Cotford St Luke Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 133560 Inspection date 28 February 2006 Inspector Catherine Langan

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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 1994. She is registered to provide care for 6 children under 8 years, of these, not more than 3 may be under 5 years, and of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year. At present, the childminder cares for 12 children, all part-time. The childminder lives with her family in a link-detached house on the outskirts of Banbury, close to local amenities. Her home is within walking distance of Hardwick Primary School and Hardwick and Arden Pre-School.

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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 The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and sleeping arrangements are also provided in this area. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is a member of Oxfordshire's Trio Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy an extensive range of activities, which contributes to their good health. They enjoy regular walks to school and opportunities for fresh air. They participate in physical activities to help them develop control of their bodies and improve their physical development. For example, the play in the well equipped garden at every opportunity throughout the year. Children flourish in a very clean, warm and well maintained home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They understand why they must wash their hands after going to the toilet to help reduce the risk of infection. Children benefit from a well balanced diet and healthy snacks. They enjoy being involved in menu planning that develops their knowledge of healthy eating. They have access to drinks at all times to prevent them from becoming thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in a secure environment because the childminder clearly identifies and minimises risks through vigilance and excellent procedures to keep children safe. This means they are able to move around freely and independently. Children are under constant supervision on and off the premises and children understand clear boundaries and road safety so that they stay safe at all times. Children have a good knowledge of fire safety and they understand and regularly practise the fire evacuation procedure. Children independently select activities from an extensive range of good quality toys and equipment. The childminder, through careful supervision, ensures toys and equipment are safe and appropriate for children's age and stages of development. The childminder throughally safeguards and promotes children’s welfare well through her sound knowledge of child protection issues. She provides a written child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection policy to share with parents to ensure they are aware of her duties as a registered childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder, they are extremely relaxed

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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 and happy in their surroundings. They encounter a wide range of carefully planned experiences which stimulates all areas of their development. In addition, activities are extended by spontaneous and fun play. For example, blowing bubbles with the foam from the washing up, following a cookery activity. Children develop good social skills by having opportunities to play with other children of a similar age through regular visits to groups and other childminders. Children enjoy excellent relationships with the childminder, they benefit from spending individual time with her and she is involved and interested in their play. She uses her extensive knowledge of child development to care for them appropriately. Children have access to play areas that allow them to move around freely and take

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

part in impulsive play. Children clearly enjoy playing with the extensive range of toys and resources that are provided, helping them to learn and progress through their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children flourish in this childminder's care. She liaises closely with parents to find out about children's specific requirements and meets their individual needs extremely well. Parents greatly appreciate the childminder and speak highly of the excellent quality service and care given. They receive a good range of information about their children's progress and daily experiences. The childminder values the importance of working closely in partnership with parents. The environment is exceptionally warm and relaxed. Children settle in and quickly learn to trust and build excellent relationships with the childminder. Children are treated equally and the childminder knows them well. Children are well behaved and clear and consistent expectations, together with the interesting range of activities, contribute to excellent behaviour. Children receive a lot of individual care and attention. They develop their sense of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

identity and self-worth through the childminder valuing their ideas and praising their contributions. Children enjoy special activities related to festivals; such as, pancakes for Shrove Tuesday. They use a range of resources which reflect the diversity and develop their understanding of the wider world.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children undoubtedly benefit from the childminder's ability to organise her home, time and documentation extremely effectively for childminding. This underpins the excellent professional service she provides. Children thrive in this environment and enjoy a varied range of stimulating activities because the childminder is committed to her work and uses her skills and knowledge exceedingly well. She undertakes regular training, incorporates new developments such as the Birth to three matters framework in her work and keeps abreast of new legislation. This results in children's

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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 safety, good health, learning and welfare being fully promoted. All required documentation is in place. Records and documents are kept securely, confidentially and readily available for inspection. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspected the childminder was asked to extend the range of resources which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder now has a good range of resources to meet this recommendation.

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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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