Spon Gate Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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131241 Unique Reference Number 17 May 2006 Inspection date Sylvia Dindar 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 has been registered since 1993. She is registered to provide care for six children under eight years, of these not more than three may be under five years, and of these, not more than one may be under one year. At present she cares for three pre-school and two school aged children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and three children who are over eight. They live in a house in the Freemantle area of Southampton. The whole of the property is available for childminding, but the main area for play is the dining room and lounge on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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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 are cared for in a home that is clean, warm and well maintained. They learn good hygiene routines through the childminder's good practice. Children wash their hands when coming in from the garden or before eating. The childminder secures the written permission of all parents to enable children to access emergency medical treatment if needed. Robust systems are in place for the safe administration of medication and all accidents and existing injuries are recorded and shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a healthy diet; specific dietary needs are discussed and recorded so that children are fed in line with their parents' wishes. Parents are able to supply food from home which the childminder stores appropriately so it maintains its freshness. Children learn about healthy eating through cooking activities, sometimes preparing their own sandwiches for lunch or making pizzas. They learn to make healthy choices as fruit is supplied for children's snacks and biscuits are limited. Children are able to access a drink at all times as the childminder ensures that cups are in easy reach of children. They are offered milk, water and juice at different times of the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from daily exercise, as they visit the park on a regular basis or play in the garden. They have opportunities to climb, balance and manoeuvre themselves around the environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment where the children's safety is paramount. Risks are identified and safety features are in place, for example the fire is guarded and younger children cannot access the stairs as a stair gate is in place. All cleaning materials are kept out of reach. The childminder maintains the security of the building by keeping doors and gates locked, so that children are kept safe. Children learn to be responsible for their own safety as the childminder talks to them about road safety and they learn to tidy up toys so that they are not a tripping hazard. On outings children are secured into the car in appropriate car seats or restraints.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to good quality equipment; the childminder ensures that they meet with British safety standard. Toys are of good quality and checked daily in use, ensuring they are well maintained and age and stage appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder has an understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse, and systems are in place to ensure that any concerns are dealt with effectively. For example, all existing injuries are discussed with parents and recorded.

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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 enjoy their time at the childminders as she provides a range of interesting activities to suit the children's individual needs. Children have free choice and the play is child led. For example, the older child decides to build with Duplo and the younger one joins in copying what the older child is doing. The childminder asks them questions which make them think about colours, numbers, and size and shape. When the younger child has difficulty joining pieces together she gives the child support. When the child becomes bored, the childminder recognises this and offers him other activity, such as the cars which the child likes. This allows the older child time to finish the model. Children's language is developed as the childminder talks to the children about what it is they are doing. She listens carefully to what they say and responds with enthusiasm. They enjoy learning familiar stories and nursery rhymes. Children's imagination

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

is captured as they play with small world people and the home corner equipment. They have opportunities for creative play; they are provided with range of resources, such as paint, paper, glue, scissors, dough and cutters. The children enjoy outings of interest such as toddler group, the local parks and Paultons Park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have a good rapport with their childminder and are happy and relaxed in her company. They are confident to ask for the things they want knowing that she will provide for their needs. They know where things are so are able to access toys and drinks freely.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's behaviour is good as the childminder provides a good role model and treats children with respect, gently reminding them about what is expected of them. Children feel valued as the childminder listens to what they say and do. They are praised and encouraged when they do well, promoting their self-esteem. She knows the children well; she is able to understand and anticipate their behaviour. For instance, she understands why younger children have tantrums, so is able to pre-empt situations arising. All children are given firm boundaries; these are based on caring about people, their property and the safety of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are met as the childminder understands that all children are unique. She gathers information from parents about such things as diet, religion, likes and dislikes and about specific developmental needs. She understands that activities can be adapted to ensure that all children can feel included and boys and girls have equal access to toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit as the childminder builds up a good rapport with parents. She provides them with a range of policies which explains her good practice. For example, a sick child, equal opportunities and child protection policies. Verbal feedback is given at the end of the session so that parents are kept informed of their child's development.

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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 satisfactory. Children are offered continuity of care with their childminder as the childminder has worked for a number of years with specific families. She works in partnership with her husband who assists on a part time basis. The childminder ensures that all adults in the household are sufficiently vetted. Children benefit as the childminder organises the day so that children have access to quiet and boisterous activities. Children are able to move around freely and access a wide range of resources. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Organisation

All records required by regulation are in place and ratios are maintained. However, the attendance register does not always reflect verbal and written agreements made with parents for the assistant to have sole care of the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now has an appropriate first aid qualification and an incident book is in place and ready for use. She now makes a complaints policy available to parents. She has obtained permission for emergency medical care on all children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there are no complaints to report

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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): • review the daily recording of children's attendance and ensure that clearly shows who has sole charge of children

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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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