Bignold Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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134955 Unique Reference Number 05 March 2008 Inspection date Maxine Coulson 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 registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 13 years. They live in a four bedroom detached house on a residential road, close to the centre of Banbury. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for children's outside play. Her home is within walking distance of local shops, parks, pre-school and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children under the age of eight years. She currently cares for 20 children, of these, 13 children are over eight years. All children attend for a variety of days, times and sessions.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and welfare are of high priority to the childminder, who ensures they play in a clean environment where they learn from an early age the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines. The childminder has devised an excellent range of

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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 policies and procedures, which are shared with parents, to support her childminding practice. For example children who are infectious are not allowed to attend in order to prevent the spread of contagious ailments to other children. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means she can give appropriate care to children if there is an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a social atmosphere as they sit together to eat their snacks and meals provided by parents. The childminder has a clear awareness of the importance of children having a well balanced diet and encourage parents to provide 'healthy options'. Children talk and learn about 'good' and 'bad' food as they participate in imaginative play of running a restaurant, for example. The childminder is very aware that children need to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and is vigilant about ensuring they always have a drink to hand.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures children play outside each day. She takes them to the local parks where they enthusiastically explore apparatus suitable for their age and development. She also plans time for children to play in her garden where they use balls, skipping ropes and trundle toys, developing their confidence and skills and becoming aware of space for themselves and others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in a secure environment where they can move around safely and where high priority is given to their personal safety. The childminder takes precautions to prevent accidents, for example by using socket covers, fire guard and stair gates in areas where children could be at risk. She is proactive in ensuring her home is as safe as is can be, for example, daily written risk assessments help ensure proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Both indoors and out in the garden, children have easy and safe access to an excellent range of toys and resources appropriate for their age, all of which are maintained in very good condition. The childminder does a regular visual check of toys and resources, to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm children. The childminder is also vigilant about children's safety when on local trips and visits. She ensures younger children travel either in suitable buggies, while older children participate in the local road safety campaign called 'Footsteps'. This means children learn responsibility about how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well being is consistently supported as the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and an excellent understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. Children's welfare is further promoted within the setting, as the childminder has written procedures to follow in the event of a child becoming lost and requests all visitors to sign on and off the premises.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely confident, very independent and develop self-esteem by the childminder encouraging them to try different types of activities and giving praise. For example, during a puzzle activity, children and childminder clap and cheer when one of the children find the right piece to fit. Children are highly motivated and very interested in an excellent range of purposeful activities which provide consistently high levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. Emphasis is put on children developing the breadth of their skills, knowledge

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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 and understanding and they respond enthusiastically to the activities the childminder provides each day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is very skilled in encouraging young children to express themselves. She constantly talks to them, asking them questions, giving them instructions and encouraging them to explore. Children are highly valued and the childminder listens and responds to what they have to say. The children enjoy listening to stories and learn about the meaning of words through the childminders expressive reading. They spend time concentrating on self chosen activities that are stimulating and educational. Children are encouraged to be independent from a young age as the childminder gently encourages them to make their own choices, as they select from the superb range of toys, equipment and resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children have equal access to a wealth of play resources and activities and their individual needs are very well met. The childminder gives children regular opportunities to learn about the world they live in through outings and activities that introduce them to other cultures. For example, by attending local activity groups where children socialise with a rich ethnic mix of local people. Their appreciation of other cultures is further enhanced by the variety of toys and puzzles that reflect diversity, and they have opportunities to play with toys that depict characters with disability. The childminder is aware of the information she would need to gather to ensure the appropriate care of children with learning difficulties and disabilities, although none currently attend.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and play together harmoniously. They show respect for themselves and others, encouraged by the childminder setting a superb example , such as, saying please and thank you, to both herself and other children. The childminder encourages children to share and take turns and they are beginning to develop a good understanding of what is right and wrong. She has developed strategies to deal with inappropriate behaviour, using distraction or talking to the child in a firmer tone of voice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s continuity of care is significantly promoted through the childminder’s valued relationship with the parents. The childminder has excellent strategies for building good relationships with parents and carers, which further enhances and contributes to children's wellbeing. She ensures records and procedures are comprehensive and clear, and continually shares information to ensure consistency and help parents and carers feel actively involved in their children's development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a welcoming, relaxing and comfortable environment. The childminder organises her paperwork effectively to ensure it is easily available if needed, but does not ensure all records are listed in a way that maintains confidentiality at all times. The childminder’s portfolio evidences her commitment to providing excellent quality care for children. There are extensive and well written policies and procedures, which are a true representation of the first rate practices of the childminder. All necessary documentation is completed correctly, is up to date and reviewed regularly. However, although records show parental signatures where medication has been administered, the childminder has not obtained prior written permission.

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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 Written information for each child's routines and requirements, ensures all children's individual needs are extensively met and are further enhanced through the childminder’s excellent relationship with parents. The layout of the childminders home and outdoor area is very well organised for children to play safely, and they benefit from an environment where they receive excellent adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The day is very well planned, allowing children time for quiet and active play. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. 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 was asked to consider the following;

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Improvements since the last inspection

Develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues

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Improvements since the last inspection

Ensure play materials help children appreciate and value diversity.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has now attended training to update her knowledge of child protection issues and provides a wide range of toys and resources that reflect diversity and promote positive images. This ensures the children's continuing care, welfare and safety.

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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 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): • obtain written permission from parents prior to administering all types of medication and ensure all records are set out in a way that maintains confidentiality at all times.

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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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