Gordonbrock Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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100684 Unique Reference Number 28 November 2007 Inspection date Denise Franklin 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 first registered in 1995 and is a member of the National Childminding Association. There are currently nine children on roll. The childminder lives with her husband and two teenage sons, in a four bedroom, detached property in a cul-de-sac in Cam, Dursley. On very rare occasions her husband works as an assistant. The family have a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to the ground floor, which comprises a living room, dining room, kitchen and conservatory. Toilet facilities are located on the ground floor. The fully enclosed back garden, which is mainly laid with grass, is suitable for outdoor play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well cared for in an exceptionally clean and very well maintained environment. Excellent hygiene procedures ensure children learn the importance of hygiene in their daily routines, for example, children independently wash hands before meals and after messy play activities. One child was heard reminding her friend that she ‘must wash her hands

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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 after going to the toilet’, mimicking the childminder’s request earlier in the day. Babies have their hands wiped frequently, particularly before meals. The childminder effectively ensures that the pet dog is safe to be near children and does not pose any risk to their health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health and welfare is exceptionally well promoted through the positive encouragement to eat healthy meals and snacks and to drink regularly. Parents are reminded of the nutritional value of the meals on offer, such as cheesy mash with vegetables followed by yoghurt and raisins, which benefit children’s health. Children really enjoy the food provided for them and know the importance of eating a healthy diet. Meals for the youngest children are usually provided by parents and are stored and heated safely.

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Helping children to be healthy

Comprehensive policies for excluding children with infectious illnesses and extremely well maintained medical records effectively assure children’s welfare. The childminder has a high level of understanding of how to ensure children’s health. She is trained to administer specific medicines and parental consent is always sought for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice. The first-aid box is easily accessible and there are meticulous written records of monthly checks on its contents. Children are extremely well cared for in the event of a minor accident because the childminder regularly updates her paediatric first-aid training. Her certificate is clearly displayed in the entrance hall so parents are confident that their child would be well looked after in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s physical development is excellent, which is promoted by the outstanding range of wheeled toys and other outdoor equipment. They have many opportunities to take regular exercise through a wide range of activities, such as walking back from school, using wheeled toys, trips to a local park, use of soft-play areas and physical activities at toddler groups. As a result, children have plenty of exercise to keep them healthy. The childminder uses the Birth to three matters framework very effectively in her planning to support children’s emotional wellbeing, growing and developing and in making healthy choices. Therefore children are achieving extremely well in these areas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in this extremely warm, welcoming environment where they feel safe and secure. There are detailed risk assessments and the childminder keeps highly detailed records of checking alarms and other equipment. Children who need to sleep or rest are very well cared for because there is a good quality travel cot and the childminder keeps a daily record, on the door, of each time she checks the baby while asleep. The conservatory is light and airy. Blinds and a fan extractor are fitted to ensure children’s safety in warm weather. The children really enjoy using this space, which has comfortable seating and height appropriate furniture and is decorated with some of the children’s work. The outdoor area is suitably enclosed, secure and well maintained and this enables children to play freely and safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys are extremely well organised and the childminder is vigilant to ensure that there are no dangers to either the children or the baby when toys are out. Toys, which are stored in a shed outside, are changed weekly to give children more choice. Children enjoy selecting their own toys and also are well able to put them away because storage is at the right height for them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety and welfare is assured because the childminder closely supervises them at all times. She effectively ensures children’s safety when they are using paint but at the same time promotes their development by encouraging them to experiment. As a result they enjoy the

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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 activity enormously and are also well aware that they need to wash their hands before doing anything else. Children are taught how to keep safe in the setting. There is a comprehensive emergency escape plan and records are carefully kept each time this is practised with the children. Fire equipment is easily accessible to ensure the children’s safety at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Excellent care is taken when children are outdoors. The childminder encourages the children to walk because it is good for their health and uses the appropriate harnesses and identification tags if on a trip to ensure that they are safe at all times. The children practise road safety daily and one child explained that, ‘when there are no cars, it’s safe to go’. Children’s safety when transported in a vehicle is assured because by the childminder has appropriate insurance and written permission is given by parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded extremely well because the childminder has a high level of understanding of child protection and knows what to do in the event of concerns about a child’s welfare. She ensures, in documentation, that parents know that procedures will be followed in the event of a concern. Any minor injuries received off the premises are recorded and signed by parents so that they are always kept informed about their children’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The children really enjoy the wide range of very good quality activities offered to them in this stimulating and vibrant setting. They are confident and interact extremely well with each other, for example, two children played happily together taking turns to take on the roles of doctor and patient. On another occasion the older children got out a toy for the baby and encouraged play. All responded extremely well to a musical toy with the youngest child dancing and the older ones singing the rhymes. The childminder very effectively develops children’s communication, language and mathematical skills through discussing their activities with them, counting, questioning and role play. The children particularly look forward to story time after lunch. Confidence and independence is encouraged and children are developing their skills very well. They help each other put away the toys before lunch without any fuss and are particularly

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy visits to places of interest, such as Slimbridge Wild Life Centre, trips to the park. All photographs taken are carefully annotated with dates and their education value, using the birth to three matters framework. Although there are no funded nursery children in her care the childminder uses the Foundation Stage curriculum to plan for the older children. This ensures the children make extremely good progress in their knowledge, understanding and skills. Photos of displays, such as a Halloween picture enable children of all ages to make a contribution to the final display.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s work is really valued because drawings and craftwork are displayed around the room and the children are keen to point out their work. Children enjoy eating the cakes they bake. They enjoy these activities very much and are achieving extremely well as a result. The childminder is keen to meet the individual needs of the children and regularly changes resources to provide variety and new experiences for the children. She also takes the children to toddler groups and to events at parents’ requests which broadens their horizons beyond the setting. The wide range of activities provided for the children contribute extremely effectively to their excellent progress and achievement.

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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 outstanding. Children have a strong sense of belonging, as meeting their needs and treating each of them with equal concern, are high priorities in this excellent setting. The children are very settled and although they have daily routines, there is flexibility to meet individual needs. For example, an early lunch was given as the baby appeared tired but was unable to settle. Once lunch was eaten the baby was content to settle down and have a nap.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is an equal opportunities policy in place which is comprehensive and is implemented extremely effectively by the childminder. Children learn to appreciate other cultures, such as through celebrating Chinese New Year, and there is a welcome poster in the conservatory in different languages. Any children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are very well catered for. The childminder has a strict policy of confidentiality.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has high expectations of behaviour and as a result the children are developing their social skills extremely well. She uses praise very effectively to promote expected behaviour and sets firm boundaries. She negotiates well with the children and as a result their behaviour is exemplary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s work is highly valued because it is displayed in individual scrapbooks and regularly shared with parents. This is an excellent way of showing children’s progress and achievement and a lovely memory of the time they spend with the childminder. Parents have comprehensive details of the provision offered by the childminder, including daily routines and a sample menu, which inspires confidence in the care provided for their children. Daily contact with parents ensures that any concerns or issues can be dealt with immediately. Parents give written consent and relevant information so that the best care possible can be provided. A number of very positive letters from parents indicate that they are extremely happy with the way their child is cared for.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are very much at ease in this extremely well organised and safe environment. Records and other documents are safely stored to ensure confidentiality. Current documents and relevant information are well presented and highly organised and are readily available for parents. Emergency contact details are easily accessible which ensures children’s safety. The comprehensive documents, including policies, detailed records of equipment checks, three methods of registration and the wide range of interesting and stimulating activities available ensure excellent safety and high quality care for these children. All safeguarding procedures are fully in place.

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Organisation

The childminder has a high level of commitment to ensuring the best possible provision for the children in her care. She is pro-active in improving her knowledge and skills and attends many courses to help her improve her practice. All suggestions and recommendations from monitoring visits and local Network meetings are considered and implemented if they will improve her provision. This is evident from significant improvements resulting in excellent care for the children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide children with a cot. A good quality cot is now in place and children are able to sleep and relax in comfort.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to provide a wide range of toys and resources for children’s play. An excellent range of activities are now provided both in and out of doors and through visits outside the home and as a result children’s enjoyment and achievement is outstanding.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was required to receive training and put in place procedures to assure children’s health and safety. She has attended paediatric first-aid training with more updates planned. The emergency evacuation procedures are now well established and children know these because they are regularly practised. Child protection procedures are excellent and records of any concerns are extremely well 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 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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