Eastbrook Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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129140 Unique Reference Number 08 May 2006 Inspection date Jill Nugent 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 registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a house in Brookmans Park. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a secure garden available for outdoor play. The family have two pet cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. Currently she is minding four children, three of whom are under five and one over eight. She collects children from local schools.

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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. The childminder has adequate procedures in place to promote children's health. She has all necessary permissions and medical records available. If children are ill, she discusses their care with parents in order to protect others from infection. Children sleep at different times during the day, depending on parents wishes and their individual needs. The childminder is attentive to matters of hygiene. She washes her hands after changing nappies. Younger children have their hands wiped before eating. Older children are aware of the need to wash their hands too. The pet cats are well looked after and the house is kept clean and tidy. This good practice contributes to keeping children healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a varied and balanced diet. Some bring their own lunches and others eat food provided by the childminder. They enjoy a variety of meals, including sandwiches, salad, fruit and soup. Children eat well and like to chat with each other, and with the childminder, at mealtimes. They have access to drinks of juice or water throughout the day. Therefore, they are well nourished. They have various opportunities for physical activity. They enjoy playing in the large garden or visiting local parks and lakes. When the weather is not so good, they enjoy trips to indoor activity centres. Therefore, children keep fit.

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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 safe environment. The childminder prioritises their safety. They are unable to access hazardous substances or electrical sockets. They play and sleep in the downstairs rooms, where they learn not to touch any of the decorative features. There are adequate fire precautions in place. Children practise the evacuation plan so that they know what to do in the event of an emergency. The garden is well maintained and safe for children. They are secure because the outside gate is padlocked and they are unable to reach the lock on the front door. On outings children wear reins for safety. At home time they are only collected by adults known to the childminder. Therefore, children keep safe and secure at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with a wide range of resources which are safe and suitable for all age groups. They have good access to a collection of toys and games in the playroom and these are rotated with others which are stored elsewhere. The childminder maintains children's interest by purchasing second hand toys or borrowing from the toy library. She checks all resources so that children are able to play safely. Children learn how to move around the house in a safe manner while they play. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues. She has attended training and has the necessary information to enable her to act on any concerns. Consequently, children are well protected.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play contentedly. Young children enjoy exploring toys with the childminder, who encourages their communication skills by modelling words for them. They enjoy much praise for their efforts to communicate. They are developing close relationships with her and like to share books, listening attentively to the story. They attend local toddler groups where they are able to develop their social skills. Older children make their own choices from the activities on offer. They particularly enjoy drawing, cutting and sticking. They like to play imaginatively with dolls or join in board games. The childminder helps and supports them in their early writing and number skills. She offers good opportunities for outings in the holidays with the local childminding group, for example, to farms, zoos and the seaside. Consequently, children have a variety of different experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn through their play. The childminder makes good use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework in helping young children develop skills. They watch as she demonstrates how to construct models and then play themselves. They learn how to fit shapes together and balance objects. They show an interest in counting. When beginning to walk, they are encouraged by the childminder and hold her hand as they toddle around the house. She responds to children's interests as they search through toy boxes and begin to use words to attract her attention. Older children learn creative skills when making cards, for example, for Mother's Day. Overall, children are developing new skills and make good progress in their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and included. The childminder shares her time between them, for instance, talking with older children while attending to the needs of the younger ones. Children show increasing independence and are learning to look after themselves. They enjoy conversation with the childminder at lunchtime, often about nursery school and their plans for the rest of the day. Children receive good support. The childminder ensures that they are busy and occupied while they are in her care. If they lose interest in a set of toys she quickly finds an alternative. Children get on well with each other. Older ones will often help younger ones. Therefore, children have a sense of belonging and are very happy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They are aware of their boundaries and abide by the rules. The childminder has appropriate strategies in place to manage children's behaviour. She intervenes if necessary and distracts children, explaining her reasons. Older children are given time to think about their actions. Therefore, children learn to behave appropriately. The childminder has good relationships with parents. There are written agreements in place. She requests information from parents about children's routines so that she can care for them in the best way. She chats with parents at the end of the day and is always available by telephone if they have any concerns. She has set up a complaints record, although parents do not have up to date information on contacting Ofsted, should they wish to do so. Children benefit from the childminder's working partnership with their parents.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's documentation is well organised. She has a good set of policies and makes these available to parents. All paperwork is kept neatly in one file and gives a clear picture of her procedures and practices. She makes a note of children's times of attendance. Her insurance and first aid qualification are both kept up to date. She has attended various training courses. Her documents provide a good framework for children's care.

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Organisation

Children enjoy the facility of a playroom at the back of the house. Many resources are set out on shelves and the floor so that there is plenty of choice. Children have good access to a downstairs toilet and to the back garden. The childminder spends her time with the children and organises play activities in different rooms around the house. Consequently, children feel very much at home. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, the childminder was asked to extend her range of resources which reflect diversity, review the contents of her first aid box and ensure that the outdoor garage is safe. She has raised the lock on the garage so that children are unable to reach it and equipped her first aid box appropriately. She now has a range of resources which reflect diversity, including dolls and dressing up clothes. These improvements have enhanced children's care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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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.

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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 have up to date contact details for Ofsted.

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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 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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