The Willian School

Inspection report for early years provision

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129160 Unique Reference Number 13 September 2007 Inspection date Cheryl Langley 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 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 registered in 1996. She lives with her husband, two adult children and one 14 year old child in a house in Potters Bar. There is a secure garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children at various times. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children stay healthy and free of infection. The childminder has good routines and high standards of cleanliness so that her home, toys and equipment are suitable for the children's use. Thorough procedures and policies enable her to act in the children's best interests if they require medical attention. For example, a first aid kit is to hand in the home, the car and on outings. Parental consent is requested to seek medical treatment and advice in an emergency and children with infectious illnesses do not attend.

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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 Children understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. They actively contribute to the development of their health, such as choosing meals for the menu. Children have fun learning about food. They grow tomatoes and peppers and prepare their own sandwiches. Children make table mats which show pictures of healthy food and sporting events to illustrate exercise. They are aware that exercise and fresh air contribute to their well-being. Children have their own towels and flannels to prevent cross-infection. They wash their hands at appropriate times and know why they need to clean their teeth properly. Through role play, discussion and stories they learn about caring for others and people who help us to look after ourselves, such as doctors or the ambulance crew. Children are nourished and help themselves to regular drinks.

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Helping children to be healthy

They eat a balanced and varied diet which includes fresh fruit and vegetables. Foods that may be harmful to their health are discouraged. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's individual health requirements. She makes sure children are provided with a nutritious and varied menu that appeals to the children as well as meeting their dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop and enhance their physical skills with an extensive range of play equipment and activities. They become adept at controlling mark-making equipment and using tools and utensils. Children tend and plant vegetables and flowers with spades, sweep the leaves from the garden, cut out shapes with scissors and draw and paint. For example, children paint well-defined stripes to decorate their pictures of fish. Children construct with connecting bricks, stick and join various shaped cardboard and complete jigsaws and puzzles for differing abilities. They balance and co-ordinate their bodies to manoeuvre the sit-on rides, negotiate the climbing equipment, jump up and down on the trampoline and direct balls with their hands and feet.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's safety is a priority. They are kept safe in a welcoming and secure environment. Effective systems ensure potential hazards are dealt with promptly to keep the children free from harm. A broad range of high quality toys and resources are available to all the children both inside and outside of the home. They are organised so that children make independent choices and decisions about their play and move around safely and freely. Clear and concise policies support the safety of the children. Parental consent is sought to take the children on outings and travel in various modes of transport. Parents and children are made to feel welcome. Relevant information and photographs are on display about the childminder's provision. Each child has their own items for healthcare which are clearly labelled and at a low-level. This gives the children a sense of belonging and promotes their self-esteem.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children know how to protect themselves and others. They have practised the fire drill on regular occasions and visited the fire station. Children understand the importance of getting out of the house and away from the fire quickly. More able children know the emergency number if they need assistance and know what to do if they get lost. Children are aware of the hazards of the large play equipment and take care to avoid accidents. They stay safely away from the water's edge when they feed the ducks. Children follow codes to cross the road safely and know why they need to have the correct car seats and restraints when travelling in a vehicle. Safety messages are reinforced by the childminder through discussion, regular routines and interesting activities. Children have a good understanding of why they need to take steps which will prevent them coming to harm.

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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 children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder understands her role and responsibilities. She attends training in this area which is updated regularly. Relevant information is to hand and effective systems in place should she have any concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children become engrossed in a wide range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. The childminder has excellent knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop. She encourages them to think for themselves by asking questions, giving them choices and joining in with their play. Children respond to challenges because they feel comfortable and confident in her company. Drawing on the children's experiences and choices and acknowledging their achievements, the childminder develops a sense of pride in the children. They delight in taking photographs of their work and spend time and care finishing their creations. For example, as a group activity they built a theatre together, another child has fun using large boxes and tubes to create a police car. The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage curriculum to provide and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

plan suitable activities for the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children acquire knowledge and a range of skills. They learn about the natural environment visiting working farms, zoos and parks. Children have fun making snake mobiles after observing the reptiles. They learn about the changes in behaviour of animals during the seasons. Children compare plants that have successfully grown in the garden and those that have not. Communication and language is developed by socialising, singing songs, reading books, board games and role play. Children enjoy 'Mr. Men' stories or predicting what might happen in 'The Jolly Postman'. More able children read instructions, such as washing labels as they design and print T-shirts. Vocabulary is extended. Young children learn the names of vegetables, and more able children learn about the methods of dyeing fabric, such as 'batik'. They are aware to listen to others and take turns when speaking.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children use mathematical language. They count in sequence during songs and to note the number of wheels on a vehicle. Children recognise numbers and shapes. They play bingo and notice circles in everyday objects. For example, they paint pictures of items with wheels, such as cars and prams. Children are aware that pictures can represent information. They use bar charts to show how many cars they have seen. Children express their feelings and experiences during role play and discussions. They use their imaginations to become different characters, talk about how it feels to lose, win or join-in a race. Children use their ideas creatively. They make paper flowers as gifts, tiger masks and cards for different anniversaries. There are excellent opportunities for children to play and meet up with others during team games, picnics and outings. This develops their social skills and ensures they have a range of experiences. Children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

have written to say how much they appreciate and enjoy their time with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy and eager to attend the childminder's. She takes an interest in them and shows that she values their achievements. For example, each child keeps a photographic record of the activities they have taken part in and their creations. Children develop confidence and self-esteem. They are valued and given responsibilities. Children make decisions about their play and care. Through clear boundaries and appropriate strategies to manage behaviour

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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 children have a respect for the needs of others. They are well behaved and polite. Parents have given positive feedback in response to their children's responsible behaviour, such as being helpful and considerate. The childminder has effective systems in place to care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well supported and have consistency in their care. The childminder and parents have a strong partnership. Parents are encouraged to communicate in numerous ways. They are provided with detailed and comprehensive information about the provision, the care of their children and their achievements. There is a parents' notice board, an annual newsletter, regular updates of the contracts and agreements required, a daily diary available for those parents who want it and frequent discussions. The childminder encourages links between herself and home to aid the children's learning. For example, parents are encouraged to take part in promoting dental hygiene with her. Parents have commented that they feel "lucky to have found a childminder that puts so much effort and care into her work".

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about wider society. A good range of activities and meaningful resources promote a positive view of difference. For example, children share their experience of visiting other countries. They take 'Lucky Teddy' with them and take photographs to show on their return. Children play with dolls and small world figures depicting various cultures and ethnic backgrounds. They read and look at a range of inspiring and colourful books.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is significantly enhanced by the exceptional organisation of this childminder. She has devised robust policies and procedures which fully support her expert practice. Children choose freely from an excellent range of stimulating and enjoyable activities. These experiences and the high level of support and interaction from the childminder ensures the outcomes for children are of a high standard. Children are content and relaxed as they play, eat, sleep and rest when they need to.

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Organisation

Documentation is stored securely, kept up-to-date and appropriate information is shared with parents. The childminder has a clear sense of purpose and commitment to continual improvement. She is experienced and highly qualified and continues to update her knowledge and skills with on-going training. She has a Level 3 Certificate in Childminding Practice, a current first aid qualification and has been awarded the Herts Quality Standard. Overall, the needs of the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to take a number of steps to minimise potential hazards. Smoke detectors have been fitted at each level of the house. They are checked regularly to ensure they are in good working order so that the childminder will be alerted to fire. Blinds and curtain poles are fitted and inaccessible to the children in the playroom. The garden has secure fencing and a gate with a high lock so that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised.

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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. The provider is

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Complaints 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 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

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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