Linton CofE Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 110832 Inspection date 20 March 2006 Inspector Michelle Ann Parham

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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 satisfactory. 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 2000. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for six children, some of which attend on a part-time basis. The childminder lives with her husband and one child. They live in a house in a residential area of Alverstoke, Gosport in Hampshire. Local shops, community parks and a beach are within walking distance of the home. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear

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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 garden area available for outside play. The family have a pet cat and the childminder attends groups for children on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a clean and comfortable environment. Children’s health is promoted as the childminder encourages them to follow regular hand washing after using the toilet and before meals. Children are protected from unnecessary illness as they do not attend if they are infectious. These measures help the children gain an increased understanding of good health and hygiene and prevent cross contamination. Children are cared for effectively in emergency situations as there is a maintained first aid kit and the childminder has a current first aid qualification. Children enjoy regular fresh air and exercise. In the rear garden they are able to use equipment such as a space hopper, sit and ride toys, hopscotch mat, large mega blocks, skittles, pram, dolls and cars Children also benefit from visiting local community parks, indoor soft play areas, childminding groups and school runs to

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Helping children to be healthy

Newtown and Leesland Schools. At the childminding group the children participate in physical activities such as large group games and music and movement. These opportunities help the children develop gross motor skills, promote fitness and extend their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Children have their individual needs met because the childminder has documentation in place to ensure she is aware of their routines and individual health and dietary requirements. She is experienced in caring for children with special diets and health needs and works closely with parents to ensure they are effectively addressed. Children have their dietary needs met as parents supply all meals. The childminder provides a sweet biscuit for snack however does not offer healthy options such as fresh fruit or savouries. Squash or water is always available although on occasions younger children have some difficulty accessing their drink freely as they are stored

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Helping children to be healthy

too high on the kitchen work surface. As a result children are nourished at the setting however healthy eating is not fully promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are secure within the setting and generally safe as most necessary precautions have been addressed to prevent hazards. However a weakness has been noted in regard to access to an electric socket in the kitchen. Children are protected as effective procedures are in place to prevent children leaving the home and for the collection of children as passwords are agreed beforehand with parents for alternative arrangements. Children are able to use equipment and the environment safely as furniture and resources are well maintained and conform to safety standards. Toys are well organised and in good condition, which ensures they

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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 are suitable for use and do not present a hazard to children. Children are gaining an increased understanding of safety, as the childminder helps them learn the Green Cross Code and talks to them about stranger danger. Children’s welfare is well maintained as the childminder has the required documentation in place to record existing injuries. She is aware of signs and symptoms that could cause concern and of the relevant agency to contact in regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are becoming skilful communicators because the childminder has effective interpersonal skills. She interacts well with the children and engages with them on their level. She includes herself in play on the carpet and asks questions which extend their learning such as what colour is the dog when looking at books. The children enjoy completing the daily calendar where they discuss what the day is, what the weather is like, the month and the season. This is a good opportunity for children to develop their interaction with others, a sense of time and awareness of changes in the environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are becoming competent learners because they have a varied selection of resources and activities that are interesting to them and fun. Some resources are stored low level in the dining room subsequently children are able to initiate their own choice of play which develops responsibility and independence. Children also benefit from the good selection of toys and activities they undertake at the local childminding group. They attend the group approximately three times a week and enjoy food tasting events, art and craft activities, free play and celebrating events such as Chinese New Year. Children have good opportunity to further develop social skills through mixing with other children and adults at the group. All activities in the home are age appropriate for the children and offer challenge which develops their learning, concentration and communication with others. Children are happy in the home with the childminder and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their peers. They arrive confidently and soon join in play with their friends. The childminder knows the children well; she provides good care for individual needs and learning opportunities which promote development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive continuity and an appropriate care package, because the childminder uses child information records and close working with parents. Subsequently, she is aware of their personal needs. All children are welcomed and treated as individuals, as the childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and of special needs. Children develop a positive attitude towards

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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 others and learn about the wider world and community because the childminder has a number of books, dolls, figures and games that reflect positive images of colour and disability. All children are included and can access the toys and activities. Children learn to behave well in the setting, because the childminder has expected rules of behaviour such as sitting on the carpeted area at snack time. Children are familiar with the routine of the day and respond well to reminders such as not to throw toys and to share. Positive techniques such as discussion, distraction, praise and encouragement, stickers and time out to think are used. This helps the children learn about acceptable behaviour and right from wrong. All techniques are appropriate for the understanding of the child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from good partnership with parents for example they are welcomed into the home to discuss the days events and to share information at anytime. Parents are fully informed about the setting because the childminder has a portfolio in place and a parents notice board which consists of various policies of work practice, certificates and structure of the week. All forms are shared and co-signed with parents and stored confidentially. Children’s specific needs are well met as the childminder supplies the parent with a daily record to ensure health and dietary information is shared appropriately for the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from an organised home where they are comfortable in their play. Their health and well-being is addressed because all legally required documentation is in place, maintained and shared with parents. Some aspects of confidentiality have not been fully maintained though in regard to accident recording. Children benefit from an overall safe, secure and stimulating environment, where they are protected by sound procedures which are implemented by the childminder. Children are occupied when at the setting, as the childminder organises her time, activities and resources. She has an understanding of the requirements of her registration and maintains all National Standards. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was required to ensure glass in the rear garden is safe. The garden has been reorganised and all glass accessible to children is safe. This improves the safety of children at the setting.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report 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

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure all electric sockets in the kitchen are inaccessible to children • extend choices of snacks for children to promote healthy eating and make fresh drinks more readily available for younger children to independently access • ensure accident recording maintains confidentiality for all children.

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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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