the experienced childminder. She skilfully extends the children's language and understanding by offering high quality adult-child interaction. The children are listened to and the childminder positively responds to gestures and sounds. For example, whilst playing in the garden a child hears an airplane, looks and points to the sky. The childminder immediately responds to the interest and develops a natural conversation providing the child with new words and sounds. Children are spoken to throughout their purposeful activities which are well planned to suit the age and development needs of each child. The broad range of activities such as clay modelling, cooking, making frames and tapestry ensure children are provided with ample opportunities to be inquisitive and learn. Consequently, they have high levels of self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A very good understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework contributes positively to younger children's learning and development. Children are immersed and interested in everything they do and are confident to try new experiences. For example, they take great interest in discovering, with the childminder's assistance, how a torch with various options operates. They have many opportunities to explore using their senses as they participate in a wide range of art and craft activities to support this. In addition, their imagination is well supported with resources such as high quality puppets and dressing-up clothes easily available. Children are involved in a wide range of purposeful outdoor play activities that provide high levels of challenge. For example, they love propelling themselves on a skateboard and enjoy 'writing' and creating pictures with chalks on the patio. Consequently, children thrive as they are fully

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

involved in a broad range of planned activities and spontaneous events.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are highly valued and included at all times and are treated with respect by the childminder. They regularly take part in meaningful activities and have easy access to a variety of resources which help value diversity. They celebrate different cultural and religious festivals such as Chinese New Year and Jewish New Year. In addition, the children have easy access to a variety of books to help them discuss any changes to their lifestyle such as going to hospital or starting school. Consequently, children develop an understanding about diversity and the wider world. The childminder provides care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She works with parents to ensure the children can fully participate. For example, any information gained from specialists such as speech therapists is shared so that children can be fully supported. Activities are adapted to suit each child's individual need. As a result, all

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children are helped to develop a sense of self-worth.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children feel a sense of belonging because the childminder treats them as part of her own family. She spends all of her time with the children encouraging their language and

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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 communication skills. Children are highly animated and they flourish in her care. Other family members have positive relationships with the children. As a result the children quickly settle and feel secure. The childminder has a natural and calm manner with the children. Praise is continuously used throughout their play. Consequently, children behave well. She encourages them to be kind to each other and to share resources. As a result, they develop an awareness of their own needs and respect the needs of others. Behaviour issues are discussed with parents so that the individual needs can be identified and suitable strategies implemented. This means there is a close partnership between parents and the childminder. Therefore, children learn to respond to appropriate expectations for their behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the excellent partnership that the committed and professional childminder has developed with their parents. For example, exceptionally well-organised documentation is provided on registration. This includes a welcome pack containing policies, procedures and contracts. In addition, individual diaries are used for the children and daily discussions take place. Consequently, there is continuity of care between the childminder and the children's parents, thus children feel secure and confident. Arrangements to settle children into the childminder's care are negotiated taking into account the needs of children and the requirements of parents and carers for flexible childcare. Consequently, children are well supported in the transition between home and the childminder so that they make good progress. There is a procedure in place to record any complaints made by parents which complies with the National

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Standards. This means that children's welfare is promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for in a vibrant environment where they can rest, enjoy purposeful play and eat in comfort. Children feel very at ease with the flexible and forward thinking childminder. They take part in a wide range of stimulating and very well planned activities in this home from home setting. In addition, spontaneous events such as exploring the effects of snow are encouraged. Children are also able to initiate their own play and learning, independently assessing interesting resources to support this.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to developing her practice and participates in relevant training. She has completed training on the 'Birth to three matters' framework and has attended topics related to the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has recently commenced an Early Years NVQ Level 3 course. The knowledge gained from training is purposefully used in planning activities for the children. This means that she has a high regard for the well-being of all children in her care and they make good progress. Clear comprehensive policies are regularly updated. Consequently, policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Required documentation such as registration records are effectively maintained. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to extend her practice by planning and evaluating the children's activities. This has been done. The childminder carries out observations on the children during their play. She uses the knowledge gained from this to plan further activities for the children. For example, developmental skills such as scissors control are incorporated into the planned activities. As a result, children's progress is very well supported.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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): • raise children's awareness of good hygiene practices such as talking to the children about cleaning teeth.

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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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