Fernwood School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 136724 Inspection date 13 December 2005 Inspector Laura Brewer

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 1992. She lives with her son and nephew, both over 16 years and her husband. They live in a house in West Wickham close to shops, schools, parks and public transport. The downstairs of the home is used for childminding purposes which includes a designated playroom and toilet facilities. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play opportunities. The family have no pets except fish. The childminder presently cares for 4 children aged 1 to 6 years. One child is cared

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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 for on a full time basis, 2 children are cared for on a part time basis and 1 child is cared for before and after school. The childminder holds the NVQ level 3 qualification in early years care and education and runs a local childminder drop-in group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene practices through very well established every day routines. They are protected from cross-contamination because the childminder follows excellent hygiene procedures. For example, she uses disposable gloves when changing nappies and cleans the changing mat thoroughly after each use. 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 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. This contributes to children learning about a healthy lifestyle. Children's health needs are met very well as the childminder keeps excellent records that are clear and accurate; for example, children's food

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Helping children to be healthy

intake, sleep periods, well-being and nappy changes. This ensures information is effectively shared with parents. Children enjoy the opportunity to take part in outdoor activities on a daily basis, which contributes to a healthy lifestyle. They visit the park where they play with balls and develop their climbing skills. They enjoy the fresh air whilst going on regular local walks. The childminder provides frequent opportunities for the children to practise physical skills indoors; such as building with bricks and completing puzzles together this helps the children gain control of their body. The childminder's very good understanding about appropriate types of activities and warm interaction gives the children confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help.

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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. Clearly written safety procedures are in place to ensure there are effective measures to reduce the risk of potential hazards. Polices are regularly reviewed to ensure they are consistently applied and to ensure 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 by introducing them to road safety. The children choose activities from an

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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 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. Space is organised very effectively to create a 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 very good understanding of procedures to follow to ensure children's welfare is protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are confident and settled, they make themselves at home in the stimulating environment. 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 groups, parks, farms, libraries and play centres which provides them with numerous opportunities to stimulate their interest in the local environment. The childminder's exceptional understanding of child development contributes greatly to the high quality of activities and experiences that the children are offered. The childminder gives children's learning high priority every day. This ensures they make

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

very good progress in all areas of learning and development. The childminder inspires the children's play by supporting and guiding them, being enthusiastic and knowing them well enough to know what interests them. Children learn to listen and respond while enjoying and sharing stories, songs and games. The childminder is particularly skilled at encouraging language development, she stimulates language through activities offered such as role-play and responds to the children by repeating what they say, reinforcing the language and ensuring they feel understood. She talks to the children about what they are doing and asks questions to make them think, this stimulates children's learning. She enables the children to have fun because she knows them extremely well and understands their needs. The childminder records what the children can do and have achieved daily in their individual contact books. These are used very well to monitor how the children are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

progressing and help the childminder to plan appropriate and interesting activities to promote their learning and development. Children's independence is encouraged; for example, through accessible resources stored at child level and by helping the childminder to tidy up. They are happy and secure with high levels of self-esteem and confidence as a result of the childminder's praise and support. The children regularly meet up with other childminders and their children. This enables them to make friends, building their confidence and social skills. Children develop a sense of belonging through the consistent routines and positive relationships they have with the childminder and each other.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual needs are met very 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, words they know, and what particularly interests them, so that she provides consistent care and helps the children to feel valued. The childminder discusses useful information with parents at the first visit and encourages a gradual settling in process to ensure that children settle well and are comfortable within the setting. She has extensive experience and understanding of 'partnership with parents' and builds relationships with parents that are both friendly and professional. This helps ensure children are settled and secure. Parents have clear information about the childminder and the service she offers as her comprehensive portfolio displays clear policies and procedures which enables

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents to have a clear view of the provision provided. Children show care and concern for each other and 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 positively about diversity and provides them with a range a play resources with positive images of race, culture and disability to develop positive attitudes. The childminder has experience of caring for children with special needs and she is proactive in ensuring that her service is inclusive by researching relevant information to help support and promote children's all-round welfare and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. 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. The childminder is very well qualified and experienced in childcare which means children's play opportunities are consistently promoted. She understands the children's interests and inspires them to learn in all settings and particularly supports their enjoyment of the outdoors. Excellent, comprehensive policies and procedures work well in practise to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children's needs are consistently met because of the very good relationships and effective communication with the parents. Parents are well informed about their child's progress and the service provided.

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Organisation

All documentation is well maintained to a very high standard and kept confidentially. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements 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 The last inspection recommended that the childminder developed a more advanced knowledge of assessing children with special needs. The childminder has since had experience of working with children with special needs. Her understanding of relevant issues has been increased which enables her to promote children's welfare and development well. She demonstrates a strong commitment to working with parents and outside agencies to ensure the best care can be provided for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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