Lindon Bennett School

Inspection report for early years provision

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102556 Unique Reference Number 09 May 2006 Inspection date Nicola Jayne Pascoe 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 was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and one senior school aged child and one adult child, in High Street village, near St.Austell, in Cornwall. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 11 children, 5 after school on different days throughout the week and 6 children under 5 on a part time basis. The childminder drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. She attends the local library, local park and the childminder network group. The family has a cat and a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with disabilities. She is a member of the Cornwall Childminding Association (CCMA). She is also a member of an approved childminding network.

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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 benefit from being cared for in a clean and well maintained environment. Suitable written policies are available to parents. Children learn the importance of keeping healthy through established daily routines, such as washing hands before preparing and eating their snack. However, children are at risk of cross-infection as they use a shared hand towel. Children are able to rest and sleep in comfort. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. The first aid kit is suitably stocked. Accident records show that injured children are treated appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet. The childminder cooks well-balanced and wholesome meals for the children attending. Fresh fruit is provided at snack time. Children receive a sufficient quantity of food to meet their individual needs. Food is stored, served and prepared hygienically. Children are encouraged to freely access fresh drinking water. Children learn about keeping healthy through regular daily exercise indoors and out. They enjoy fresh air in the garden and surrounding fields. They enjoy regular walks in the local countryside. Indoors they develop their large and fine motor skills and coordination when playing with the activity centre, dressing-up clothes, construction and puzzles.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a well organised, child centred environment, where they are able to move freely and safely. Children are collected by authorised persons. Daily visual checks of the environment, equipment and resources identify and minimise any risks to children. There is a written safety policy in place, which is shared with parents. Children are well supervised at all times. Fire safety equipment is available and maintained regularly. Fire procedures are in place and drills are practised regularly with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy free access to a wide range of suitable toys and resources. They can safely and independently make choices. Age appropriate safety equipment is available. Children are safeguarded by the childminder's knowledge of child protection procedures. The childminder is familiar with the relevant publications, action to take and agencies to contact if necessary. Children are transported safely on regular outings to local parks and social groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from access to a varied, interesting and age appropriate range of activities, which contribute to their overall development. They are very well settled, confident and happy. They enjoy good levels of interaction with the childminder. For example, when children enjoy searching through the dried pasta shapes to find hidden toys, the childminder provides high levels of support and encouragement. Children benefit from the childminder's participation in their chosen activity as she interacts well and communicates enthusiastically. As a result, their

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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 language skills are promoted effectively. Children have free access to a wide range of both man-made and natural materials.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to rest and relax as required. They benefit from opportunities to participate in active physical exercise either indoors or out on a regular basis. They make good use of the outdoor environment to explore wildlife, observe farm-life and experience the changing weather and seasons. They are confident to initiate activities, to which the childminder eagerly responds. They select favourite toys to share with her. Children receive a well-balanced range of experiences throughout the day, which promotes their learning and development of skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are supported well by the childminder, who demonstrates a sound understanding of their individual needs. She is aware of their preferences and plans to provide activities they will particularly enjoy. Children receive good levels of support and supervision. They have free access to a good range of resources with which to develop their positive understanding and awareness of people's differences. The childminder demonstrates a good ability to support children with disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and positive approach to behaviour management. She is a good role model. She uses age appropriate strategies to reinforce good levels of behaviour. Older children are very well behaved, kind and considerate to others. They are well stimulated, busy and occupied at all times. The childminder recognises the importance of working closely with parents. She makes good levels of written information available. The childminder and parents engage in daily discussion when children are collected. Suitable contracts and records forms are used.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge, experience and skills. The childminder is committed to ongoing training and development. She keeps up to date with her knowledge of childcare and changes in regulations. Children are cared for in a well organised, safe and comfortable environment. Familiar daily routines are followed which effectively promote children's confidence. Suitable contingency plans are in place in the event of an emergency.

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Organisation

Children's records are stored securely and confidentiality is maintained. Registration systems clearly record the times of arrival and departure of the children attending. Records are updated regularly and shared appropriately with parents. Documentation is readily available for inspection. Overall the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was judged to provide good standards of care. There was one recommendation agreed, which related to the organisation of the setting. The daily

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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 attendance register did not contain accurate details of at which times the children arrived and departed. The childminder now keeps her register up to date, she records the time of arrival and departure promptly. As a result, she can demonstrate that registration conditions are met at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 Ofsted has received one concern.

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Complaints since the last inspection

In February 2005 a concern was raised under standards 9 and 12, Positive Contribution and Working in Partnership with Parents. We asked the provider to investigate and report back. The registered person provided a detailed response that included an action plan. Ofsted are satisfied that the registered provider was complying with National Standards and the provider remains registered. 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 children are not at risk of cross-infection when drying their hands

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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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