Temple Sutton County Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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128882 Unique Reference Number 14 November 2007 Inspection date Silvia Richardson 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 by the Local Authority in 1980 and subsequently registered with Ofsted in 1992. She lives with her husband and adult son, in a house close to shops, parks, library and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. The childminder is currently minding seven children on a sessional basis, including three children aged under five years daily and children before and/or after school. The family has no pets. The childminder is an active member of the Bunbury childminding group, network childminder of the Ladywell children's centre area and a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children relax and play in a very clean and comfortable home, promoting their wellbeing. Outdoor shoes are removed, helping to maintain hygienic floor play areas. The childminder has an excellent understanding of infection control, so that her practice effectively protects and promotes children's health. Children each have their own personal wash bag and they use disposable paper towels for hand drying, minimising risk of cross infection. Arrangements for nappy changing include wiping surfaces with anti-bacterial spray, immediate disposal of nappies to an outside bin and thorough hand washing routines. Children are developing good personal hygiene habits, because they are consistently encouraged and supported to wash their hands. They understand how germs are spread and appreciate how regular hand washing helps them to be healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are very well nourished. They are offered a wide variety and balance of fresh foods, including plenty of fruit and salad vegetables. They are helped to make healthy choices and children enjoy their meals, because the childminder respects children's preferences and talks with them about foods which are beneficial to their health. The childminder is attentive to children's medical needs, follows written guidelines and acts sensitively and responsibly, ensuring their health is actively promoted. Children have excellent opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise, because they walk to and from school every day. They make good use of the outside play area and develop a broad range of physical skills. Children walk to the shops, park, community groups and places of interest, as part of their every day routines, promoting an active and healthy life-style.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The environment is carefully arranged with safety in mind, so that children play and move around the home confidently and independently. Safety precautions include gates across the bottom of the stairs and kitchen doorway, guarded fire place in the living room and protective covers in electrical sockets. Fire safety measures include a fire blanket, easily accessible in the kitchen, working smoke alarms and children practising the emergency escape plan, so that they know what to do and how to stay safe, in the event of a fire. The childminder is vigilant, anticipates and supervises younger children closely, protecting them from harm and ensuring they stay safe. Risk assessment is rigorous, ensuring furniture, toys and equipment are safe, sturdy and well maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an excellent understanding of safety issues and these are reflected in both her written policies and her practice with the children. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe, because the childminder talks to children all the time about potential dangers. They pick up toys and are learning to maintain a safe floor play area, so that they can avoid tripping hazards. They talk about road safety and 'stranger danger', looking at books together, listening to and discussing stories, reinforcing messages about staying safe. Children are kept safe and protected, should safeguarding concerns arise, because the childminder has attended training, follows the written guidelines and knows how to record and report appropriately.

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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. Children are very happy, relaxed and settled, because the childminder creates a warm, comfortable, secure environment. Children play confidently and purposefully, with a wide range of toys and play materials, because the childminder actively supports the children, sitting with them and engaging in discussion about what they are doing. Children are encouraged to think and to reason, through the childminder asking them open questions. They are developing a strong knowledge base and expanding their language repertoire, because the childminder thoughtfully plans activities, with consideration to learning intentions, and evaluates learning outcomes for children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children easily access an excellent range of resources, supporting exploration and discovery. The childminder uses resources successfully with the children, extending their play ideas and developing their skills. Children are thriving in the setting, because the childminder is consistently perceptive and attentive to their changing interests. The flow and pace of play and learning activities is child centred and builds on their spontaneity and natural curiosity. Individual needs are met effectively, because the childminder is skilled in managing group play and in promoting inclusion. Routines are child focussed and provide a nurturing balance of play, meals, rest and relaxation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy an excellent balance and variety of activities both in the home and out in the community, enhancing their play and learning experiences. They enjoy sticking using natural materials, dressing up for role-play and story times with props, such as puppets and small life toys, so that they can enjoy practical 'hands on' experiences. Children visit places of real interest to them, such as the farm and a fire station, bringing learning to life. Well presented pictures and photographs of activities are helping children recall events and experiences sequentially, reinforcing their learning and acquisition of skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy a real sense of belonging, because the childminder actively creates a welcoming, relaxed and homely atmosphere. Children are helped to feel good about themselves and develop a positive identity, through a broad range of practical activities, that celebrate difference and diversity. They enjoy creative activities for Chinese new year and Divali and dressing up in costumes of different cultures, helping them to appreciate and value differences. Children are introduced to other languages as part of the activities, and those for whom English is an additional language enjoy books in dual languages. Children are encouraged to learn and to use a few words in their own language and also learn some sign language, so that they become effective communicators.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive partnerships with parents are well established, effectively promoting children's welfare. Meticulous attention is paid to medical needs and to children with learning difficulties and disabilities, so that they are positively included and thrive in the care of the childminder. Written agreements are in place, supporting childminding arrangements, so that children's all round needs are effectively met. The childminder keeps a detailed daily diary, accounting for activities, children's progress and well-being, so that parents are well informed. Children learn some 'golden rules' in the setting, helping them to be sociable, develop polite manners and behave in acceptable and desirable ways. Positive and appropriate behaviour is reinforced with praise and affection.

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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. The childminder is fully trained and qualified in early years care and education to NVQ level 3 and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate, enhancing her childminding practice. She has attended a wide range of certificated courses in childminding and childcare related topics, including food and nutrition, child protection and special needs, keeping her up to date and well informed of current trends. The childminder works effectively with children, providing care and early years education of exceptionally high quality, because she is committed and dedicated to her work. Children are thriving and making very good progress, because the childminder draws on 25 years of experience, applies a common sense approach and places the child at the centre of all activities and arrangements. Detailed childminding polices and thoughtfully planned and evaluated activities, underpin outstanding practice. Strong organisational skills, including

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Organisation

group care management and attention to individual needs, are ensuring inclusion is positively promoted and that every child matters.

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Organisation

Children are developing confidence and independence, because the home is very well organised to meet their needs. They are able to help themselves to toys and play materials, because these are well arranged, sorted into sets, labelled and easily accessible. The childminder is effective in helping children make choices, to share and take turns, because she is skilled in engaging the children, anticipating and swiftly managing potential conflict. Children spread out in the living room, relax and play comfortably on the floor, because space is very well organised. Children play enthusiastically and are well motivated, because play sets are attractively set out. Children enjoy meals and play activities at the table in the kitchen, because there is sufficient space for them to sit together comfortably as a group and enjoy a sense of belonging. Arrangements for rest and sleep are well managed, so that children enjoy peaceful surroundings

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Organisation

and are well monitored, ensuring they are safe. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has developed and evaluated her activity plans and these clearly demonstrate how individual play and learning needs are effectively met.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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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