Quilters Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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114801 Unique Reference Number 13 March 2008 Inspection date Shan Gwendoline Jones 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 good. 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 was registered in 2000. She lives her husband and teenage son in Southwick, Brighton. The whole of the ground floor area of the house and the first floor bathroom is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children under five and two children under eight. All attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has two cats, one dog and four chickens.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. The childminder has suitable procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection and children do not attend when they

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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 ill. Children are beginning to learn the importance of personal hygiene, for example, washing their hands after using the toilet. The family has a number of pets including two cats, one dog and four chickens. The childminder ensures the dog and cats have all of the appropriate vaccinations and are regularly treated for fleas and worms.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are effective procedures in place to manage children's sickness as they do not attend if they have an infection. Appropriate documentation is in place for recording accidents and in the event of an accident children receive appropriate treatment because the childminder maintains a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Currently parents provide all meals for their children, which the childminder ensures is stored and reheated appropriately to ensure it is fresh and consumable. Children are offered regular drinks throughout the day and have a range of healthy snacks, which includes fresh fruit.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a wide range of opportunities for outdoor activities. The childminder takes children out to local parks, drop in groups and indoor leisure centres. In the warmer months children use the garden and are taken on exciting trips to Devils Dyke on the open top bus or to the Sea Life centre in Brighton. Photographs depict the fun the children had on their excursions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a suitably organised environment which enables them to move around freely. The childminder has identified most potential hazards and minimised these in the home. For example, safety gates restrict children's access to the kitchen and stairs. Children are able to play, eat and sleep comfortably using furniture appropriate for their ages.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder provides a wide variety of toys which are easily accessible to allow children to make choices. The childminder encourages children to learn about keeping safe on the roads and gives reminders to ensure they are aware of the risks when crossing the road. In addition, she has fitted a safety gate by the front door to further protect children, as they live on a busy main road. However, part of the garden fence leading to the neighbours garden has broken in the strong winds, thus rendering it unsafe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's good understanding of issues related to child protection and local procedures to be followed, ensures children are protected from harm. Parents are fully informed of her responsibilities through discussion and her written policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle readily with the childminder and enjoy warm and caring relationships with the childminder and her assistant, who supports them extremely well, thus making them feel part of the family. The childminder recognises the children's efforts and achievements, and provides plenty of praise and encouragement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

She provides a very good balance of adult-initiated and child-led activities to create a rich learning environment where children make rapid progress. Children concentrate on well-prepared craft activities, they get pleasure from creating elaborate flowers in celebration of Easter. Everyday activities such as cooking and shopping, feeding the chickens and collecting eggs are

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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 well-used to help children learn about the world about them. Children are able to make good progress in their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children well and takes into account their individual needs and routines when planning the days activities. Quieter activities are organised in the afternoons when the childminder takes time to look at books, encouraging the children's' interest to enjoy stories, which also encourages their communication skills to develop. The childminder keeps a photographic record of what children do and achieve. This is organised to reflect her observations of the children which enhance the good quality service she offers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and independent in the care of the childminder and her assistant. They know children well, as they have gathered lots of information about children's individual needs and home circumstances. Children have many opportunities to learn to recognise their own needs and those of other people. As well as celebrating festivals from different cultural traditions, they share a variety of books that prompt discussions about appearances and feelings. Children enjoyed painting Rangoli patterns for the Diwali Hindu festival and had fun decorating biscuits with Rangoli patterns. With support from the childminder older children have sponsored a guide dog, they receive letters and discuss the progress in his training. There is a good range of resources reflecting positive images of ethnic diversity and disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved as the childminder uses effective distraction techniques with the children and positive strategies to manage any difficulties that may arise. They are developing a positive self-image of themselves as the childminder offers praise and encouragement in their daily activities. Children are respected and valued as individuals. She has incorporated a behaviour management statement into the information she provides for parents, ensuring they are fully aware of the strategies, thereby encouraging consistency.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The required documentation is shared with parents, and children receive the appropriate care as the childminder discusses and records individual care arrangements with parents. Children profit from the positive relationship the childminder establishes with parents. She works closely with them to ensure continuity of care is provided for the child. All relevant information is exchanged verbally each day to make sure the needs of the child are met. Parents report positively on the care and education their children receive, written comments include; 'I have nothing but praise for her and her husband who are clearly committed to providing an excellent service but also genuinely loving and responsible individuals. 'I have always been impressed with the variety of activities, she has endless ideas for creative games, arts and crafts and baking which are both fun and educational for the children'.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel very comfortable and at ease within the childminder's home environment. Their wellbeing is promoted as they have sufficient space available to explore the play materials in comfort and safety. The activities available and play equipment provide fun and interest for the children. The care given by the childminder and her assistant is warm and friendly, and enables children to feel relaxed and settled in her home.

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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 The childminder ensures that good information is available to parents about the service she offers. Documentation is well organised and all of the required records are maintained by the childminder to promote the health and welfare of the children. She ensures that any significant changes are notified to Ofsted in a timely manner. Children are purposefully occupied. The childminder plans activities in advance and ensures all the materials she requires are ready. As a result, planned activities run smoothly and children do not waste their time waiting around.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 complaint 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 good. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure the garden fencing is rendered safe.

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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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