Whitfield St James' CofE (VC) Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 112818 Inspection date 20 April 2006 Inspector Amanda Shedden

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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 has been registered since 1989 and co-minds with her husband. She is registered to provide care for 6 children under 8 years, of these, not more than three may be under 5 years, and of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year. She does not provide overnight care. At present, the childminder cares for 3 pre-school children, and 2 who are of school age. The childminder lives with her husband and adult son. They live in a house in Stroud, which is a village about two miles out of Petersfield,

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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 towards Winchester. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, as well as a room upstairs suitable for older children, under supervision. There is also a garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have dogs and no one in the household smokes. Children are taken out regularly for walks into the locality, which is very rural.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about the importance of healthy eating because children are provided with nutritious, balanced meals and snacks appropriate to their individual needs. Older children are able to contribute to the menu during the holidays and at times help prepare the meals. Children enjoy home made meals and the fresh bread made daily. Children enjoy undertaking physical activities which help them enhance their physical development. Each day they visit the park on the way to or from school, use the garden or walk in the local woods. Younger children enjoy the challenges as they learn skills such as walking, feeding themselves or putting bricks together. The childminder has a good understanding of protecting children from infection. She ensures that her home and resources are clean and follows good hygiene routines when changing nappies, which helps to prevent the spread of germs. Children benefit

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Helping children to be healthy

from well established daily routines and clear explanations increase their understanding of the importance of washing their hands to maintain good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure environment. There are photographs of the children in entrance hall and low level pegs enabling children to hang up their own coats. There are posters with colours and numbers on them and any art work undertaken that day is displayed. All giving the children a sense of belonging. Good use is made of the space in the home to enable all children to have safe access to toys and equipment that is stimulating and challenging. Toys and equipment conform to safety standards, and great care is taken to ensure that children access only resources that are suitable for their age or stage. Children are safe because the childminder is very proactive in safety matters, including ensuring that children learn how to keep themselves safe both in the home and outside. For example, socket covers, fireguard and safety gates are all in place.

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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 Children are learning to sit nicely at the table, younger children help put their straps on. Children know that they must hold hands, wear reins or be strapped into pushchairs when walking along the road . Clear procedures and the childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection ensure children's safety and welfare. The childminder has limited knowledge of what to do if an allegation was made against her or her family.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well at the childminder's home as she has a very good understanding of children's individual needs. She spends quality time with the children making them feel at home within their environment. Children respond to the positive interaction and praise from the childminder, which helps them feel valued and develops their self esteem. Children know the routine of the day, cheerfully helping to pack away the toys as they are fully aware that this needs to be done before another activity can begin. The childminder researches and plans activities, at times, linked with Birth to three framework and the Foundation Stage. However, at times the delivery of activities is adult led and children are not always able to express themselves freely through craft work. Children are involved in a broad range of planned activities and spontaneous events, which help support their development and overall learning. For example, whilst

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

undertaking a craft activity involving trees, children are encouraged to think about what trees and plants need to grow helping the children to gain an understanding of how to care for living things. The childminder sits and plays with the children encouraging them for instance, in their numbers and colours. The game is extended for the more able children as they are encouraged to gain an understanding of subtraction. They learn about linking letters of the alphabet to the sounds they make. Children are encouraged to have conversations and talk about people that are important to them and events in their lives. Children enjoy singing songs which are part of the routine of the day. The children spend their time playing with and alongside each other, they take turns with the equipment and share the time of the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle quickly into the routines because the childminder ensures they are consistent with home. Their needs are catered for through detailed discussion with the parents, and the childminder treats each child as an individual. Parents are

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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 pleased with the care their child receives. Children behave well because they know exactly what is expected of them. The childminder manages behaviour calmly and effectively ensuring clear rules and boundaries are in place. The childminder focuses on the positive behaviour by using praise and encouragement. For example, when the children use good manners, listen well or show kindnesses to one another. Children can see they have been treated fairly when the childminder explains clearly, taking each child's age and understanding into account, therefore the children's self-esteem and confidence are promoted well. The childminder has a positive approach to working with children who have special needs. Children benefit greatly from the strong links with home and the information shared.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a positive view of the world around them through a range of practical activities and resources from around the world.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well organised home. They receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident within their environment. The day is planned well taking into consideration children's routines such as free play, outings, quiet time and meals. The childminder keeps parents informed of their child's well-being, daily activities and progress. Children enjoy their time with the childminder because resources and activities are planned well and the days are full and run smoothly. The childminder has very clear and relevant policies. They have been has designed to support the efficient running of the service. Working with her husband the effective teamwork ensures that children are well cared for. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. All relevant documentation is in place, ensuring that the children's care, welfare and learning is promoted through the childminders knowledge and understanding of

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to obtain the parents signature on the register. This is now in place ensuring that both parties agree as to when the child attended. The childminder was also asked to provide activities and play opportunities for children under the age of 1 year. Children now have access to good quality resources for the young children. Activities are prepared which enables young children to enjoy. This helps build on their self esteem and confidence.

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Improvements 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

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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 good. 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): • allow children to have more freedom of expression and independence whilst undertaking art and craft work. • increase awareness of what to do if an allegation was made against a member of the family

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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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