The Laurels Primary School, Worthing

Inspection report for early years provision

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125956 Unique Reference Number 22 June 2006 Inspection date Clare Stone 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 1999.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her three daughters, all of whom are of school age. She operates from a modern semi-detached three bedroomed house on the outskirts of Ashford. Minded children play in the sitting room and there is a downstairs cloakroom; a level grassed garden is also available for outside play. At the time of the inspection there were six children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

It is a non-smoking household. The family have a cat as a family pet.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and takes children out on a regular basis.

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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. The childminder offers a healthy and varied diet, this is an effective way of teaching children healthy eating options and exploring new foods. Parents can provide their own meals if they wish and work in partnership with the childminder to cater for their children's individual dietary needs. Younger children have access to drinks all of the time, and older children can help themselves, therefore promoting self help skills and independence. Children learn about hygiene practices and how to incorporate these into their daily routines, assisting in a healthy lifestyle. The children are given the opportunity to socialise with other children and to build on their physical skills by visiting the park and ball pool centres. Children are protected from the risk of infection by the childminder's clear procedures not to mind children if they are unwell. To ensure the safety of children in an emergency the childminder has a current first aid certificate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is warm and welcoming, allowing children to feel secure and build on their confidence. Children's safety is promoted by regular informal risk assessments and the evaluation of these practices. This ensures children are cared for in a safe, child friendly and well organised environment. There is plenty of space for the children to move around freely, allowing them to extend their gross motor skills and face new challenges. Children have a sufficient range of resources and equipment which are clean and well maintained. The risk of harm to children is minimised due to the childminder's awareness of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. Children play happily and are learning to socialise with other children through regular trips to the park and visits to other childminders. The children are involved in a good range of activities both inside and outside the home, which promotes their all round development. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as craft, painting, listening to and playing music, singing and dressing up. The childminder supports children's language development by talking and encouraging new words. Children are talked to in a kind reassuring manner allowing them to be themselves and express their likes and dislikes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children that attend the childminder are treated as individuals and feel a sense of belonging. They are taught to think of other people and respect their feelings. The childminder is consistent with her approach to behaviour management, and always keeps parents informed of any behaviour issues. This ensures that children know their boundaries and feel confident in their

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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 surroundings. Partnership with parents is good and information is shared daily by informal chats and the childminder welcomes parents' involvement. Children are actively encouraged to make their own choices, giving them the opportunity to make mistakes in a safe and secure environment. The childminder does not have any children with learning difficulties but is forward thinking on how she would support and assist parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised and makes the best use of her time, space and resources to create a stimulating and supportive environment for the children. As a result children are happy and feel at home. The childminder effectively uses policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares them with parents to keep them well informed about her service. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. All required documentation is in place, which contributes to efficient and safe management of the childminding service provided. Although medical records are kept, not all of the information is clear. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has followed the previous recommendations, to improve her provision.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Recommendation states that the childminder attends an appropriate first aid course that includes infants and young children. The childminder has now attended the appropriate first aid course.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Recommendation states that the childminder ensures that persons coming into regular contact with minded children complete a Criminal Records Bureau check. The childminder is aware of the correct procedures to follow in this situation.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Recommendation states that the childminder reviews the use of space in the sitting room, including storage arrangement. The childminder has now re-arranged her furniture, so children have room to extend their play and toys are accessible for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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): • ensure medical records are recorded appropriately and all information is present.

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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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