Middle Street Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 114369 Inspection date 23 February 2006 Inspector Joanne Lindsey Caswell

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 has been registered since 1998.She lives with her husband and daughter, in a residential area of Broadbridge Heath, near Horsham, West Sussex. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding. Children have access to a lounge, dining area and conservatory. A ground floor cloakroom provides toilet and hand-washing facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have pets. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children under 8 years. She is currently caring for 12 children, who attend on a part-time basis.

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 The childminder is willing to collect children from local schools and regularly attends pre-school groups.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from the scrupulously clean and very well maintained environment. They are extremely well protected against illness as the childminder uses effective strategies to protect children from infection. Parents are made aware that their children may not attend the setting, if suffering from illness and infection and the childminder maintains a comprehensive written record of measures to ensure infection control. Children have a very good understanding of the importance of hand-washing to ensure their good health. They learn how to take care of their own personal needs, as there are picture symbols reminding children about using soap and water to ensure their hands are thoroughly clean. As a result of this, children enjoy the hand washing routines and manage independently. Children use their own flannels and there are very good systems in place for ensuring children are protected

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

against cross-infection. The childminder wears gloves during nappy change routines and there are paper-towels and wipes available which can be disposed of hygienically to ensure a very clean and healthy environment. Children have excellent opportunities to enjoy physical play and exercise. They undertake walks to pre-school groups and school each day and enjoy frequent visits to the park. This enables children to benefit from fresh air and exercise to promote their good health. Children develop their physical skills as they use large resources; such as, slides, swings and wheeled toys. This enables children to climb, negotiate steps and develop their co-ordination. Babies and younger children develop their mobility skills as they have ample room to move around freely and in a variety of ways. Children's dietary needs are catered for. The childminder has a very good understanding of Environmental Health regulations. She has completed Food

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Hygiene training and ensures that children's packed lunches are stored in accordance with regulations to promote children's good health. Children enjoy lunches prepared by their parents and the childminder has a very clear understanding of each child's dietary requirements. She is proactive in encouraging children to develop healthy eating patterns. For example, she reduces children's snacks during the morning, to ensure they have a good appetite and eat well at lunch time.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The premises are extremely welcoming and inviting for children. There is ample room for children to move about easily and children can access their toys and play

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 materials safely. The fully enclosed garden enables children to play outside safely throughout the year. All relevant safety precautions are taken throughout the childminder's home, to ensure children's safety and security. For example, there is a carbon monoxide detector in the lounge where children play and smoke alarms are fitted throughout the property. Sleeping children are closely monitored and all children are constantly supervised. This ensures that children remain safe at all times. Children learn how to keep themselves safe through practical experiences. Older children learn the importance of road safety as they walk to and from school. Younger children learn about safety through explanation. For example, toddlers learn that hot drinks pose a hazard and that they should not touch. This enables children to

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

learn about the importance of safety. There are excellent procedures in place to ensure children's safety in the event of an emergency. The childminder has devised a comprehensive emergency plan with support provided by nearby childminders. This enables the childminder to implement appropriate procedures to ensure children's safety in an emergency situation. Children's security is given high priority. The childminder ensures that only authorised personnel are permitted to collect children from her care. This ensures that she protects children and contributes towards their safety and security. There are very good systems in place to protect children from harm and abuse. The childminder has an excellent understanding of her role and responsibilities as a childminder and has completed child protection training. She is extremely aware of local child protection policies and procedures, enabling her to implement these,

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

should she ever have any concerns about a child in her care.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in the childminder's care. She has an excellent understanding of child development, enabling her to provide suitably challenging play and learning opportunities. Children engage in carefully planned activities, enabling them to be fully stimulated and confident in the childminder's care. They enjoy challenges and develop the confidence to try new things and acquire new skills. Children develop their language and communication skills with the childminder, as she utilises opportunities; such as, looking at books, to develop and extend children's vocabulary. Babies successfully make their needs understood through gestures and sounds, which the childminder responds positively to, demonstrating a clear understanding of their differing needs. Children enjoy very close and loving relationships with the childminder. She engages in play with them and enjoys their company. Children sit cosily to look at books and

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

benefit from the childminder's close attention. The childminder uses practical experiences; such as, stories, to talk to children about colours and letters, introducing

p.4

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 to learning in a fun and practical format. Children receive plenty of cuddles and physical affection and approach the childminder happily for comfort and reassurance. As a result, there is a very warm, homely and relaxed environment. Children undertake many outings to broaden their experiences of the wider world. They regularly visit the library and attend toddler and pre-school groups. This enables children to socialise with other children and develop their social skills. Children enjoy many practical and fun activities; such as, planting seeds, face painting, cookery and dressing up. This enables children to develop their learning through well organised, stimulating play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children learn about the wider world, as they play with an exceptional range of resources which reflect diversity in society. They consistently see positive images of gender, disability and cultural diversity, reflected in their toys, books and pictures, enabling them to develop positive attitudes towards equality. Children learn about multi-cultural festivals and customs through activities. This demonstrates the childminder's commitment to promoting anti-discriminatory practice in all areas of her childminding. Children's individual needs are fully understood and respected. The childminder obtains detailed information on each child's personal needs and preferences. For example, she obtains information on the children's feeding and sleeping routines, their individual likes and dislikes and their preferred comfort measures. This ensures that she treats all children individually and respects their different needs.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a strong sense of belonging within the childminder's home. They feel secure in her care as they feel valued and respected. Children with special needs are fully welcomed into the childminder's home. She is totally dedicated to adapting her care routines and the home environment, wherever necessary, to ensure she can meet all children's individual needs. Children's behaviour is very good. They clearly understand acceptable boundaries and younger children quickly recognise right from wrong. The childminder uses effective and consistent strategies to enable children to fully understand her expectations and the acceptable boundaries. She praises children highly and uses effective strategies to encourage positive and acceptable behaviour. Children are familiar with the 'house rules' as these are clearly displayed, enabling children to fully understand these and respect them in their play.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures parents are made fully aware of each child's daily achievements and care routines. This enables children to talk about their day with their parents and promotes partnership between the children's home and the childminder. Comprehensive written information regarding the childminding service is

p.5

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 maintained and parents are made fully aware of all aspects of care. The childminder is totally dedicated to supporting parents in the care and development of their children and is committed to working in close partnership with them. She values parental feedback and demonstrates a very proactive approach to ensuring high quality care at all times.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from the exceptionally well organised, professional childminding service. The childminder is extremely aware of her role and responsibilities as a childminder and is keen to develop her knowledge and skills through the completion of further training. Children are protected at all times as the childminder ensures that all adults living in her home, have been fully vetted. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the National Standards. This ensures that children receive the highest levels of care and the conditions of her registration are adhered to at all times. Children's toys and play materials are organised exceptionally well. This enables children to access them easily and enhances their opportunities to develop independence. The daily routine is planned extremely well to cater for all children's differing needs. Each day ample time is set aside for; school runs, toddler groups,

p.6

Organisation

outings and visits, mealtimes and children's individual sleep routines. Comprehensive documentation is maintained and is kept up-to-date. Highly effective storage arrangements enable children's details to be stored confidentially and securely. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Ofsted inspection, one recommendation was raised. This related to children's safety on the first floor of the childminder's home, if this is used for childminding. The childminder has addressed this by addressing all safety issues identified on the first floor and making them safe for children. As a result, children can now use the first floor rooms safely.

p.6

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.

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 On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.7

The quality and standards of the care

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

p.7

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.7

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.7