Brentwood County High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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145474 Unique Reference Number 05 November 2007 Inspection date Jan Healy 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 1993. She lives with her husband and one child aged 16 years on the outskirts of Trowbridge. The whole of the ground floor is used for children's play and bedrooms are available for sleep and rest. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor 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 caring for eight children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes and collects children from Oakfield Nursery and Walwayne Court School, Trowbridge. She holds a relevant qualification in childcare and education.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. High standards of hygiene help to prevent the spread of cross infection and keep the children from illness. There are efficient hand washing and drying facilities in place, with the children having the benefit of anti-bacterial soap, warm water and individual towels. They are taught

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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 to wash their hands thoroughly at suitable times, for instance, before eating and after playing in the garden. Sick children are not permitted into the home, to protect the good health of the other children in the group. If a child becomes ill during their stay, they are separated and are swiftly reunited with their parents. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is confident to deal with an injury, swiftly and effectively. All accidents are recorded and are shared with the parents. The childminder requests the parents written permission for the seeking of emergency medical treatment or advice, to prevent a delay in the children from receiving appropriate professional help.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy their dining experience whist sat together at a table. This not only helps to promote their vocabulary, but also helps to enhance their social skills and table manners. During warm weather, the children have the opportunity to dine al fresco, which they look forward to. The children are able to eat at their own pace in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. A healthy and nutritious snack is available, with their preferences taken into consideration. The older children independently access fresh drinking water, whilst younger children have the provision of regular fluids, to prevent them from dehydration, particularly after physical play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children, parents and visitors are warmly greeted upon arrival, making for pleasant atmosphere. The home is clean and well maintained both inside and out. Artwork is mounted of the children's paintings and the rooms are well organised to provide efficient space for both table top and floor activities. Suitable nappy changing facilities ensure the children's privacy. Rest areas allow the children to sleep without disturbance. The premises remain to a comfortable temperature, so the children play in contentment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Equipment helps to create an accessible environment, for example, a booster step and seat, so children are able to make use of the bathroom without adult help. Toys and resources are stored within the children's easy reach, so they are able to self-select the activity of their choice, which helps to enhance their independence. The children are interested and want to play with the toys available, encouraging their progress and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes positive steps to eliminate accidents and injury whilst the children are in her care. She regularly checks the smoke alarms are in good working and that a fire blanket is readily available for use. She teaches the children to leave the premises swiftly in the event of an emergency and keeps exits clear at all times. Finger protectors are fitted to doors and child locks are fitted to low-level kitchen units, to protect the children from injury. Hot liquids, sharp objects and dangerous fluids are kept out of the children's reach. The children wear safety restraints when being transported in a car and are taught road safety when on outings. Further knowledge, however, would deepen her understanding with regard to keeping the children in her care safe, healthy and free from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has accurate knowledge about child protection issues, so is able to protect the children's happiness and well being. She has good understanding about the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and keeps a record of existing injuries. She is aware of the procedure to follow in the event of witnessing a concern and assures the parents confidentiality.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder is kind and affectionate towards the children in her care, helping to raise their confidence and self-esteem, as the children feel safe and secure. The children have the opportunity to participate in an extensive range of activities, and are encouraged through gentle persuasion, to attempt a new play opportunity, for instance, tinkling on the piano and listening to the different sounds the notes make. The children take part in an immense range of creative play, making collages with scrap material and leaves they find in the garden, which are sensitively mounted for their enjoyment. They print and paint, being allowed to use their imagination and freedom of choice. There are a superior selection of picture, story and resource books, which the children like the childminder to read, whilst cuddling into her. They particularly enjoy joining in singing games and like to repeat their favourite nursery rhymes, dancing and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

taking part in role-play. Dressing up clothes are readily available for the children, which stimulate their enthusiasm and helps to extend their imaginative development, as they pretend to be characters of their choice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have the advantage of being cared for in a discriminatory free environment, where their individuality is respected and valued. The children are encouraged to speak in a small group and to express their opinion, with their contributions being listened to and taken seriously. The children participate in activities that help them to appreciate similarities and differences, such as hair colour, difference in height and age. They celebrate major festivals and have the advantage of accessing a broad range of materials that reflect positive images of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive steps are taken to promote the children's welfare and development, such as taking appropriate action when a child is identified as have a learning difficulty or disability. Therefore, the childminder works in partnership with the parents, so she is able to plan a suitable range of play opportunities, which aid the children to progress in their learning. Activities are adapted if necessary, so all children are able to participate in all the games on offer. This helps to aid the children's self-esteem, as they are all treated as a valued member of the group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is able to manage a wide range of behaviour in a positive way, that does not entail excluding the children from participating in an activity. They are taught about how their behaviour has an effect on the other children in the group and they are consulted about the ground rules. Responsibility is encouraged, which includes the tidying away of their toys after play. The parents are kept up to date about the behaviour of their children, with agreements being made to ensure consistency is applied. This prevents confusion, as the children receive the same message when attending the childminder's care and when at home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with the parents, for the benefit of the children. Written contracts are shared, which are regularly updated to include any relevant changes. The parents are requested their written permission to transport the children in a vehicle, so they are aware of any travel arrangements. All policies, procedures and statements are freely available for parents perusal, which keeps them up to date about the provision and helps to prevent misunderstanding. The childminder provides the parents with details about the procedure to follow in the event of wishing to raise a concern, which helps to eliminate a delay in the resolving of a problem.

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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 good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has 14 years experience of caring for young children and holds a relevant early years qualification. She has good knowledge and understanding about child development and about how young children learn. All the children's records are stored confidentially, to protect their personal details. All documentation is readily available for inspection, so historical checks can be made. The childminder keeps Ofsted informed about any significant changes, so they are able to ensure the children remain safe. An attendance register is kept up to date and contains details about the children's arrival and departure times, so they are accounted for in an emergency. Adult:child ratios are maintained for the children's welfare and happiness.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was requested to develop her complaints procedure, to include Ofsted's details, helping to prevent a delay in a problem being resolved. She was also requested to further her knowledge and understanding with regard to child protection issues. Therefore, she attended a training course, so is up to date about current legislation.

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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 further knowledge and understanding about how to keep young children healthy and free from harm

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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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