Featherstone North Featherstone Junior and Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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108206 Unique Reference Number 03 January 2008 Inspection date Susan Victoria May 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 1995. She lives with her husband and three children, aged eight, 15 and 17 years, in the Cox Green area of Maidenhead. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder may care for six children and is currently minding five children on a full and part time basis. The childminder may work with an assistant who may, at times agreed and confirmed in writing by parents, be left in sole charge of the children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has two dogs (kept in an enclosed outdoor run during minding hours), guinea pigs, hamster, fish and horses (stabled away from the home).

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of an approved childminding network.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The childminder follows highly effective procedures in order to successfully meet the children's physical and health needs and enable them to thrive in her care. Children receive exceptional support and guidance as she introduces them to routines, such as using a hand wash after touching animals when on outings to the stables or local farms. This helps set sound future hygiene practices. Children are encouraged to wash their own hands before snack and meals, and the childminder ensures they have the necessary resources to enable them to do so. Step ups at the sink for example, allow even the youngest children to reach the basin and soap to wash their hands effectively. The use of paper towels helps to prevent cross infection. This helps children begin to gain an understanding of hygiene and a real desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care. To protect children all of the required documentation and

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Helping children to be healthy

clear written procedures are in place to record medication, accidents and incidents. The childminder considers all aspects of children’s welfare and takes steps to safeguard their wellbeing, for instance, she considers a variety of health issues in her practice and shares these with parents, such as sun screen procedures and information on childhood ailments. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate in place to ensure she can deal with minor accidents effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides opportunities for children to explore and develop physical control in stimulating daily indoor and outdoor experiences. Children have access to a variety of physical activities, which they enjoy and promote good health. She is extremely knowledgeable of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, uses it to guide her daily practice and shares her knowledge with parents. The childminder has a good understanding of how best to support the children, develop their confidence, and provide activities to help children progress at their own rate. She is discreetly on hand to offer support if they need it. The children clearly enjoy their play and show excitement at the results of their efforts. For example, children’s control and co-ordination is developed as they cut up fruit for snack, put together jigsaws and use tools to shape and manipulate the play dough. Regular outdoor play in the garden and trips to local parks provide

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Helping children to be healthy

opportunities for children to run, climb and improve physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide detailed information about the children’s dietary requirements which are discussed with the childminder. Parents may choose whether to follow the childminders nutritious and varied menu or provide meals of their own choice. Children have access to drinks throughout the day. Snack and meal times provide opportunities for children to develop their social skills as they sit together and make choices as they select what they wish to eat from healthy options, such as cheese, crackers and fruit. Children prepare the snack themselves using appropriate utensils, this helps further increase their independence. Children clearly enjoy snack time, regard it as a pleasant experience, therefore, influencing future eating habits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder completes visual risk assessments on each area of her home to ensure that children are able to move around safely and independently, that all areas are secure and that risks are minimal. For example, each Monday she tests the smoke alarms to ensure they are fully operational. Children begin to understand how to keep themselves safe through gentle reminders from the childminder and from each other, for example, a child reminds another that

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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 we do not jump on the chairs. Explanations from the childminder are age appropriate and children clearly begin to understand the significance of these ‘house’ rules. To further protect children, fire safety precautions and comprehensive evacuation plans are in place; these are displayed prominently to be easily seen by parents and visitors to the home. On outings the childminder ensures she informs parents in advance of her whereabouts, has all of the required parental permissions and carries with her appropriate contact details. The childminder discusses with the older children the ‘Children’s traffic club’ safety awareness campaign and provides activities, such as colouring sheets at home to help reinforce the safety messages.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from having their art work and children’s posters displayed throughout the home; this provides an extremely warm and inviting environment, thereby promoting children’s self-esteem. Children have independent access to an excellent range of equipment and resources. They show respect for the toys and equipment and use them imaginatively. For example, when using the role play equipment they carefully set up the ironing board and kitchen and provide the childminder with several ‘drinks and meals’ from the wide range of play food available to them. The childminder regularly attends courses and has gathered information to help extend her knowledge of providing resources to offer a wider range of experiences for the children. For example, treasure baskets. She carefully monitors and supervises children’s choices to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

carries out regular checks on all toys, resources and equipment, and implements effective procedures to clean and maintain all toys and resources. This ensures they remain safe for the children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected and safeguarded from harm whilst in the childminders care as she demonstrates a clear understanding of her role concerning child protection. The children’s welfare is her number one priority. She is fully aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse, and has contact numbers and information on the procedures to follow in line with Local Safeguarding Children's Boards. All of the required paperwork is in place to record existing injures and any concerns about children in her care. This ensures the welfare and safety of the children at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. To promote children’s development the childminder is committed to ensuring children receive the very best learning opportunities while in her care. Her skill in enabling them to feel secure and confident is evident as the children settle well and are completely at ease and comfortable in the childminders home. Children are clearly interested and excited by the activities and resources on offer. From this secure base children explore the world around them. The childminder plans each day following children routines; this includes visits to local groups to help children socialise within the wider community. The childminder plans in advance and her written planning is displayed for parents. She remains flexible within the planning framework to ensure children's current interests are given full consideration. Each child has an individual programme to allow them to develop at their own rate. Parents are involved in each step of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their child’s learning and kept fully informed through photographs and verbal discussions. This close liaison between home and the childminder promotes an environment in which the children’s learning can effectively and consistently progress. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the development of young children and is pro-active in increasing her knowledge through further training.

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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 Caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and helps them develop increasing self-esteem. The childminder praises children’s efforts and encourages them to achieve. She provides activities that are stimulating, fun and within the children’s learning capabilities. Children respond to the childminder well, listen when addressed and take note of what is being said. The childminder is warm and affectionate making children feel valued. She has superb relationships with the children, enjoys their company and knows them well. She spends time talking and playing with them, consequently, children have ample support in their play and make very good progress in all areas. For example, children enjoy playing with the play dough and the childminder encourages them to handle the dough and to use a variety of tools. This

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

helps develop children’s physical skills and ability to recognise shape and size, and to make comparisons as they cut, shape and mould the malleable material. To develop children’s confidence and language skills, and encourage independent thinking the childminder skilfully asks open ended questions. For example, she comments on a child’s new jumper, which leads to a conversation about favourite colours.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children laugh often, confidently ask questions and play alongside each other happily, they show increasing interest in each other’s games and often work together creatively to develop their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The Childminder has a written equal opportunities policy clearly stating her commitment to providing a provision free from discrimination. She takes time to know the children well and discusses the children and family preferences with parents or carers to ensure she has all the relevant knowledge to provide the best care. This ensures that the children’s needs are met and that parent’s wishes are respected and adhered to. The childminder uses this information to plan activities to suit the individual children taking into account their age and stage of development. The childminder is an excellent role model and leads by example, for instance, she talks to the children, listening and responding to them with interest and concern. This helps build self-esteem and helps the children feel valued. Children develop an awareness of their own and the wider world through the childminders positive outlook and through images and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

resources displayed throughout the childminders home, for instance, puzzles, small world play, cooking utensils, books and posters reflect other cultures and show images of disability and gender. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings within the local community. For example, as they visit local groups, parks, shops and places of local interest. The childminder demonstrates a very clear understanding of learning difficulties and/or disabilities and of adapting activities and equipment, and of working with parents and professionals to ensure all children reach their potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is exemplary; they are lively and curious, very polite and need no encouragement to say please and thank you, they say it spontaneously. High expectations and consistent boundaries help develop children's sense of right and wrong, this helps them to begin to take responsibility for their own behaviour. The childminder encourages children to behave and become aware of the house rules. She explains age appropriately to the children why we are kind to each other and why we need to follow certain rules; this helps children begin to develop a sense of responsibility and moral values. Good use is made of praise and encouragement through play and everyday activities. Older children are able to take turns and share the toys and resources. They show consideration to younger children and the younger children are confident to ask them for help, for example, in completing a puzzle.

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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 Relationships with parents are excellent; this contributes greatly to the children's wellbeing. Parents are welcome in the home and receive detailed information about the childminder's practices, policies and the outcome for their child. The childminder shares with parent’s information about how their children are progressing through regular verbal communication. This sharing of information supports and enhances children's learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder's organisational skills are superb, she has well thought-out policies and procedures in place to guide her daily practice, ensuring she is successful in promoting children's care and learning. The childminder has a professional, business-like approach to her childminding and maintains her records accurately; this enhances the children's wellbeing. The childminder makes good use of the space and children move around the childminders house confidently. Children have access to the garden where they can enjoy physical or quiet activities; alternatively they can sit quietly on a comfy chair with a book in the lounge or conservatory, or complete activities at the table in the dining room. Children are supervised at all times and ratios observed. Accurately completed attendance records support this.

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Organisation

All required documentation to protect and provide for children's needs is in place and is recorded and updated as required. Policies are reviewed annually. To ensure the childminder meets children's needs she shares all relevant information with parents. An excellent two-way flow of information provides continuity of care. The childminder gives high regard to confidentiality and is aware of how long records should be retained. All relevant information is displayed for parents including the certificate of registration and the regulators details.

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Organisation

The childminder regularly updates her knowledge by attending relevant childcare courses and is a member of the Maidenhead and Windsor ‘Children Come First’ approved childminding network. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures she has ongoing knowledge of current childcare practices. This helps provide effective support, care and learning of the children. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to gain written parental consent for children to share the childminder's room when staying overnight. To achieve this the childminder has included in her documentation a statement that requires a parental signature to say they agree the sleeping arrangements of their children, if they are cared for overnight.

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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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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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