Evelina Hospital School

Inspection report for early years provision

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100875 Unique Reference Number 15 September 2005 Inspection date Linda Janet Witts 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 has been registered since 1993. She lives with her husband and son. The family has a pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children under the age of 8years; of these, 3 may be under 5 years, and of these 1 may be under 1 year, at any one time. There are currently 7 children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family home is a modern property situated in the residential area of Quedgeley, on the outskirts of Gloucester. Local amenities include schools, playgroups, parks, a nature reserve, a library and shops. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is an experienced childminder who holds a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in childcare at level 3. She is also trained in the support of children with special needs and has experience in this field. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and belongs to the Gloucester and Forest of Dean approved childminding network.

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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. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. They are helped to learn the importance of hygiene as they routinely wash their hands prior to eating and after using the toilet. By looking at information books with the childminder, talking and playing games children learn the importance of sleep, exercise and healthy eating. Hand washing experiments also help the children to learn about germs. Children's health is further supported by the very clear policies and procedures which the childminder follows to protect them from illness and to deal with any accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children regularly sleep after lunch to re-energise themselves. Older children returning from school are able to rest or relax as they wish, according to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children get plenty of physical exercise. They enjoy outdoor play in the garden and local park. In sunny weather children are protected from the sun by wearing sun cream and sun hats. Children enjoy plenty of fresh air as they play outside and undertake daily walks to and from the local playgroup and school. Children develop physical skills and gain control over their bodies as they dance, run, climb, swing and slide, pedal tricycles and play with balloons.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished. They are provided with healthy snacks such as fruit, fruit juice and water is routinely available to them throughout the day. Children's dietary needs are met effectively because the childminder liaises with parents and lunch provided by parents is stored appropriately to maintain food hygiene.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is promoted because the childminder recognises and reduces possible risks. She has undertaken a very detailed assessment of all areas of the home, identifying any risks and also those risks which arise from activities. The children are safe and secure within the home and garden. Regular fire drills are planned to familiarise children with emergency evacuation procedures and most children act appropriately in response to the drill. Whilst on outings children are kept safe because the childminder follows effective procedures. When walking, children hold the childminder's hand, wear safety reins or are secured in a pushchair. When transported in a vehicle each child is suitably restrained; the childminder ensures that her vehicle is well-maintained and that parents have given written permission for children to be transported in a vehicle. Children also learn about road safety when they undertake activities

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young children move safely within the home and independently select activities from an extensive range of high quality resources and equipment. The resources they use are appropriate to their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended training in child protection and in this way has ensured that her practice is underpinned by a good and up-to-date knowledge of signs and symptoms of possible

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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 abuse and the correct procedure to follow should she have any concerns. She has a clear written statement about child protection which is shared with parents. This helps to safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are settled and happy and relish the time spent with the childminder. They are extremely confident and keen to talk about what they are doing. The childminder plans a flexible, appropriate day for children, that follows their routines and includes both indoor and outdoor play. Children's interests are skilfully incorporated by the childminder into her planning. She responds spontaneously to children's ideas and uses opportunities which arise unexpectedly to engage children's interest. For example a child was fascinated by the recycling lorry which appeared outside. Together with the childminder the two-year-old talked about what he could see and the childminder asked questions effectively to promote his thinking.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from an excellent range of activities. The activities are stimulating and enable children to learn new skills, make connections with other experiences, and talk and listen while involved in the activity. Children are encouraged to explore and investigate objects. For example a child was shown how to operate a friction toy. The child examined the toy tractor closely, observing the movement of the wheels from a variety of angles. He experimented by pushing the tractor across the floor, his hand and sofa. He squealed with delight and looked very pleased with himself as he propelled the tractor across the floor. He then stood with excited anticipation waiting for the childminder to push the vehicle through the bridge he had formed with his outstretched legs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children are keen to participate in all activities offered. They select resources for themselves and extend planned activities using their own ideas. They see numerals, count spontaneously as they play and demonstrate impressive vocabulary. Children dress-up and engage in imaginative play using the impressive range of dressing-up clothes and resources. For example children play hospitals, taking on the roles of nurses and patients, using the doctor's kit to offer treatment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are supported extremely well by the childminder who knows instinctively when to play an active part in children's play and when to stand back and let them play freely. Children are able to play at their own pace and should they lose interest in what they are doing the childminder happily suggests alternative activities and asks the children for their own suggestions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Each child is welcomed into the childminder's home. They each have their own named coat peg which gives them a sense of belonging. The childminder has an excellent knowledge of each child's individual needs, likes and dislikes and uses this knowledge effectively to promote their all-round development. The relationships the children have with the childminder are excellent.

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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 Young children look to the childminder for approval and reassurance as they try new things and in return they receive affectionate praise and encouragement in the form of verbal interaction, body language and cuddles. This fosters children's self-esteem as indicated by the beaming smile on a child's face when they have tried something new. Children's work and achievements are valued highly by the childminder who utilises available wall space to display children's work, encouraging children to take pride in their abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children see positive images of culture and ethnicity and planned activities help children to learn about the lives of others. Children relate well to one another and enjoy their time together. They are very well behaved and polite. The atmosphere within the childminder's home is calm and very happy. The childminder herself provides an excellent role model to children. She helps children to gain an understanding of right and wrong and to be considerate of one another. Children are encouraged to show care and concern for the family dog and other living things. Children help to look after the plants in the sensory garden, by watering them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's care is further enhanced by the excellent partnership the childminder has developed with their parents. Parents have clear information about the setting and how their children have been whilst in the childminder's care. For example they receive a parent handbook, are shown 'My Day' folder of photographs to show some of the activities undertaken, and a welcome folder with previous inspection reports, references, policies and evidence of the childminder's training. The childminder routinely talks to the parents when they collect their children but also completes a daily diary to ensure that parents are fully informed about how their children have been during the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She is enthusiastic in her role, is highly qualified and shows commitment towards her own personal development. She improves her knowledge by attending relevant courses and workshops, and uses her knowledge effectively to provide children with a wide range of learning experiences.

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Organisation

The childminder has created a welcoming environment for children and utilises indoor and outdoor space well. This enables children to gain a wealth of play opportunities. She also understands the value of taking children out into the wider community and does this regularly.

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Organisation

The outcome of the children in her care are good, because the childminder regularly reviews her practice and happily adapts it to meet the needs of the children. She has produced comprehensive written policies and procedures which reflect her practice. Such documents demonstrate how well the childminder strives to provide high quality care for children, promoting their all-round well-being. All legally required documentation is clear, up-to-date, easily accessible and stored securely.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to keep a written record, signed by parents of any medicines given to children and to request permission from parents for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

These matters have been fully addressed. Consents have been successfully obtained to give the childminder permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice for all children in her care. The childminder now keeps clear records of any medication administered to children; these include parents' signatures to confirm that they have been informed.

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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): • Continue to help the children to learn how to keep themselves safe and ensure that the regular fire practises undertaken help to familiarise all children with emergency evacuation procedures.

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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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