The Ecclesbourne School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

136505 Unique Reference Number 18 December 2007 Inspection date Laura Brewer Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 11 years. They live in a house in Orpington close to schools, shops, parks and a mainline railway station. Apart from the back bedroom, all areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have one cat and two rabbits.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. Currently she has five children on roll.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is first aid qualified. She has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice course, and various additional short training courses. She is the leader of a local Beaver group, which is for boys aged six to eight years, and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are well nourished because the childminder provides a healthy and well balanced diet. She ensures the children are offered fruit and vegetables regularly and encourages them to frequently drink water. The childminder has attended training on healthy eating for children to support her work. She encourages children to learn about healthy eating issues. For example, discussions are prompted whilst children participate in activities where they draw fresh fruit and vegetables. This contributes to children learning about a healthy lifestyle.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about the importance of good health and hygiene practices through very well established every day routines. They are protected from cross-contamination because the childminder follows excellent hygiene procedures. For example, all children are provided with their own individual towel for drying their hands. The childminder's effective implementation of her written sick child policy clearly informs parents of her rigorous procedures and so helps to stop the spread of infection. Children's health needs are met very well as the childminder keeps excellent records that are clear and accurate and has comprehensive procedures to support her work.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive on being physically active. They enjoy regular fresh air and exercise, necessary for their well-being. They take part in many activities that promote their physical skills. They run, balance, play with balls and develop their climbing skills. They visit a variety of parks so that they are offered new and exciting physical challenges and use the garden regularly to enable them to develop co-ordination and skill.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has excellent systems in place for ensuring the safety of the children, to which she gives high priority. Detailed, written procedures ensure there are effective measures to reduce the risk of potential hazards. Policies are regularly reviewed to ensure they are consistently applied and to check that safety within the setting is monitored to promote children's welfare. The risk of accidents outside the home is reduced because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring children are safe on outings. She helps children to learn about their own safety. For example, discussing how to use equipment safely and practising fire drills when children are present. The children choose activities from an excellent variety of good quality resources, which the childminder makes sure are suitable for their age and stage of development so they can play safely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Space is organised very effectively to create a welcoming, child friendly environment. This enables the children to move freely, explore and take risks in a safe space. Clear and comprehensive policies and procedures are effective in protecting children. The childminder recognises her responsibility to the children in her care and has a good understanding of procedures to follow to ensure children's welfare is protected.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children flourish as they have many stimulating experiences that promote all aspects of their learning and development. The children relate very well to the childminder because she plays at their level and is physically close. This helps the children to communicate how they feel, enjoy her company and be happy to go to her for support. The children enjoy the close contact with the childminder and respond very well to her encouragement. The daily routines include visits to a wide range of interesting places such as parks, farms, libraries, soft play centres and toddler groups. This provides them with numerous opportunities to stimulate their interest in the local environment.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children confidently ask questions during the course of their play and receive excellent support from the childminder to challenge and extend their learning. They are absorbed in the activities provided. For example, whilst making snowflakes for Christmas. Discussion is promoted about colour, shape, size and texture to expand children's learning and to extend their vocabulary and thought processes.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder's thorough understanding of child development contributes greatly to the high quality activities and experiences that the children are offered. She seizes opportunities to expand children's language, for example, naming different types of dinosaurs during a small world activity. The childminder inspires the children's play by supporting and guiding them, being enthusiastic and knowing them well enough to know what interests them. The childminder records what the children can do and logs their achievements in both a written and photographic format. These are used well to monitor how the children are progressing and help the childminder to plan appropriate and interesting activities to promote their future learning and development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual needs are met exceptionally well due to the childminder's strong commitment to promoting continuity of care. For example, she takes detailed information about the children's home routine, favourite toys, and what particularly interests them. This enables her to provide consistent care and helps the children to feel valued. The childminder encourages a gradual settling-in process to ensure that children are comfortable within the setting. She demonstrates a strong commitment to working in partnership with parents. She proactively seeks their views about the service provided and ways in which improvements can be made, through detailed written questionnaires. Parents have extensive information about the setting as the childminder's comprehensive portfolio displays clear policies and procedures which enable them to have a clear view of the provision provided.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to play together harmoniously because of the childminder's realistic expectations and example. Her skilful use of praise and encouragement builds children's self-esteem and enables them to learn about acceptable behaviour. The childminder ensures that children learn about diversity and provides them with a range a play resources with positive images of race, gender, culture and disability to develop positive attitudes. Children's awareness of diversity is further developed through the celebration of a variety of festivals within the activity planning. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards caring for children who have learning difficulties or disabilities. She is fully aware of the appropriate levels of support required to promote children's all-round welfare and development.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is significantly enhanced by exceptional organisation. The childminder has developed substantial policies, documents and records that support her very good childcare practice. She is meticulous in her record keeping and ensures her records are purposeful and effective.

p.5

Organisation

The children feel at home and comfortable in the well organised and child orientated environment. Children's play opportunities are maximised because of the very good organisation of the home, which includes a well resourced playroom. This helps children gain confidence and develop their independence.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder strives to improve and develop her practice through attending various training events. She has clear plans for future training opportunities in order to provide the best possible service for the children in her care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended that the childminder request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. Written consents have since been obtained from all parents, enabling their wishes to be followed in the event of an emergency.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5