Hugh Sexey Church of England Middle School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 123897 Inspection date 09 February 2006 Inspector Cheryl Langley

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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 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 registered in 1996. She lives with her husband They live in a house in Goffs Oak, with a purpose built, self contained annexe for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children and is currently minding 5 children at various times. The childminder attends the local childminding group on a regular basis.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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 satisfactory. Children enjoy activities which contribute to their health. They play in the garden and visit local parks regularly to benefit from the fresh air. Children experience a variety of play to develop their physical skills using both large and small equipment. For example, they have fun with pushing and pulling toys, bikes and sit-on rides and slides in the garden. In the house they build with bricks, complete puzzles and jigsaws, paint and draw and dance along to music. Children are beginning to learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They are looked after in a welcoming home where they take part in regular routines to keep them healthy. Children learn about maintaining their health through discussion and hygienic practices. They have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after playing in the garden or using the toilet. All of the required procedures

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Helping children to be healthy

and documents are in place to ensure the childminder can act in the children's best interests if they become ill or require medical attention. Children are becoming aware of the benefits of a healthy diet. They know which type of food is good to eat to help them grow. They are encouraged to drink water throughout the day and eat fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and works with them closely to provide nutritious snacks and meals that appeal to the children as well as meeting their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised to keep them safe. They move around freely and independently and adhere to house rules. For example, they know not to move around when they are eating so that they do not risk choking. The childminder helps children understand how to keep themselves free from harm inside and outside of the home through discussion and leading by example. Children are aware of the dangers of water and do not go near the waters edge when they feed the ducks and practise codes for crossing the road safely. However, safety in the event of a fire, or the need for emergency escape from the home, has not been covered in the activities for the children. A range of safe, developmentally appropriate resources are stored around the room at child height for easy access. This enables the children to select their play and activities safely. The childminder has the required procedures and documents in

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she has a good understanding of Child Protection issues. She has attended training in this area and has all the relevant documentation to hand.

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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 Children enjoy a broad variety of play and activities which are child led or planned and organised by the childminder. They receive adult guidance to give them extra support if needed but their independence is promoted as much as possible. Their confidence and self esteem is developed by the childminder who gives them frequent praise and encouragement at appropriate times. Children's sense of belonging is enhanced because she knows them well and values their achievements which she displays in her home and shares with parents. The childminder sets them challenges along with a range of stimulating play to aid their development. This helps to develop their knowledge and skills. For example, children learn to recognise different colours when they choose coloured bricks. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

count as they build with blocks or sing nursery rhymes. Sharing books develops their literacy and communication skills. Children learn mathematical language when they cut shapes out of play-dough. They gain an understanding of matching and sequencing with activity games. Children have fun as they pair-up animal dominoes. Children learn about the natural environment on nature walks, collecting leaves and conkers, or growing potatoes and exploring insects in the garden. Regular use of creative materials such as pencils, crayons, paint and dough encourages the children to represent their ideas in a variety of ways. The children enjoy printing with paint to create a wall for 'Humpty Dumpty' to sit on or drawing pictures to share with their parents. Children express their feelings and experiences through imaginary and creative play. They pretend to shop pushing a doll in a pram or prepare meals with the play food and have fun with musical instruments. They are encouraged to take

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

part in everyday routines to learn about their local community, for example, helping the childminder at the post office or garden centre.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected. Their individual needs are met as they follow their daily routine which is discussed with parents. Children behave well. They understand right and wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and the age appropriate methods used by the childminder to manage behaviour. Children are learning to be considerate, share, take turns. They are polite, remembering to say please and thank you. The childminder provides a range of opportunities for the children to socialise which helps them make positive relationships with others. She compliments them on their achievements and values their creations which she displays around the room. This promotes their confidence, sense of belonging and self-esteem. They feel relaxed and secure and able to make independent choices about what they want to do. Children benefit from a strong partnership between the childminder and parents who

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Helping children make a positive contribution

exchange information frequently. They have daily discussions and review contracts, policies and procedures regularly. The childminder keeps a diary to record the achievements and routines of younger children. This helps keep parents well informed of how their child's needs are being met and their developmental progress. The childminder provides a range of activities and resources to promote a positive

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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 view of the wider world. They enjoy celebrating traditional festivals. Books, dolls and play figures increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's needs are met through effective organisation and good communication with parents. Space and equipment is prepared so that children can access resources easily and independently which enables them to make choices. A balance of child led activities and organised play ensure children have a range of different enjoyable experiences whilst they are with the childminder. They benefit from routines which make them feel settled and relaxed. Children play, eat, sleep and rest as they need to. Documentation is stored securely and information shared appropriately with parents. All of the required policies and procedures are in place to help keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and experience which she continues to update with relevant training. She has a current first aid qualification. Overall, the needs of all the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. This is to ensure the children receive the correct care and attention if first aid is required. The childminder has attended a suitable course and has a current certificate in first aid.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted have not received any complaints since the 1 April 2004. 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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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • devise and practise and emergency escape plan.

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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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