Farnborough Road Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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104863 Unique Reference Number 18 May 2006 Inspection date Gyatri Rupal Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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

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 1995. She lives with her 15 year old child in Luton, Bedfordshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under eight. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local Early Years Development and Childcare partnership. She also attends a local network support group for childminders.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted well by the childminder as she organises various activities which contribute to their healthy life style. Each day, there are a wide range of physical activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example, children do various body movements in the house when they dance, they play with push along toys in the house, use a good range of out door play equipment in the garden, visit local parks where they use a wide range of large play equipment which helps them to develop their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of good hygiene through their daily routine and the childminder’s guidance. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Children's continued good health is promoted due to good hygiene daily routines and discussions between the childminder and parents regarding children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. Their individual dietary needs are discussed with parents and respected. Children bring healthy packed meals from home, and are free to select their choice of fresh fruits from the childminder’s home whenever they want. Children learn the benefit of healthy food within their daily activities. For example, they read a book about picnics and talked about healthy food.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's well-being is promoted as the childminder ensures the required documentation, policies and procedures are in place and works well in practice. She has all the required parental consents in place and has updated her first-aid certificate so that she can deal with minor accidents when needs arise.

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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 very clean, well maintained environment. They feel secure and safe as they are fully supported by the childminder’s good understanding of balancing freedom and setting safe limits. The good organisation of well maintained toys and equipment means children can safely access a wide range of play resources easily from trays and boxes. This allows children to trust and explore new experiences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to learn a sense of risk, danger and how to protect themselves from harm. They are kept safe on outings because the childminder has robust systems in place such as talking to the children before they go out about boundaries, holding hands and road safety rules. For example, a three-year old child, confidently explained to the child care inspector how they can cross the road safely. Fire safety precautions are realistically promoted with the older children so they can gain an awareness in an emergency. Children remain safe as a visual risk assessment is carried out to ensure the home environment is safe for children. However, sometimes the electrical socket in the lounge is not covered safely and the emergency evacuation is not practised with younger children, which can affect children’s safety. Children are well

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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 protected as the childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection issues and procedures. She ensure parents are made aware of adults' duty to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and confident in the stimulating environment and take part in a superb range of activities. They develop confidence and self-esteem as they independently select a good range of play resources and various activities. They share games and activities together. For example, children played a recording of the pink panther music and walked like a panther. One child helps the other child to sort out a puzzle. Children develop their language as they read their books to each other and sing nursery rhymes. They are supported well by the childminder while she provides a wide range of stimulating and challenging experiences for them. The activities are varied and appropriate to the children's development. This enables them to move forward and to progress. Children have opportunities to explore the natural environment by taking part in simple experiments such as growing sun flower seeds. A three-year

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

old child confidently tells the child care inspector ‘I know all about sun flower seeds’.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a good rapport with the childminder which helps create a positive relationship. They are confident when asking the childminder lots of questions. The childminder's good interaction with children helps them to develop their learning. For example, the childminder asked children to sound out the first letter of their name. The childminder involves the children in counting and singing number songs, talking about the colours around them and introducing new words to further develop their language.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children behave well as they have a good understanding of right and wrong, reinforced by the childminder’s positive attitude towards their care and development. The childminder encourages children to resolve their own differences which helps them learn to take turns and share. They make connections in their learning as they freely explore sand and different textures. Their regular use of a wide range of creative materials, play dough, dressing up clothes and music, encourages them to represent their experiences, feelings, and ideas in a variety of ways.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals because the childminder works closely with the parents to ensure their individual needs are well met. They develop a sense of belonging as the childminder makes them feel a part of the family. All children's photos are displayed in the home. The childminder has realistic expectations of the children and gives them constant praise and encouragement which has a positive impact on children's learning. Children develop their self-esteem and confidence as they learn from the childminder that they can achieve anything they like, if they try. They learn about the wider society within their daily activities and play resources which reflect positive images of culture, gender and special needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children show care and concern for each other as they play together in harmony. They respond to the childminder's gentle reminders to think of others, and to be careful in their play. The

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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 childminder takes time to explain to children why certain behaviour is not acceptable. She has various appropriate strategies which she employs to manage children's behaviour. Children understand the clear boundaries for their expected behaviour. For example, a three-year old child kisses the childminder with a hug, and apologises for her moody behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the secure partnership the childminder has established with the parents. The childminder provides a portfolio to parents which include information about her practice, polices and procedures. However, the parents are not informed of the up-to-date complaints procedure as required by the national standards. Information is shared regularly with parents about each child's daily activities, so they are able to play an active role in their child's progress and achievements. This all contributes to the parents' confidence and trust, and has a positive impact on the children's feelings of security.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and secure in a well-organised environment. They are confident enough to initiate their own play and learning, due to well-organised play opportunities. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. Children independently select their activities and play resources. The childminder effectively uses her skills and knowledge to promote the welfare, learning and care of children. She keeps parents informed of their child's progress and the activities they have participated in, which contributes to the continuity of care for children. Most of the policies and procedures are in place and reviewed regularly although complaints procedure needs up-dating.

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Organisation

Children are well protected as the childminder supervises children closely to ensure their safety. She ensures children are only collected by parents or the named person authorised to collected them. Children benefit from the childminder's professional approach. Most policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. These are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service. Overall, all children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder had two recommendations. She was asked to ensure that good practice is in place regarding the notification of notifiable diseases, also to establish a written agreement with parents that sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided, and business arrangements.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has implemented all her recommendations. She has obtained a list of notifiable diseases and this list is also provided to the parents. A written agreement is in place with all the parents which sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided, and business arrangements. This helps establish a good partnership with parents.

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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 complaint made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaint 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): • ensure parents are informed of up-date complaint procedure • ensure electric sockets in area accessible to children are safe.

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The quality and standards of the care

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 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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