Little Ridge Community Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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114481 Unique Reference Number 18 March 2008 Inspection date Jacqui Lloyd 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 is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently three children on roll. Childminding takes place in a detached house in the village of Lindfield, West Sussex. The childminder also runs a nursery school from the same premises and offers childminding as an additional service to families and children attending the nursery school. The home is close to local shops, the park and village shops. The childminder lives with her husband. There are no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to the ground floor of the premises where sleep and toilet facilities are located. An enclosed garden is also available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The provider is qualified in early years care and is a teacher.

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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 good. The childminder provides a clean and hygienic environment for the children and encourages children to follow good procedures which contribute towards their healthy development. For example, she implements a strict sickness policy which involves excluding children when they are ill. This helps to protect children from sickness and prevents the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

There is good provision and support to enable children to manage their own personal needs and become independent. The childminder teaches the children about the importance of hand washing and incorporates this into the daily routine.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder maintains clear and effective records relating to accidents and medication and always shares these with parents. This helps to ensure parents are fully informed about their child's health and welfare needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their physical skills as they play energetically indoors and in the well-equipped garden. Children have access to toys and equipment that are developmentally appropriate and provide good physical challenges for the children. Children benefit from playing in the fresh air as this contributes towards their good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well protected from danger as the childminder rigorously undertakes written risk assessments both within the home and the outdoor play area on a daily basis. She demonstrates an excellent understanding of potential dangers and how to keep children safe. She also constantly talks to the children about hazards and teaches them how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are excellent written policies in place which also help to ensure that safety is given the highest priority.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are totally child-centred and presented in an extremely bright and welcoming manner. The walls are adorned with posters and displays of children's artwork and there is an extensive range of toys and play materials on display for the children. This helps to create an environment in which children feel very valued and settled.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to an abundance of high quality toys and resources that support development in all areas of learning. These are well presented and exceptionally well organised. This helps children to see exactly what is available and make independent choices about what to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are extremely well protected as the childminder fully understands her responsibilities regarding safeguarding children. She has attended relevant training and is confident about the signs and symptoms of abuse and the correct procedures to follow.

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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 good. Children arrive happily and settle quickly to their self chosen activities. A child enters the playroom and looks excitedly at the range of interesting and stimulating toys that are presented well. He points at one and turns to the childminder to declare 'that looks like fun, I'd like to play with that'. He shows great confidence and happiness as he settles to play and explore.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy very close and caring relationships with the childminder who is very focused and attentive to their needs. She is very sensitive to the individual needs of the children and works hard to help children settle quickly and realise their own potential whilst in her care. She does this by talking with the children, observing them and providing lots of positive praise and reinforcement. The childminder is actively involved in the children's play and skilfully extends their learning by asking questions, challenging children and helping them to explore ideas for themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a broad and interesting range of play and learning opportunities. The childminder has an extensive knowledge of early years education and child development and applies this to all aspects of her care provision.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder is totally committed to meeting the needs of all the children in her care. She fully recognises their individual needs and successfully promotes equality of opportunity for all. The childminder provides carefully selected toys and resources that reflect positive images of diversity. This helps children to develop a strong sense of identity and respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave extremely well and clearly understand what is expected of them. 'House rules' that are shared with the children help them to understand about acceptable boundaries. Children are polite and courteous to one another and respectful of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder develops excellent partnerships with parents and is totally dedicated to meeting their differing needs. She offers an extremely flexible service and works closely with parents to ensure the needs of the children are met fully. The childminder regularly seeks the views of her parents and feedback is extremely positive. This reflects the childminder's commitment to working in partnership with parents and providing good quality care for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides extensive written information for parents about her service, including policies and written consent forms for all aspects of her care practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a highly organised and professional approach. She has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the regulatory requirements of the National Standards for Childminding. Her childminding arrangement is provided as an extension to the registered nursery school that she runs from her home. She offers a childminding service to meet the needs of the families and children attending her nursery school and offers early morning and after school care.

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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 The childminder is highly motivated and enthusiastic. She is committed to the ongoing development of her knowledge and skills and subsequently her childcare practice and childminding service.

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Organisation

She has devised clear and comprehensive written policies and documents that help to ensure the safe and efficient management of her service. She maintains all of the relevant records and most contain the necessary details. However the format for recording children's attendance is not always totally clear.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, one recommendation was raised. This related to the attendance record. The childminder has addressed this by ensuring a record of attendance is in place, however the format for recording the attendance is not completely clear and therefore needs to be reviewed.

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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): • review the format for recording children's attendance

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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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