Leyland Methodist Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 119400 Inspection date 25 April 2006 Inspector Suzanne Joyce Stedman

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 7 years, in Shoeburyness, Essex. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 5. The family have no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health and physical development. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example children walk to and from pre school and play in the garden. Regular visits to the local park improves children's physical skills. They are becoming aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or rest. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Well established hygiene routines and clear explanations increase children's understanding of the importance of washing their hands to help maintain good health. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They can help themselves to drinks throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents to provide nutritious meals and snacks for their children she

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

extends their knowledge of healthy eating by explaining to the children what is and is not good for them.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home where hazards are minimised and various precautions are in place to protect them. For example, frequent risk assessments are carried out. Children are therefore, able to move around the environment safely and freely. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety outside the home. She talks to children about road safety and the importance of using pedestrian crossings whenever possible. Children are beginning to learn the importance of fire drills and how to leave the premises quickly and safely. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

p.3

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 The provision is good. Children are well settled and very at home in the childminder's house. They are happy and confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. Children are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful indoor and outdoor activities which provide stimulating levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. For example, children enjoy imaginative play as they dress up and plant and dig in the garden. Children develop their sensory skills as they play with water and sand outside. They are provided with the opportunity to develop their language skills by the childminder's playful interactions. Children take part in regular cooking activities observing changes to ingredients before and after cooking. Making 'fairy cakes' is one of the favourites.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to improve children's achievements. She provides very good support to children in their play, providing an environment that allows children to respond with enthusiasm to new challenges and intends to do further training to enable her to provide an even larger range of purposeful activities as the children approach the foundation stage.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain an understanding of diversity as they share books which reflect different cultures, beliefs and disability. They learn about their local community through regular outings and trips to the library, local park and shops. Children enjoy mutually respectful relationships with the childminder. She knows the children well and ensures they are included fully in the life of the setting. Children's individual needs are met and each child is valued. They develop confidence and self-esteem as they make choices and decisions about their play. Children have time to relax as well as be active. They learn to understand behaviour boundaries and learn right from wrong because the childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. For example, children are encouraged to show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. Children behave well and are developing good

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

manners in response to the childminder's clear and consistent boundaries. Children benefit from an effective and positive partnership with parents. The childminder welcomes parents and keeps them informed daily about activities. Parents are provided with good quality information about the setting. Very positive comments were received from the parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The premises are well organised, welcoming and inviting to children and their families. Indoor and outdoor play space is used effectively to maximise play

p.4

Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 opportunities for the children. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children and she organises and plans her time to ensure children are positively supported in their care, learning and play. The childminder regularly reads information relating to current childcare issues. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being are in place. Parents are kept well informed of their children's progress with information shared on a regular basis. Children benefit from a childminder who is continually updating and increasing her knowledge of child care and development.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection this provider agreed to update her first aid qualification.

p.5

Complaints 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. There have been no complaints to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • to further develop learning opportunities with regard to minded children reaching the foundation stage

p.5

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.5

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.5