EdStart Schools Bolton

Inspection report for early years provision

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151392 Unique Reference Number 25 February 2008 Inspection date Janet Butlin 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 lives with her husband in a three bedroomed house, a short walk from the town centre of Brixham, in Devon. She has been registered since 1991 and may care for up to six children under the age of eight years. There are currently nine children enrolled in this age range. The house is within walking distance of shops, pre-schools and parks and there is an enclosed garden to the rear of the house. There are no family pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children learn about healthy eating and are extremely well nourished whist at the childminder's. They benefit form the strong emphasis she gives to providing healthy and nutritious meals. Most of the food children eat at the childminder's is organic and is freshly prepared. They enjoy helping the childminder unpack the box of organic fruit and vegetables that is delivered every week and this helps them to think about where their food comes from. The childminder has sought guidance from the local environmental health department and had undertaken training

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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 help her in this area. Children are very well hydrated as they access their drinks whenever they want one. They also relish their snacks of fresh fruit.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play in a very clean home where excellent standards of hygiene are implemented, for example at nappy changing time. They learn the importance of protecting themselves from germs as they each have their own individual flannel, towel and hairbrush. Visitors to the home use paper towels, and these measures effectively protect children from the risk of cross infection. They are further protected from catching each other's germs as those who are sick or infectious are requested not to attend. Those who have an accident whilst at the childminder's are very well cared for as she is qualified in first aid and has all systems in place to accurately record what has happened.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children become strong and healthy as they go on daily walks and visit local activity groups. They develop control of their bodies and learn to move confidently as, for example, they explore appropriately challenging climbing frames, dance and take part in toddler aerobic sessions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in a very warm and welcoming home. They move easily and confidently around the living areas where they have ample, clear space to, for example, push their dolls in buggies, set up role-play and also to sit quietly and look at books. They sleep safely in clean, fresh, cots where they are monitored carefully by listening devices. Children also play in a secure rear garden, where the childminder ensures that plants grown present no hazard to their health. Children access their toys and games easily and safely from an extensive range of high quality equipment that is set out for them to choose from. All toys are in pristine condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe in the home as the premises are secure and the childminder has conducted a thorough risk assessment to ensure all hazards have been identified and addressed. Children are unable to access any harmful materials or areas as effective use is made of barriers, gates and safety catches. Children are confident in the procedure to be followed in the event of an emergency. The childminder has a thorough emergency back-up procedure recorded on file to ensure excellent continuity of care is provided for children. They all practise the evacuation routine regularly and this is recorded in helpful detail to identify any areas for future improvement. A clear and accurate register is maintained and this means it is a reliable means of telling who is on the premises in the event of such an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children' safety is further supported as the childminder has a thorough understanding of the child protection procedures. She has undertaken comprehensive training in this area and has up to date guidance to refer to in the event of having a concern. She is proactive in seeking professional guidance to ensure her understanding is current and relevant.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have a marvellous time with the childminder. They benefit from her detailed understanding of the Birth to three matters framework, and the Foundation Stage, and the way she uses this knowledge to plan and present activities that will help them to develop. Young children play together, delighting in each other's company. They confidently select and present toys and books and their early attempts at words are repeated back to them by the childminder. This helps them to become skilful communicators. They become competent learners

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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 make connections in their play as, for example, the childminder helps them to place all the jigsaw pieces depicting farmyard animals into a bowl and then find the correct places for them to complete the picture, counting as they do so. This activity links to the children's overall current interest in animals. Children develop their interests through skilfully presented activities. For example, the childminder provides them with little books where they can seek out the wild flowers they have photographed and then reinforce their discoveries by finding them again in a picture book. The childminder has created fantastic booklets linking the children's activities to the Birth to three matters components. These books are carefully annotated to also show children's progress. Children's enjoyment is extended as they go on regular walks and outings

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to places of interest, such as the local zoo and the model village. They visit the local library, where they explore rhyme and rhythm and the childminder is keen to extend this exploration of sound as she has obtained training materials in this area. Older children play happily with the younger ones as they develop pretend picnics in the living area, dress up and enjoy cooking, craft and music activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children learn about social and cultural diversity in meaningful ways as they play with toys and look at books that have positive images. Those who have English as an additional language benefit from the respect that is shown, by the childminder, to their other family cultures and languages. Children's individual needs are known and respected and those who have specific needs receive excellent care. The childminder works closely with parents and local agencies to ensure that each child receives the care and stimulation they need to help them progress. Their care is further enhanced as the childminder has attended extensive training courses to enrich her understanding regarding a variety of specific needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They say please and thank you at appropriate moments and young children show that they are beginning to recognise what is not allowed as they raise their finger to mimic a warning. They respond to the childminder's calm and positive manner. They applaud themselves as they are praised for completing puzzles and playing cooperatively. Even very young children show care for one another as they pass their playmate their drink, or a book.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. They benefit from the exemplary system of communication that exists between the childminder and their parents. A termly diary is presented to parents containing beautiful pictures which are thoughtfully annotated to evidence children's activities and their progress. These comments really enliven the picture parents receive of what children have been doing. Ongoing discussions, telephone conversations and pictures on the notice board keep parents up to date with children's day to day care and achievements. Parents hold the childminder in high regard and are keen to convey their appreciation by sending cards and letters. There are excellent systems in place to keep parents informed of regulatory procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for by a thoughtful, conscientious, committed childminder who takes a caring, professional approach to her work with children. She organises her time and resources extremely well and plans and provides a first class range of activities that help children to enjoy

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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 their time and to progress in all areas. She carefully observes children to ensure they are enjoying themselves, seeks guidance when appropriate and works very closely with parents at all times. Children benefit from the enthusiasm she shows towards undertaking additional training, for example, in forthcoming changes to early years care and education. This enhances the experiences of the children in her care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She regularly reviews and evaluates her practice and sets goals for her future development. All regulatory documentation is in place and is securely stored in a very organised fashion. The childminder is proactive in communicating with Ofsted regarding any changes or events.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was requested to continue to plan for children's next stages of development. She has undertaken extensive training and research into the Birth to three matters framework and the Foundation stage and plans activities that will help children enjoy their time with her and achieve their full potential.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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

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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