Scawthorpe Sunnyfields Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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106747 Unique Reference Number 22 May 2006 Inspection date Beverly Anne Self 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 1996. She lives with her partner in a semi-detached house, in the village of Whitchurch, Bristol. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, with access to a nursery, bedroom and bathroom upstairs. Children enjoy outside play at the local park, as the childminder's garden is not registered.

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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 and is currently minding three children under five years during the day, and these children attend on a part time basis. The childminder is also registered to work with an assistant. The childminder takes the children to the local park and for walks in the local area. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 learn about personal hygiene through daily routine for example, washing their hands before and after meals or using a wet wipe. The childminder explains to them why they are doing this, telling them about germs and the importance of washing their hands. This helps children to begin learning about the spread of infection and their own personal care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They help themselves to drinks throughout the day, which are provided in their own individual cups. The childminder follows the wishes of parents with regard to meals, and the children bring their own packed lunches or food to be heated. The children sit together and enjoy mealtimes as a social occasion. They communicate, watching and learning form each other, whilst developing their social skills and independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Records of accidents and administered medicines are in place and all necessary consents for emergency aid have been obtained. The childminder shares these records with parents, ensuring consistency with regard to the children's health care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are encouraged to be healthy through physical activities and exercise. Each day the children enjoy outings to the local park, visit the soft play centre, go for a walk or join in with singing and action rhymes with the childminder. These activities help contribute to the children's growth, by developing muscle skills and co-ordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have plenty of space to play in a well maintained and welcoming environment. Areas are organised for sleep, rest and play allowing the children to access a wide variety of activities and play opportunities in safe surroundings. There is a bright and spacious playroom, where the children can play and move around safely and independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of toys and equipment, that are safe and of good quality. These support enjoyable activities that encourage the children's development and learning, in ways appropriate to their ages and individual needs. The toys are stored in the playroom and children can easily access these, to make their own decisions about play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder assesses potential risks to the children and puts procedures and practices in place to minimise these. Appropriate safety equipment is used including socket covers, smoke alarms and a fire blanket, fitting these devices ensures children's safety at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection. She is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of child abuse and knows the appropriate procedures to follow in the event of concern, making children's welfare a priority.

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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 are happy and confident during the time they spend at the childminder's. Warm, close and caring relationships between the childminder and children are evident. The childminder has a good understanding of younger children's development and she knows the children well. A wide range of toys, play opportunities and activities are available to the children, helping them to develop new skills whilst enjoying their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's small muscle movements are developed with the use of puzzles and threading beads. The children look to the childminder or her assistant for help if they get stuck. The childminder and assistant encourage the children to try and experience things for themselves, such as, fitting pieces into a shape sorter. The children are given lots of reassurance and praise, and respond well to this encouragement as they try to thread beads on to a lace, developing their confidence and sense of achievement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are sociable and are confident to answer questions and tell the childminder how they feel, stating "I'm crying" and then "I'm laughing now". They ask the childminder for toys they cannot reach and tell her what they would like to play with, demonstrating good social and communication skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy taking part in activities which contribute to creativity, for example, singing, art, craft and role play. One of the children pretends to be in the kitchen asking "shall I make you a cup of tea", then acts out filling the cups and stirring the contents with a spoon. The children also enjoy singing, asking for their favourite songs of "twinkle twinkle" and "incy wincy". They actively join in by copying the actions and singing along, showing enthusiasm and excitement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well behaved and respond well to the childminder's direction and correction. The childminder makes herself a good role model for the children, encouraging good behaviour and praising the children's efforts. This helps the children to learn about right and wrong, and what is expected of them, so they feel secure in the boundaries that are set.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are settled in the daily routine and enjoy being with the childminder and each other. They show a good sense of belonging, actively taking part in play activities as a group. The children show kindness and affection for each other, for example one of the older children offers to carry the younger child's drink.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures that the individual needs of all children in her care are met. She organises activities and outings that are appropriate to each child's age and stage of development, to help them learn new skills.

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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 Toys and resources that positively reflect diversity are available, and the children are encouraged to learn about their surroundings. They regularly visit the park, shops, and local places of interest so they can see how they fit into the community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Records regarding the children's care are in place and made available to parents. However, parents have not been given details of how to make a complaint and a complaints record is not in place at this time. The childminder builds a partnership with parents. She takes time at the end of each day to exchange relevant information with them, and this ensures that children's individual needs are consistently met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are happy and feel at home in the well organised environment. This means they are confident to choose what they would like to do and initiate their own play. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification and continues to attend training courses and workshops to further improve her knowledge of childcare.

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Organisation

Records and documentation are in place, and used to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. However, the daily attendance record lacks necessary detail. The childminder has devised an information book for parents, it describes the activities that are provided for the children, and how the provision is organised. This shows parents that the children are being provided with a stimulating routine in a safe setting.

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Organisation

Adult to child ratios are well maintained at all times, with an assistant being present every day. This allows the children to receive good adult support and attention so they can feel valued and secure. The childminders provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection it was recommended that the childminder obtain parental consent to take photographs of the children, to seek emergency medical treatment and for the assistant to have sole charge at agreed times.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All necessary parental consents are now in place and available for inspection. As a result, children's safety has been improved.

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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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Complaints 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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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): • provide parents with details of how to make a complaint and maintain a record of complaints made by parents • maintain an accurate record of assistants, and children's daily attendance

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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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