Grange Park Infant and Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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102433 Unique Reference Number 28 January 2008 Inspection date Anne-Marie Moyse 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 1993. She lives with her two school age children, on an estate in the town of Bodmin, within walking distance of St Mary's Catholic Primary and the Beacon Primary schools. All areas of the property are used for childminding, with children using the bedrooms as a quiet sleeping area. Currently the childminder cares for seven children aged from nine months to 10 years, including six children under the age of eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes and collects children from St Petroc's Primary and Beacon Infants school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have four cats. The childminder regularly takes children to local parks, soft play, library, and visits the local childminding groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an impeccably clean and hygienic home. The childminder promotes high standards of hygiene through being an excellent role model, washing her hands thoroughly

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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 before touching foods and afterwards. Children's personal hygiene is well supported with the childminder sensitively wiping noses and disposing tissues appropriately. She then uses antibacterial gel to ensure that she limits the spread of infection. The family cats are isolated to a specific area of the home when young children are playing, and wet wipes are always used after touching the animals, preventing cross contamination. Very detailed and clear records are maintained of any accidents or if medication is administered to children, providing an accurate record for parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat a range of healthy and nutritious foods, which are provided by the parents. The foods are refrigerated immediately to ensure that they remain wholesome and fresh. The children enthusiastically help to set the table and are involved in preparing their meals, ensuring they wash their hands thoroughly before touching the implements or food. They sit up at the table with the childminder, eagerly talking about the foods they are eating and developing their awareness of healthy options. The children are encouraged to eat savoury and the most nutritious foods first, as these are presented to them attractively on their plates. Children's dietary needs and individual eating patterns are well known by the childminder and complied with. Baby's foods are reheated and served in agreement with parental wishes, which is clearly documented. Children are encouraged to drink frequently throughout the day to help keep

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have excellent opportunities to be active during their time with the childminder. They frequently visit play parks and soft play facilities, meeting up with other children to enjoy the fresh air and being active together. They regularly walk to take and collect children from local preschools and nurseries, exercising their developing muscles. Children's sleep and rest patterns are well supported as they have an excellent balance of being active and opportunity to rest in accordance with their own individual needs and routines. The childminder keeps parents informed on the chemicals used for washing bedding, to prevent children suffering any allergic reaction to the detergents used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's safety and security is given a high priority in this home. The childminder has an excellent understanding of risk assessment and how any hazards can be minimised. She is very proactive in raising children's awareness of keeping themselves safe. For example, all children are involved in practising the emergency evacuation procedure, at the childminder's own home and also at other childminders' homes, which they visit regularly. This contributes to children's safety as they are confident to follow the procedure in the event of a real emergency. The children are very well protected when they travel in the car as the childminder has all the required documentation and safety equipment ensuring children are safe. She keeps an emergency kit in the car consisting of first aid kit, spare clothes, wet wipes, foods and drinks, in case she is delayed due to a mechanical break-down.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have good opportunity to play with an excellent range of high quality safe and suitable toys. The childminder is extremely thoughtful in ensuring that children of different ages are protected from hazards, for example, ensuring babies cannot access small toys which may be a choking hazard. Children play in a spacious clear area, which allows them to move around easily and safely. Older children are encouraged to be considerate of younger crawling babies, so they can play together without harming each other.

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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 Children's safety and welfare is further safeguarded as the childminder has a clear understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection procedures. She is knowledgeable and has a wealthy of reference materials to use to support her if she has any concerns over children's well-being. Parents are kept fully informed of her procedures through her detailed written policy and procedure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have a wonderful time with the childminder. They are offered an excellent range of toys and resources to play with. They have good opportunities to socialise and visit other places, such as soft play and childminding groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to select from a wide range of high quality toys, which are well organised according to children's age and ability. Babies are offered a range of appealing toys, with a variety of textures and materials that stimulate their senses. Rattles are placed near to non-mobile babies encouraging them to reach out and move. Older children sit with the childminder, with various stacking cups and shape sorters, matching colours and shapes, showing delight when the correct shape falls into the box. The childminder has endless patience talking and prompting the child to have another go, celebrating with the child when they are successful. Children explore the items in the treasure basket with relish, feeling the crinkly, shiny paper and other materials.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children are familiar with the range of toys and resources available to them and are excited about planning what they do in the afternoon. The childminder is very aware of children's preferences and ensures that they receive an excellent balance of activities. The childminder stimulates children's language development by talking and listening to the children, verbalising young children's play. Older children's learning is extended through engaging conversations, with the childminder skilled in providing detailed explanations in accordance with the child's ability and understanding. The children enjoy visiting the local library for story-time, fostering a love of books and early reading skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from the excellent relationships that the childminder develops with the parents. As a result parents and the childminder share a wealth of information about the consistent care offered to each child. Children's individual routines and preferences are well known and complied with. This helps children to feel relaxed and secure in the childminder's care. Parents keep up-to-date by verbal communication at the start and end of the session or are able to check on their child during the day by text messages and phone calls. Parents receive excellent details of the business arrangement through the written policies and procedures, keeping them well informed and given the opportunity to agree to all aspects of their child's care. For example, the childminder clarifies details by obtaining consents from parents, such as allowing children to be able to taste different foods, and visit various places.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs and requirements are celebrated, as the childminder values and supports all children. The good relationship with parents ensures that any concerns over a child's development is promptly identified and discussed. Children are developing a good awareness of cultural and social diversity as they play with a wide range of resources depicting positive images of the wider world. The children meet with other children at various groups

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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 and play areas, where they learn to socialise and develop their self-confidence. The childminder takes children to various settings such as the library and the church, helping children to understand about their own local culture and environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well, they are polite and friendly, with the childminder rarely having to intervene between children. They are encouraged to share and develop good manners through the childminder's sensitive and consistent approach. The children are given enthusiastic praise and encouragement helping to develop their self-esteem and confidence. The childminder encourages them to be independent and help themselves in such tasks as dressing themselves and putting on their shoes, which they willingly attempt.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for by a dedicated and enthusiastic childminder, who is exceptionally well-organised and is committed to providing very high quality care for children. She is attentive and very caring, placing children's needs first at all times, developing a close and secure relationship with them. The childminder plans her routine thoroughly, taking into consideration the needs of children attending each day and ensuring all aspects are considered. This contributes to the calm and relaxed environment children experience.

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Organisation

The childminder is meticulous in keeping and up-dating records, which underpins the excellent care children receive. She is committed to further developing her provision by attending regular meetings and training, keeping herself fully aware of the changes in childcare and legislation. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to develop a complaints procedure for parents. This has been completed and up-dated in line with changes in legislation. Parents are able to access contact information and are aware of the procedure they can follow in the event of a complaint.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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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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

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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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