Claycots School

Inspection report for early years provision

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132089 Unique Reference Number 07 November 2007 Inspection date Ann Moss 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 was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Kingston, Surrey. The whole of the childminder's house 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 three children under five and two children over five years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local school to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park and library. The childminder occasionally works with a co-minder.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive and stay healthy because the childminder gives a high priority to meeting children's good health, nutritional and physical needs. She implements highly effective procedures, which she shares with children so they have opportunities to discuss why these are

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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 there and what they are intended to achieve. For example, children understand about the importance of following good hygiene practice and spend time washing their hands before meals. They know why they must cover their mouth when sneezing and put tissues in the bin, as this prevents cross-infection. There are clear and effective systems in place to record any accidents and the administration of medicine, which is shared with parents. The childminder maintains a current certificate in first aid and an extremely well stocked first aid box. This means minor injuries are dealt with quickly and appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children remain well nourished and hydrated. Although parents provide all meals the childminder has an very good understanding of the importance of maintaining a well balanced diet and works in partnership with parents to ensure children's nutritional needs are met. Children learn about healthy eating because the childminder talks to them about the effects this has on their bodies. Mealtimes are seen as a relaxed sociable occasion when children sit together, talk, enjoy their food and learn acceptable social routines. Drinking water is freely accessible and babies are monitored and offered regular drinks. This ensures children remain refreshed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Physical activity is extremely well supported, indoors and outdoors. The childminder organises her home to ensure babies have plenty of space to move, crawl and pull themselves up. Older children benefit from excellent opportunities to practise and consolidate existing skills, build new skills and increase stamina. For example, they eagerly participate in running races set against a stop watch and challenge themselves to achieve a 'personal best' time. Garden resources support active play such as climbing, sliding and jumping. Children create new games such as 'bomb ball'. In this way, children's learn about their bodies and what it can do. Children rest according the their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children gain a sense of belonging because the childminder organises her home to be welcoming and very appealing to children. For example, she displays artwork, posters, pictures and books that are important to them. This means children see their work as being valued and raises self-esteem.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a superb range of high quality toys and resources, which are suitable for their ages and stage of development. Resources have been carefully selected to support children's play and learning and are regularly checked for hygiene and safety. Toys are made easily accessible and at the children's level so they can independently select and change resources according to their interests.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is a high priority. The childminder ensures all areas of the premises are safe thorough the risk assessment being virulent and supervising children well. The childminder is committed to helping children to safeguard themselves and manage potential risks. For example, when out walking, she shares all aspects of road safety such as the green cross code, so they know why it is there and what it is intended to achieve. Children are beginning to manage their own safety, for example, as they climb challenging equipment such as a cargo net. The childminder gives very good consideration to fire safety and emergency evacuation and has written procedures in place. Fire evacuation drills are practised periodically.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted by the childminder who has a clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures and understands her role in child protection. She has completed a recent child protection course and has a child protection policy

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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 that supports her practice. Parents are informed of the childminder's responsibility to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. They are at ease, smile freely and display warmth and affection towards her indicating that close, trusting relationships have been established.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children achieve very well because the childminder has an exceptional understanding of how children learn and plans a stimulating range of activities, based on their interests and ideas that help them to acquire new knowledge and skills. Children learn to be creative and use their imagination because the childminder provides excellent opportunities for them to use their skills and explore concepts and ideas through representation. They build and construct in two and three dimensions, using a variety of materials, and are engrossed in role play and imaginative games such as going to the moon. Children's early communication skills is extremely well supported through books, high quality interaction and organising shared experiences that children can reflect upon, such as a visit to Kingston Bridge. Children's understanding of number, colour and shape are naturally encouraged by the childminder during activities and daily routines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children display high levels of confidence and enjoy good relationships with each other, they show consideration, share and take turns well. Children learn through many first hand experiences; they visit the local park, the library and local farms. Their interest in the natural world and their surroundings is fostered during discussions and on local walks and outings. The childminder shows children how she values their achievements and ideas by displaying their work. This promotes their self-esteem and encourages them to try new experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual needs and character are clearly understood and respected by the childminder. All children are welcomed into the warm, family environment and this contributes significantly to their sense of belonging. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote children's view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and understanding of others. She is sensitive towards inclusion and has a good understanding of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and where to seek support, if needed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are polite and courteous. They behave extremely well because they have opportunities to discuss boundaries and why they are there and what they are intended to achieve. As a result children play in harmony, share, take turns and are considerate to others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's care and wellbeing. The childminder has a very comprehensive system in place for sharing information with parents to meet children's individual needs. She gathers and shares extensive information with parents, including a detailed individual daily diary, which keep them informed about their child's day and progress. The childminder has cared for many children on a long term basis, providing continuity of care and maintains contact with many past families, which is an reflection of her commitment to the families.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is greatly enriched by the highly effective organisation of time, space and resources. Consistent routines and effective support ensure children feel a sense of belonging and part of the family. This means children feel confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning within safe boundaries. The childminder has high regard for the well-being of all children.

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Organisation

The childminder has a very good range of policies and procedures which cover all aspects of care. She organises her paperwork effectively to ensure confidentiality and ease of access, if needed. She meticulously keeps all the details required, which contributes to the efficient and safe management of the provision, and to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Each child has their own file with all the necessary information kept. Parents views and comments are welcomed and positively encouraged, as the childminder makes time to obtain regular feedback. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure the emergency evacuation plan is practised regularly.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made improvements to her practice, in that an emergency evacuation has been practised. This change to childminding practice help to ensure children's safety and welfare.

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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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