Seacole Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 140572 Inspection date 15 June 2005 Inspector Patricia Joan Latham

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1995. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 12, 10 and 9 years in the village of Marsworth, Buckinghamshire. The home is in walking distance of all local amenities. Childminding takes place mainly on the ground floor; children have access to the toilet and a room for sleeping on the second floor. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children, two of these are before and after school, term time only. She takes children to pre-schools within the nearby area and attends a

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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 toddler group on an occasional basis. The family have three pet cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a healthy, hygienic home where they learn the importance of developing good practice. They wash their hands before eating their meals and after handling the family pets. The risk to children from cross infection is minimised through the childminders use of clear health policies and procedures, such as excluding contagious illnesses. Children are active, and take part in outdoor exercise and play activities to develop physical skills and promote their good health. Children enjoy a range of nutritious snacks and drinks. They are beginning to understand the importance of healthy eating knowing that eating fruit is good for them. The childminder ensures her knowledge of how to prepare and store food is up to date.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The home is a safe environment for children, providing ample space for their use. All safety equipment is in place and hazards within the garden are minimised to reduce risks. Outside equipment is in good order and a small pond has a cover placed over it. The childminder understands her responsibility to supervise children at all times. Children learn safe practice, knowing to stay close to the childminder when out walking and not to run when indoors. Children have free access to a wide range of good quality resources that the childminder cleans and checks regularly. The toys available meet children’s individual interests and levels of ability. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of issues that may cause concern and is clear about how to refer those concerns on to appropriate agencies to safeguard the welfare of children. The

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder shares her procedure with parents but does not record significant incidents involving children, which may have a bearing on their well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enthusiastically take part in activities that are fun and stimulating. They use their imagination to create models from recycled material and construction bricks. The childminder offers opportunities for a wide range of activities indoors and outside

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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 of the home. Photographic evidence shows children visiting local leisure areas such as farms and adventure play areas, as well as taking part in cooking and painting activities. Younger children develop their learning through play and practical means, naming the colours of the bricks they build with or the number of grapes they eat. Older children have time and resources to complete any schoolwork that is necessary. Children are able to follow their own personal routines and appear confident and relaxed within the home. They form positive relationships with the childminder and her family, which continues for many years.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing self- esteem and a respect for others. They learn to understand the differences between the culture and abilities of others and play harmoniously together. The childminder ensures all children can take part in the activities offered and meets their individual needs well. The childminder offers clear explanations, to enable children to develop their own boundaries; they respond well to consistent guidelines on how they should behave.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A close working relationship between childminder and parents ensures consistency of care for children. Parents receive regular information about what their child does throughout the day and there is time set aside for exchange of information. The childminder asks parents to provide full information regarding their child when minding begins, but does not always keep this updated.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her home and time to ensure children receive a good level of care and support. She updates her knowledge by attending relevant training courses, such as 'Promoting children’s self- esteem'. The childminder keeps all documentation secure and in an organised fashion, which maintains confidentiality and safeguards children’s interests. The childminder keeps attendance records and accident recordings accurately, however, there is no procedure for recording significant incidents involving children, and their medical information is not updated regularly. This compromises their well-being. The childminder provides written policies for parents but there is no clear procedure for parents to follow if they have a complaint, or concern, regarding care given. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection, the childminder has reviewed her written

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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 documentation. The majority of this is now satisfactory and safeguards the interests of children. She obtains necessary written permissions from parents and has a procedure for recording medicines administered, along with pre-existing injuries. However, some procedures are not in place and some written policies are not clear. The childminder has improved children’s safety by minimising risks indoors and in the garden.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004, Ofsted has received one complaint relating to National Standard 6: Safety, regarding the supervision of children. Ofsted requested the childminder to carry out an internal investigation. The childminder admitted she had been in breach of Standard 6.3 and subsequently Ofsted sent a formal warning letter regarding this breach of conditions. Ofsted has completed its investigation and will be taking no further action. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

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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): • establish a clear complaints procedure for parents to follow which includes information on how they may contact Ofsted; establish a procedure for recording significant incidents that involve children and ensure this is shared with parents • ensure all relevant information concerning children is updated regularly.

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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

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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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