Whingate First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 127855 Inspection date 14 March 2006 Inspector Kerry Freshwater

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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 was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Wareside on the outskirts of Ware. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and two upstairs bedrooms for sleep purposes only. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children under five during the day and three children over five before and after school. The childminder also cares for children over eight years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family

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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 have two pet dogs and a horse. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They play in the garden, walk around the farm land and visit local open spaces regularly to benefit from the fresh air. Children experience a variety of physical activities using both large and small equipment. For example, they have fun on the climbing apparatus at the park, walk to and from school, climb trees and splash in puddles. They play with sand, ropes and swings, ride-on toys, bats and balls in the garden and enjoy building with different types of construction, completing puzzles and following action videos indoors. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are cared for in a welcoming, clean home where they understand the importance of regular cleaning routines to keep them safe and healthy. Children have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after playing in the garden or using

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Helping children to be healthy

the toilet, they learn to cover their mouths after coughing and sneezing and recognise their own cups for drinks. Children learn about keeping their bodies healthy through ongoing discussion. The childminder has received specific training to ensure she is able to meet children's health needs. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They know which type of food is good to eat and will help them grow up big and strong and this is reinforced with the written information provided for them relating to the recommended five fruit and vegetables per day. Children enjoy a broad and varied menu of home cooked foods and fresh vegetables. Meals include lasagne, macaroni cheese, roast chicken and shepherds pie and are all detailed on the written menu planner provided. Children eat well and clearly enjoy their meals. Children have access to drinks throughout the day and eat plenty of fresh fruit for snacks. The childminder takes

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Helping children to be healthy

account of the wishes of parents. She works with them closely to provide nutritious meals that appeal to the children as well as meeting their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is a high priority and they are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised. They move around safely, freely and independently and adhere to house rules to keep them safe. Children know not to climb furniture so they do not fall and hurt themselves or others. The childminder helps children understand how to keep themselves free from harm inside and outside of the home with interesting activities, discussion and leading by example. Children learn to be aware of strangers and appropriate road safety. They learn about safety of animals and

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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 farm vehicles, sit in tractors to demonstrate the restricted vision for the driver and learn to turn in from the road if a car comes along when walking along country lanes. Children are aware of fire safety and are reminded regularly about how to evacuate the house in an emergency. However, this has not been practised and therefore children's safety is potentially at risk in the event of a fire. There is a broad range of safe developmentally appropriate resources which are in good condition and well organised in boxes and shelves to enable children to access them easily. This enables the children to independently select their play and activities safely. The childminder has the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has a good

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of Child Protection issues, has attended training in this area and has relevant information to hand for easy reference.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a very broad variety of stimulating play and activities which are child-led or planned and organised by the childminder. They receive adult guidance to give them extra support if needed but their independence is promoted as much as possible. They benefit from the childminder's interaction which extends their play and develops their language and communication skills. They enjoy a range of activities which help develop their knowledge and skills. For example, children begin to know different colours when they choose construction bricks or complete puzzles. They count as they sing songs and nursery rhymes. Sharing books helps to develop their language and reading skills. Activity games enhance their matching and sequencing. Access to toys and equipment for differing abilities encourages the children's progress. They become confident with small equipment as they complete jigsaws and use fine paint brushes and pens for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

drawing. Children learn about the natural environment as they go on nature walks, collect leaves, help to feed the horses and walk the dogs. Regular use of creative materials such as pencils, crayons, paint, play dough and glue encourages the children to represent their ideas in a variety of ways. They enthusiastically produce pictures of people with smiley and grumpy faces. They have a number of opportunities to express their feelings and experiences through imaginative play with dressing up clothes, role play and a large collection of play kitchen equipment. Their confidence and self esteem is developed with frequent praise and encouragement which is given at appropriate times. Children's sense of belonging is promoted by the childminder who knows them well and values their achievements which she shares with parents. They make positive relationships with each other and as they find new friends on outings.

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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 The childminder provides interesting and meaningful resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. Children enjoy books, dolls, puzzles, dressing up and activity toys and access additional items at the toy library. Through their play and discussion they begin to understand about different cultures, religions and needs of others. Children are valued and respected. Their individual needs are met as they follow their daily routine which is discussed with parents. Children behave very well. They understand right and wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and the age appropriate methods used by the childminder to manage behaviour. Children are considerate, share, take turns and are polite, remembering to say please and thank you. The childminder provides a range of opportunities for the children to socialise

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Helping children make a positive contribution

which helps them make positive relationships with others. Realistic challenges are set by the childminder to help the children develop. This promotes their confidence and self-esteem. They feel relaxed and secure and able to make independent choices about what they want to do. Children benefit from a strong partnership between the childminder and parents who exchange information frequently. They have daily discussions about the children and what they have been doing. A range of policies are in place to support the childminder in her practice and ensure parents are well informed. A written agreement with parents which sets out the expectations of both parties is not in place with all families. This allows possible misunderstandings or lack of continuity of care for the child.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children's needs are met through very effective organisation and good communication with parents. Space and equipment is prepared so that children can access resources easily and independently which enables them to make choices about their play. A balance of child-led activities and organised play ensure children have a range of different enjoyable experiences whilst they are with the childminder. They benefit from routines which make them feel secure and relaxed. Children play, eat, sleep and rest as they need to. Documentation is stored securely and information shared appropriately with parents. Policies and procedures are in place to help keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. However, children may not be fully protected as the necessary vetting procedures are not in place with all household members. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge which she continues to update with relevant training. She

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Organisation

holds a current first aid qualification, has attended advanced child protection training and has attended a workshop relating to the benefits of play. The childminder has booked several training courses to attend shortly including a food hygiene course. Overall, the needs of all the children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure the washing line does not

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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 pose a hazard to children. The childminder now ensures that the washing line is removed when not in use.

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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): • ensure that the required vetting procedures are followed for all household members over the age of 16 years • ensure that a written agreement with parents is in place for all children and sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements • carry out regular fire drills to ensure that children are familiar with the process in case of emergency.

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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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