Tushingham With Grindley CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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111285 Unique Reference Number 21 July 2006 Inspection date Carol Readman 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. She lives with her husband and school-aged son in a bungalow in the village of Barton Stacey. Minded children have access to the lounge, hall and kitchen and the restricted use of the bedrooms. They are able to play in the enclosed garden that surrounds the property. The family keeps cats.

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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. There are currently five children on roll, some on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 at the setting receive a healthy, nutritious diet. The childminder has a good understanding of a balanced diet made up from the major food groups. She provides food for the children, usually a cold lunch and a substantial evening meal. The childminder ensures that children receive nutritious snacks of fruit and biscuits, and wholesome meals such as spaghetti bolognese. Children help to choose the contents of their meals and receive encouragement to try new foods. Fresh drinks are always available to avoid children becoming thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children at the setting learn the importance of good hygiene routines. They learn to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. They also learn to keep the toilet area clean for the benefit of others, as part of good health practices. The childminder provides a clean, inviting home where good hygiene practices during nappy changing and food handling help prevent infection and cross infection. Children receive appropriate treatment for minor injuries from a childminder who is qualified in first aid. She is careful that she always has first aid equipment with her, at home and on outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily outdoor play sessions, riding tricycles and enjoying swinging on the swing boat. They go on nature walks in the local countryside as part of enjoying an active outdoor lifestyle. Children learn to balance this with opportunities to sit quietly and relax after returning from school on very hot days.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can play in a safe and well-resourced environment where the childminder identifies hazards and takes steps to minimise them. For example, doors have sponge door wedges on them so that they cannot slam shut trapping little fingers. The children learn about keeping themselves safe and safe practices. For example, older children learn to keep younger ones safe by being careful not to leave small parts to games and toys lying about. The childminder supervises children constantly when they play in the garden and ensures that they understand safety rules. For example, children learn to use the trampoline safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to access a wide range of toys that conform to safety standards and are appropriate for their ages. The provision is not always fully secure. However due to the childminder’s supervision, children cannot leave the setting without her knowledge.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe on outings. Mainly they walk to school together each day, with small children travelling in the buggy and older children holding on to the buggy or staying close to the childminder at all times. Children learn about road safety and keeping themselves safe. When travelling by car, a range of appropriate car seats means that all children are carried in safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and gives top 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 outstanding. Children at the setting are extremely confident and settled. They enjoy a wide range of fun and stimulating activities. They take part in nature walks and go on visits to local venues such as the zoo and nature parks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has an in-depth knowledge of the children she minds and is extremely skilful at devising activities that all can take part in appropriate to their age and stage of development. Younger children have their own ‘big’ marble game run so they can enjoy play, without encountering small parts, while older children play with regular marbles. Children enjoy a wealth of books about things that really interest them. The childminder supports the children in reaching their goals and completing tasks such as making cards for their teachers at the end of term. Children have a real sense of pride in all they do and receive praise and acknowledgement from the childminder. This makes children keen to try and to acquire new skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder makes excellent use of the Birth to three matters framework, using it to identify children’s achievements, to enhance their development and to strengthen her knowledge and ideas. This ensures that the youngest children at the setting make rapid progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have scrapbooks full of pictures of themselves enjoying activities, such as playing games together, enjoying visits and taking part in excellent craft activities such as making masks. All at the setting thoroughly enjoy their time, taking part in stimulating and purposeful activities. An experienced and dedicated childminder ensures that all children flourish at the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children at the setting are very happy, settled and feel at home. The childminder is careful to treat all children with equal concern and goes to great lengths to see that all can join in activities. She plans to meet the individual needs of all the children, helping younger children learn the fundamentals of colour and counting while giving older children opportunities to develop close relationships and become good friends. Older children at the setting learn to care for their friends and the younger children. The childminder takes great care to find out about family customs and beliefs. She helps all at the setting to learn about others and to respect their differences. The childminder is quick to acknowledge kindness with warm praise. As a result, children are kind and caring to all and they feel valued and special.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children behave extremely well. They have high self-esteem. They are beginning to learn about the natural world, going for nature walks and collecting sticks to use to make Maasai warrior shields. This helps them learn about the wider world and its people as part of understanding about the world’s diverse society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The parents and childminder share extremely good relationships and parents are very much a part of the setting. They receive a comprehensive information pack with a full range of very

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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 well written policies when their child starts. They contribute to the setting by providing resources that the children use in their craft activities. Parents value the childminder and her provision very much and comment on how happy their children are in this 'home from home'. Children declare their childminder as ‘the best ever’ on cards and certificates they make for her.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting is well organised to care for children. Attendance registers, an accident record and medical records are in place, up to date and retained for the necessary time. The childminder has the permissions she needs to run the setting effectively and efficiently. She seeks constantly to improve the provision, meeting with other local childminders to exchange information and share ideas. She is also considering updating her training as part of continuous improvement.

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Organisation

The childminder uses the available space very well. Children at the setting are settled and at ease. They thoroughly enjoy their time there, moving around freely and making decisions about their play. Children learn to play happily together sharing toys and games. They enjoy craft activities such as making masks and Maasai warrior shields. Children benefit from the warm and trusting relationship they form with the childminder. They behave extremely well. Children thrive at the setting because they receive very high levels of care in a warm and supportive environment. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to include actual arrival and departure times in her daily registers. She now does this. Accurate records improve children's safety by ensuring that they can be accounted for in an emergency.

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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): • ensure that the premises is secure at all times.

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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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