Greybrooks School

Inspection report for early years provision

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129709 Unique Reference Number 01 October 2007 Inspection date Jane Mount 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 has been registered since August 1995. She lives in a detached house with her two children aged 20 years and 17 years. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play and all areas of the property are included in the registration. The premises is situated on the outskirts of Tring and is within walking distance of shops and a park. The childminder is a member of a local childminding group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of which, three may be under five years. She is currently caring for six children aged between six months and eight years. All attend on a part-time basis except for one who is full-time. The childminder also cares for one child aged over eight years. Overnight care is not provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are well nourished and have their individual dietary needs effectively met. The childminder is fully aware of the importance of a nutritious diet and strives to ensure 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 are provided with freshly prepared, home cooked food. Children's dietary needs are regularly discussed with parents including children's food preferences or special dietary requirements. This ensures children receive a healthy balanced diet. Children are encouraged to eat healthy meals and snacks and are learning about healthy eating through topics and discussion. For example, they count to see how many fruits and vegetables they have eaten each day. Also, in the garden children have taken great pleasure in growing some fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and carrots. They enjoyed planting, regularly watering and then picking and eating the end produce. Fruit and other healthy choices are always offered and children delight in selecting and eating from a varied range of fruits at snack and mealtimes. Children are well

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Helping children to be healthy

informed about healthy food choices and when asked, they know that fruits and vegetables are very good for the body. Children's independence is promoted at mealtimes. For example, children help with the preparation of meals and particularly enjoy putting their own healthy toppings on the pizzas they make. They also help to lay the table or pour their own drinks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children remain healthy because high levels of hygiene are consistently maintained by the childminder which reduces the risk of cross-infection. For example, tables and work surfaces are thoroughly cleaned with anti-bacterial spray and hand washing takes high priority before food handling or preparation. Also, highly effective nappy changing procedures are consistently implemented which reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Children's health is protected as a clear sickness policy is in place which is shared with parents and informs them of the childminder's procedures if a child becomes unwell. Children are learning the importance of good hygiene and personal care through effective support and guidance from the childminder. Younger children have their noses wiped and tissues are disposed of appropriately. Older children are aware they must wash their hands after playing in the garden or visiting the toilet

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Helping children to be healthy

and confidently wash their hands before eating. Children eagerly use the liquid soap to thoroughly clean their hands and know which individual colour hand towel is theirs to dry their hands on. Consequently, children's health is safeguarded.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a secure knowledge of children's physical development and has a good understanding of appropriate activities and levels of support needed. Subsequently, children take part in an extensive range of activities which positively contributes to their physical fitness and good health. They regularly spend time in the fresh air and visit a local children's park where they can develop their physical skills. They often walk to and from school, as well as walks to the local shops or library, and have regular opportunities to play in the garden. Children are learning that exercise can be fun and delight in regularly attending an indoor soft play centre where they can climb, run, jump and bounce. Children are learning about the effects activity can have on the body and know if they become very hot while exercising they may need to rest or have a drink of water. They enjoy learning about how the body works through

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Helping children to be healthy

their play and discussion with the childminder. For example, when playing with the doctors set they learn about how to care for a grazed knee. Children can rest or sleep according to their needs with the day organised to fit in with their individual sleep requirements. A travel cot is available for younger children to sleep in during the day and children are closely monitored when asleep. Older children are encouraged to have a rest or quiet time during the day such as when they come in from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's development is positively promoted because they flourish in a safe, stimulating, child-friendly environment where they are actively welcomed. For example, children have their own coat pegs and their art work is displayed which develops children's sense of belonging.

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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 Space has been specifically organised so that children can move around independently and safely, and feel at home. Children can access an extensive range of purposeful and varied developmentally appropriate resources and equipment, which provide high levels of challenge. The childminder takes active measures to ensure toys and resources are age-appropriate and safe. For example, she ensures trays containing small pieces are kept out of the reach of very young children such as boxes of small construction bricks. These are stored in the kitchen on a work surface. Older children are able to access them easily and are taught to play with them out of the reach of the younger children because of the potential dangers of them putting a piece in their mouth and choking. The childminder closely monitors and supervises the children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

choice of toys but children are actively encouraged to make their own play choices. For example, low level storage units in the conservatory enable children to easily select toys and resources, which subsequently promotes their independent learning. Children are interested and motivated by the resources and play happily and are confident in choosing what they want to play with. Top priority is given to children's welfare because the childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of child protection. She has highly effective policies and procedures in place and is fully aware of what to do if she had a concern including correct recording and reporting procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a secure home where positive steps are taken by the childminder to promote safety and keep children safe. Thorough and informative written risk assessments are maintained which identify and show how potential hazards can be minimised to safeguard children. All areas are included along with resources and equipment used by the children. Ongoing visual checks are also used to protect children and the childminder is very aware of the changing abilities of children as they get older. For example, a crawling child who begins to pull-up on furniture or an older child who wishes to independently use the toilet. The childminder has been proactive in taking highly effective measures to maintain children's safety in the home and these are consistently applied. For example, stair gates are used on the stairs and at the entrance to the kitchen to manage children's safety. Cupboard locks are used to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

prevent children gaining access to cleaning products and sharp knives are kept on a high shelf away from children. Children take an active role in learning how to keep themselves and others safe. For example, they have regular fire practices which all children participate in. Older children have drawn emergency evacuation plans which show how they would leave the house safely if there was an emergency such as a fire. When out walking children learn about road safety including how to cross the road. When travelling in the car they know the importance of sitting in the correct car seats to stay safe. At home older children help younger children stay safe such as helping to pick up toys from the floor so no one trips and hurts themselves. Recently children also enjoyed a trip to the police station where they learnt about how to stay safe particularly when using the road. They delighted in trying on police hats and blowing hard into

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children's learning is positively promoted because of the childminder's secure knowledge and understanding of child development and the highly effective implementation of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. Children's development is closely monitored by the childminder through regular observations of individual children's play and achievements. This is then recorded in children's tracker books and shows what children know and what their next steps of learning are. A weekly programme of activities is planned by the childminder and she ensures that the information gained from children's

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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 development records is used when planning future activities. Children's interests are also taken into account when planning play experiences. Consequently, children are making excellent progress in all areas of their learning and development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a strong and secure relationship with the childminder. They receive high levels of care and support which develops their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder knows the children in her care extremely well through highly effective communication with parents and the regular exchanging of information. Consequently, children are very happy and settled in their environment, familiar with the routine and make themselves very much at home. Children are motivated in their play and on arrival quickly become engrossed in a wide range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities which provide challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children play a dynamic role in their learning as they offer their own ideas and they respond to challenges with great enthusiasm. Children are self-assured and attentive, regularly asking questions and show a high level of interest in what

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's creative development is promoted as they are able to regularly participate in a variety of art and craft activities. For example, the current theme is 'Autumn' and children have enthusiastically collected a selection of different leaves when out walking and exploring the environment. They have then enjoyed making prints and rubbings using the leaves and a variety of mediums such as crayons and paint. Children are very proud of their finished pieces of art work and are praised by the childminder. Some art work is displayed throughout the house which further develops children's already strong sense of belonging.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's communication skills are supported effectively by the childminder as she extends children's language through asking open-ended questions. Children enjoy books and listen and respond to stories with great delight. Children also enjoy regular visits to the library to choose books to read. They sing songs with great enthusiasm. For example, they all keenly participate in singing 'row, row, row your boat' along with the actions. Children are encouraged to express themselves imaginatively and are provided with a varied range of resources to support imaginative learning. For example, children play co-operatively with large construction bricks and imagine they are in a princess castle. Children learn about the natural environment and enjoy planting and growing. Recently, they were fascinated and keen to learn about creatures that live in the garden when they completed a topic about 'mini beasts'. Children delighted in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

finding woodlice under stones and other creatures such as grasshoppers to look at closely and to talk about. Some pictures displayed show the life cycle of a frog which children have accurately drawn. Children are treated as individuals with their self-help skills encouraged from a very early age. For example, children are given responsibilities such as helping to lay the table, helping to tidy away toys or making decisions on what to play with. Children are encouraged to be independent such as putting on their own shoes or coat. Consequently, children's independent learning is promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Relationships with parents are excellent which significantly contributes to children's well-being. Parents' views about their child's needs and requirements are actively sought before the child first attends. A regular two-way flow of information is then exchanged between childminder and parent to ensure children's individual needs are effectively met and children receive continuity in their care. A clear and effective settling-in programme ensures children settle well and are happy and secure in the childminder's care. Parents are well-informed as the childminder

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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 is proactive in ensuring information is regularly shared. For example, new parents receive a welcome letter and a copy of the childminder's written policies and procedures. Also, a comprehensive portfolio is available and a regular newsletter keeps parents up-to-date with any news or changes. A daily diary is used to inform parents of children under one year of their daily achievements and the childminder gives high priority to talking to all parents on a daily basis. Photographs are also taken by the childminder and given to parents. This enables them to see some of the experiences their children have during the day. Parents value the exceptional care their children receive and nominated the childminder in the 'Herts Childcare Awards' in 2006 and the childminder was a successful runner-up.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and treated as individuals. Activities are organised to ensure all children are fully included and to meet any specific needs they may have. Children have extensive opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them. A wide and varied range of resources are available to increase children's awareness of diversity and to develop a positive attitude to others. Children learn about diversity through their play, planned activities and discussion. For example, children begin to appreciate the customs and cultures of others through learning about festivals such as Diwali and Chinese New Year. They delight in making lanterns and eating Chinese food with chopsticks. Topics such as looking at flags from different countries teaches children about the wider world. Children learn about the local community through routine outings or visits to places of interest. For example, children regularly

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Helping children make a positive contribution

socialise with others as they attend toddler groups and indoor activity play centres with the childminder. They go shopping, make regular visits to the library for books and enjoy visits to the park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour is dealt with in a sensitive and positive manner and in ways which are appropriate to the child's level of understanding. The childminder has clear boundaries which are consistent so children know what is expected of them. This results in children being secure in their surroundings and feeling confident in their play. Children behave exceptionally well and play well together. Younger children are supported effectively by the childminder and are encouraged to take turns and to share. For example, she sensitively explains that when playing with a shape sorter with a group of children it is important to wait your turn. Older children are learning to negotiate with others and are learning how their behaviour can affect others. Children are encouraged to help each other in their play and are praised by the childminder when they spontaneously do so. Children are encouraged to care for each other, their environment and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

resources. Children play an active part in the setting and this results in them feeling confident in making choices because they are secure in their surroundings.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is significantly enhanced by the exceptional organisation and the outstanding commitment of the childminder. Children's learning and play are positively supported by a childminder who has high regard for the well-being of all children in her care. Children's individual needs are met well through the childminder organising her time and resources effectively. Indoor and outdoor space has been organised to maximise play opportunities for children and they benefit greatly from the child-friendly, welcoming environment where they feel at ease and safe.

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Organisation

Children's development is supported by a childminder who has an excellent knowledge and understanding of child development. Children benefit from a childminder who is prepared to develop her skills and is very keen to keep up-to-date with child care issues. For example, she

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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 has already attended briefing sessions on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which is not to be implemented until September 2008. She is committed to continuous improvement and gives high priority to professional development. For example, the childminder has attended an extensive range of courses and ongoing training. Also, the childminder is currently in the process of completing a NVQ level three childcare qualification. In 2003 she was awarded Herts Quality Standards (HQS) which is a quality assurance scheme and this was awarded again in 2006.

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Organisation

The childminder regularly evaluates and closely monitors her practice to ensure she provides the highest possible quality of care. She has worked extremely hard to develop essential documentation and has all the required documentation in place. Consequently, this significantly contributes to children's health, safety and well-being. Documentation is extremely well organised and the childminder fully understands the importance of confidentiality and takes appropriate steps to protect children. Contracts are regularly reviewed and updated along with children's information records which ensures the safe management of children. Comprehensive policies and procedures are used effectively to protect children, promote their well-being and to support all to develop to their full potential. Parents are kept well informed of their children's progress with information shared on a regular basis. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to review the area used for nappy changing and the recommendation has been successfully addressed. The childminder has purchased a nappy changing unit which stores all the equipment needed for nappy changing and ensures everything is close to hand. Also, highly effective hygiene procedures ensure the risk of cross-infection is minimised. Consequently, children's health and well-being are promoted.

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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 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

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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