Stoke St Michael Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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150967 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2006 Inspection date Carol Readman Inspector

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Integrated Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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.

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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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are outstanding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder has been registered since 1991. She lives with her husband and 4 children in a house in Andover within walking distance of local schools and parks. Childminding takes place mainly on the ground floor with sleeping facilities for overnight care on the first floor. There are toilet facilities on the ground floor and a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding a total of five children under five years of age and one child over five years after school. The childminder attends local toddler groups She is an accredited member of an approved childminder network and is in receipt of funding for nursery education.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive at the setting because the childminder follows highly effective procedures and practices which meet the children’s physical, nutritional and health needs completely. The childminder has undergone specific training above the required level. Children receive excellent adult support and guidance to help them gain a full understanding of hygiene and a real desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care. Older children understand they need to wash their hands after using the toilet to remove germs. Children learn that it is important to care for their teeth and to visit the dentist. The setting is exceptionally clean and there are very effective routines to prevent infection and cross infection in all areas, including nappy changing and food preparation.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive healthy, nutritious meals from parents and healthy nutritious snacks from the childminder. The childminder uses her in-depth knowledge of the benefits of wholesome food to tell the children about the importance of good nutrition. For example, drinking milk to build strong teeth and bones. Children receive their daily milk allowance and fruit for their mid-morning snack as part of developing excellent eating habits. The children can access drinking water at all times from their own named cup to avoid them becoming thirsty. The childminder offers excellent support to parents in providing healthy and nutritious food by discussing children’s lunch boxes with them and sensitivity making helpful suggestion about increasing its nutritional content.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder uses an impressive range of outdoor equipment, appropriate for all ages, skilfully to enhance children's physical development. Children play energetic, fun games such as action rhymes to improve physical skills and control. They thoroughly enjoy learning to balance on a bar that lights up, laughing and enthusiastically encouraging each other. Carefully planned activities such as this help children to see physical exercise as fun. This encourages them to look forward to walks, outdoor play sessions and energetic indoor play. The childminder fully appreciates the need for young children to rest so she thoughtfully balances children's time with more restful story times and quiet times to sit and look at books independently so that children learn to relax and rest to prevent them becoming overtired.

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Helping children to be healthy

Excellent hygiene routines, highly effective teaching about nutrition and fun physical activities all contribute to helping children develop a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder is extremely vigilant and uses a very thorough written risk assessment to identify and reduce potential hazards. Children have an excellent understanding about safety. For example, waiting for the childminder to help them into booster seats on high chairs at the table and making sure they are strapped in. Children learn about safe evacuation procedures. This helps them develop trust in their carer and will help them remain calm in emergencies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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. The extensive range of toys and play resources are stimulating, thoroughly clean, in excellent condition and meet safety standards. There is a large appealing, dedicated play room where children spend their time happily selecting toys, games and books from this very large range of resources. The childminder positions these giving careful thought as to how to make them accessible to children of the appropriate age range. For example, books are arranged so that small children can access their favourites. As a result children learn vital independence skills. The childminder is careful that she stores games and toys that contain very small parts, appropriate for older children, in a separate room and children can only access these under her

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an excellent appreciation of the need to conduct risk assessments when outside the setting. She provides all necessary equipment to ensure children are very safe on outings. A triple buggy means all preschool children who need to, can ride securely along busy roads when out walking. A full range of baby and children's car seats and booster cushions ensures that all are transported in safety in the childminder's car. Older children learn to stay close to the childminder at all times when out walking and learn about crossing the road safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected by a childminder who has a clear understanding of child protection polices and procedures. She gives top priority to children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children at the setting relish days that are full of fun and stimulating activities. They are very happy and settled and enjoy learning as they play. They have high-levels of achievement because the childminder is very skilled with an exceptional understanding of early years guidance, such as Birth to three matters and the curriculum guidance to the Foundation Stage, to provide high quality care and education. They play happily together and share their play with a childminder who joins in to add to the enjoyment. For example, the children dress up as nurses to care for the childminder. They take part in exciting song sack sessions, keen to have their turn to put their hand into the sack and drawing out an object triumphantly. For example, a toy monkey, and then declaring ‘I want to sing monkeys jumping on the bed’. All the children become fully engaged in participating in this particularly fun action rhyme activity that also aids their maths

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and counting skills. Children learn in very satisfying ways as they play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become highly involved in their play and the childminder makes sure they have time to finish what they are doing before moving on to something else. Children suggest new games such as all playing hide and seek after one child decided she would like to hide. The childminder listens to children's requests and helps them organise their play. This makes them feel valued and special. Very close and caring relationships increase children’s sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self. The younger children make excellent progress because the childminder adapts planned activities so that each can be a part of the group. Individual time is given to babies. High quality interactions increases emerging physical and communication skills. There is a careful balance between adult and child led activities. The childminder asks children what they would like to do next. Children are keen and excited at the childminder's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

suggestions for activities such as play dough, song sacks and story time.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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. At this setting the children benefit from their own playroom. This creates a very safe and stimulating environment for them to spend their time at the setting. An abundance of quality resources and excellent play opportunities give children first hand experiences that allow them to build on what they know. For example, children are able to use electronic toys to learn new words that extend their vocabulary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder makes excellent and effective use of the Birth to three matters framework to provide appropriate activities to support the development of children under three. She records their progress in photographs. This gives the children and their parents a valued record of the child's time at the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and children's learning are outstanding. Children are very keen to learn, be involved and become excited in their play. The childminder promotes a safe, secure environment where children listen to new ideas and are eager to try stimulating new activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has exceptionally good knowledge of the Foundation Stage curriculum. Highly effective teaching methods ensure that children learn through their play. The childminder focuses on children's interests and favourite activities to plan learning experiences that will hold children's interest, such as building with the Duplo. This encourages them to concentrate and persevere. As a result, children are keen to try new activities and quickly become completely engrossed in their play. The childminder fully supports and embraces children's learning. For example, in recognising numbers she helps them find the number that represents their age. Children then practise these skills independently until they succeed. They proudly share their achievements with the childminder and receive warm and genuine praise in return.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn in a very stimulating environment where their social and emotional development is central. This means that children are extremely confident, have excellent relationships with all at the setting and have high self-esteem. They take pride in their achievements and behaviour. They learn about how they should behave and why.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn mathematical skills in everyday situations. The childminder skilfully introduces maths concepts, that many children find hard to grasp, in innovate ways such as offering electronic speaking toys that children can practise their skills independently. This encourages them to persevere in their learning as it is fun and they can monitor their own progress. They take part in highly stimulating group activities that develop skills in many areas.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder helps to encourage children to develop a love of books. There is a wide range of books, arranged so that children have access to them at all times. Children choose books for adults to read and have favourite books. There is a high level of involvement in story-telling with children joining in enthusiastically and keen to say what happens next. Children are very eager to tell others about what they have seen and done. There are excellent opportunities for children to further their reading and writing skills as they can access paper and pencils throughout the day. Seeing familiar words around the setting, such as their names on their cups, serves to foster early reading skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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. Children use the 'five senses' as a mini topic to generate exciting projects in practical ways recalling what they saw, touched, smelt, tasted and heard whilst out on a walk. These stimulating hands on experiences allow children to relate to their senses in practical ways. Children have excellent opportunities to develop physical skills by enjoying outdoor energetic play sessions on a range of large apparatus. Play opportunities such as play dough and threading buttons help develop small muscle skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Overall, children make rapid progress and attain excellent levels of achievement in all areas of learning taking into consideration their starting points and capabilities. The childminder is very perceptive in identifying individual children’s interests during self–initiated play and skilfully uses this to enhance their development. She uses questions very successfully to challenge children’s thinking and language skills. Outcomes for children are excellent as they develop the high levels of perseverance and concentration necessary to go on and acquire new skills and achieve new goals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children at the setting are very happy and settled. The childminder considers each child when planning activities and how all will join in to ensure that all play a full part in the setting. This makes all feel important and treated as equals. The childminder ensures that she fully utilises quieter times when young children are asleep to spend quality individual time with the older children. While older children enjoy free time, she devotes time to the extra stimulation and close adult contact that babies and very young children need in order to develop strong bonds. In this way she is able to meet individual needs and make children feel special and valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is committed to ensuring that if she had concerns that a child had a special need, she would, with the parents approval, seek appropriate identification and help from outside agencies. The childminder is careful to consult parents about all aspects of their child's care. They receive a detailed information booklet with a full set of policies and information about the setting. Parents of funded children receive detailed information about the foundation stage, and are given a report each term on their child's progress. They have daily opportunities to consult with this childminder about any matter including their child's education. Children benefit greatly from the close relationship between the childminder and parents. Parents are able to view and add their ideas and comments to the child's record of achievement as part of their involvement and contribution to their child's development. There is a detailed folder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

containing many pictures of their child showing their achievements. Parents treasure this excellent pictorial record of their child's time at the setting. The partnership with parents is outstanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have high self-esteem and are greatly involved in activities at the setting. They are exceptionally well behaved and well mannered. They relate well to all at the setting and are friendly and considerate to visitors. They are learning about the world around them, and cultures and beliefs of the wider world. For example, learning about the animals and people of Africa. These well thought out measures mean that children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder provides the children in her care with a very safe, clean environment where they are free to have fun and play together. They learn as they play because the childminder is expert at providing stimulating play opportunities that help them develop and reach their full potential. The children feel at ease and are able to enjoy the company of all in a setting where the childminder values each child and makes them feel special. This helps them become confident, settled and contributes to their well-being.

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Organisation

The provision is exceptionally well organised to care for children. All necessary documentation is in place, up to date and kept for the required time. In addition, the effective use of robust policies and procedures mean that children can play in a setting that promotes their health, safety, care and learning. Thorough planning that is based on observations of children's achievements helps to enhance their learning and means that children develop rapidly and reach their full potential. There is a very strong focus on the children's personal development and their achievements. The childminder works in close consultation with her network co-ordinator to evaluate and improve all aspects of the setting, including nursery education. Full discussions with parents means that each child receives excellent care tailored to their individual needs in ways that provide continuity of care between the provision and home. The

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to ensure that all members of her household over the age of 16 obtained criminal record bureau clearance. She ensures that she obtains clearances for each child living in the house as they reach 16 years of age. This protects children from coming into contact with unsuitable adults.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are outstanding.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND 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.

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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 nursery education

recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of nursery education are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

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 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.

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