Distington Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 112152 Inspection date 04 October 2005 Inspector Jean Mary Andrews

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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 was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and three school aged children, in the Popley area of Basingstoke. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding are there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 7 children, all of whom attend on a full and part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group, music group and takes children to the local library and to the local

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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 park. The childminder has a dog. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. There are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example as they climb the steps of the slide and learn how to move on the swing. Regular visits to the local park and playground improve children's physical skills. They become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and touching animals reduces the risk of cross infection. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They are offered drinks through the day, which prevents them from dehydrating. The childminder takes account of the wishes of the parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious

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Helping children to be healthy

meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet dietary requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a well organised home because the childminder is extremely vigilant and the risk of accidental injury to children is minimised through thorough risk assessments to reduce potential hazards. For example blinds are fitted in the conservatory to prevent children getting too hot and sun burnt during the summer months. She has an excellent understanding of how to achieve a balance between freedom and setting safe limits, and how to involve children effectively in organising their own play, for example children climbing the steps of the slide and being assisted when in difficulty to prevent them slipping off. This allows children to learn some sense of danger and knowledge about how to protect themselves from harm. Children use substantial equipment appropriate to their age and stage of development Regular communication with parents contributes to the children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safety, for example very active young children wear reins on outings. Children are very well protected by the childminder who has a clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures and gives high priority to children's welfare.

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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, relaxed and confident. They relate very well to the childminder and to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at the local toddler and music group. Children independently chose from toys and resources that are stimulating and fun. A good range of activities supports children's learning and development. They enjoy books and stories which are part of the daily routine. They learn to co-operate and share when playing together. Children are interested in what is available and, at times, become absorbed in their play, for example, playing with the dolls house and pushing the pram and buggy. Children develop their creative skills through drawing and collage. The children join in the activities enthusiastically. The childminder makes good use of the Birth to three matters framework. Her good understanding about appropriate types of activities and levels of support gives them confidence to try out

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a broad range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. They learn about the world through visits to special events held at the local school. Children learn about their local community as they visit the music and toddler group and the local park. Children are valued and respected as individuals, they are able to follow their normal daily routines which enables them to feel secure. Children learn important social skills such as sharing and listening to each other. They enjoy each other's company and treat each other kindly, which helps them to learn to respect each other and their surroundings. Children make themselves at home, helping themselves to toys. They have time to relax as well as be active. Children respond well to pictures, and spoken

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Helping children make a positive contribution

words. Children benefit form praise and they behave very well. Adequate explanation helps children learn right from wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment, where children receive good adult support to help them feel settled and confident. The day is well planned allowing children for quiet and active play, which helps them feel secure. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. However some documentation requires parent's signatures. A regular informal discussion with parents ensures continuity of care for the children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has improved her documentation by including children's full names on all records, and obtaining prior written permission from parents to administer medication. All documentation is stored in individual plastic wallets in ring binders.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Childminder showed letter from Child Investigation and Enforcement team - 52320 dated 02 November 2004 - case closed. A concern was raised in about a child bullying another child, while in the childminder's care, relating to Standard 11 - Behaviour. Ofsted Child Investigation and Enforcement team discussed the issue with the childminder, she explained two children had fallen out, she was asked to confirm her Behaviour policy and how she handled the situation. The child no longer attends the provision. No further action was taken. 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): • ensure parent's signature in the daily register

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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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