Chartwell House School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 110931 Inspection date 30 June 2005 Inspector Sheila Dennis

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and two school-age children in a small town in the New Forest, Hampshire. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently minding ten children, all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the

p.2

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 local parent and toddler group; she takes children to local parks and to the library. The family have a pet cat. The childminder has an N.V.Q.3 in childcare and education; she is a member of the National Childminding Association (N.C.M.A.)

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in a warm, child friendly home where the importance of good hygiene and personal care is thoroughly promoted through the childminder's daily routines. Children develop self care skills and have an excellent awareness of personal hygiene, for example, they readily wash their hands before eating without needing to be reminded. Children are very well protected from cross-infection through these routines and by the high standards of hygiene and cleanliness maintained within the home. Children are well nourished and their individual health and dietary needs fully met by the childminder, who liaises closely with parents and has an excellent understanding of children's health and nutrition. Children enjoy the home cooked meals which the childminder provides and develop an understanding of healthy eating and how to care for their bodies at an unusually early age.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy activities which contribute to their good health and are expertly supported by the childminder who plans a wide range of physical activities both within the home and garden as well as at toddler group, gym tots and on trips out to the forest and beach. The plentiful opportunities to use a wide range of equipment develop children’s control of their bodies and successfully promote their coordination.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy a safe and secure environment which is made welcoming by the childminder's enthusiasm and rapport together with stimulating toys, bright posters, photographs of children and displays of their work. Children's safety is successfully promoted by the childminder's vigilant supervision and use of thorough risk assessments to identify and minimise potential hazards, both in the home situation and on outings. The childminder gives great priority to helping children to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe through regular discussion and practise of situations such as road safety and emergency evacuation. The childminder effectively ensures that children would be well cared for in the event

p.3

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 of an emergency by having a current first aid qualification and routines such as taking a first aid kit and laminated list of children's emergency contact details on outings. She also takes additional measures such as young children having "if I am lost" and the childminder's mobile phone number on their t-shirts; older children carry these details on bracelets or belt tags. The childminder would also be able to promote children's well being in the event of child protection concerns arising as she has a secure understanding of her responsibilities and the procedures to follow. Children benefit from play with an excellent range of good quality, stimulating play equipment which is appropriate to their age and stage of development and readily accessible. All equipment is checked for cleanliness and safety on a regular basis

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and is well organised, enabling children to extend their play with related resources. The childminder makes excellent use of resources to maximise children's enjoyment and promote their development.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children flourish in the childminder's care; they are happy, settled and secure. Children are confident and relaxed due to the strong caring relationships which the childminder has developed with them and the great interest she takes in all they say and do. The childminder has an excellent understanding of child development, enabling her to plan stimulating activities and play opportunities to support children in all aspects of development. As children play and take part in activities, their communication and social skills are effectively developed by the good quality conversation which flows between the childminder and children; children's understanding is also promoted by the childminder's skilful questioning. This results in children developing their listening skills, being confident in asking questions and expressing themselves exceptionally well. Children's independence is promoted at every opportunity; for example, children

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

select their own plates, mugs and cutlery for morning snack and cut up their own bananas using child sized knives, as a result, they develop self-assurance and confidence in their own abilities. Children play with interest and enthusiasm; they concentrate for extended periods and rapidly develop new skills.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's wellbeing is promoted by the excellent partnership between parents and childminder; a detailed child profile, the use of daily journals and ongoing informal discussion contributes to continuity in the children's care and ensures that their

p.4

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 individual needs are met. Children develop self assurance through their close relationship with the childminder. Their self esteem is promoted as she values and respects their individuality and treats all children with equal concern. Children have regular access to resources and activities which encourage an awareness of the world around them and respect for others. Children behave extremely well in response to the childminder's clear expectations, her positive approach with plenty of praise and encouragement and the rich, stimulating environment which she provides.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children feel at home and at ease in this environment which is organised to meet their needs and maximise play opportunities. Children benefit greatly from the childminder's experience, skills and qualifications; the childminder continues to update and further her extensive knowledge of childcare by regularly attending courses. In addition to this, she reviews and evaluates the service she provides, with a view to further enhancing the high quality care which children receive. The childminder has an excellent awareness of the documentation which needs to be maintained and all paperwork which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is maintained to a high standard and is regularly reviewed. The childminder has developed a comprehensive range of thorough and clearly written policies and procedures which are reviewed, discussed and agreed with parents, ensuring that they are kept well informed about the service and their child's activities.

p.5

Organisation

The high quality of this provision means that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend extremely well.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to continue to develop risk assessments to ensure safety is considered in all circumstances. Detailed risk assessments have been carried out and further steps have been taken to ensure children's safety as a result.

p.5

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 On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6