Poltair School

Inspection report for early years provision

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112052 Unique Reference Number 12 July 2006 Inspection date Marilyn Joy 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 satisfactory. 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 1996. She lives with her two teenagers in a detached house in a residential area of Totton. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Shops, parks and schools are nearby. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The family have a dog and other small pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She currently cares for three pre-school and 10 school age children, two of whom are over eight years. All children are cared for on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She attends local carer and toddler groups 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 satisfactory. Children's health and dietary needs are met, because the childminder has a sound understanding of individual requirements. She is careful to follow parent's wishes when providing snack and drinks. A healthy option of fruit is offered, as well as a biscuit, and children are reminded to have plenty of drinks, particularly in hot weather. Suitable hygiene routines are observed, which helps to prevent the spread of infection, for example when changing nappies and through the provision of individual towels in the cloakroom. Appropriate documentation is in place for recording accidents and medication, although some incidents are not always clearly recorded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to develop healthy practises, such as washing their hands at appropriate times, using sun cream and wearing hats when playing outside in the summer. Fresh air and exercise form part of the daily routines. Children play in the garden and walk to school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. A warm and welcoming environment is offered. Children move around freely downstairs, where they are easily supervised. Safety has been considered in most areas, for example there is a high bolt on the garden gate and cupboard locks are used in the kitchen. However, safety equipment is not always kept in place to prevent children from accessing unsuitable areas, such as the safety gate is not always fixed at the bottom of the stairs. A good range of resources is available outdoors. Toys and equipment are rotated indoors, although only a limited range is accessible on a daily basis. Resources are clean and in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Consideration is given to safeguarding children's welfare. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues and shares her written policy with parents. Careful thought has been given to dealing with emergencies. The childminder has completed a first aid course, so that she is aware of what to do if a child has an accident and she has prepared an emergency plan, which includes a list of emergency contacts. Emergency supplies, such as a first aid kit, are taken on outings, although children's contact numbers are not taken should they be required. An evacuation plan has been prepared and discussed with older children, so that the premises can be evacuated quickly in the event of a fire.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and content in the relaxed environment. They respond well to the childminder and enjoy playing with her. They play co-operatively together in the tent and attempt to throw balls accurately at the number board. They enthusiastically chase bubbles in the garden. Craft activities, such as playdough, colouring and cooking are offered. Children are keen to set up the train and animal construction set. They laugh and squeal excitedly when the childminder joins in and plays hide and seek with the animal toys.

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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 A suitable selection of activities is offered, according to the age of the children present. Older children have access to electronic and board games indoors and more skilful games outside, such as the swing ball. They often participate in activities with the younger children, particularly when it is arts and crafts or games. Regular visits to parent and toddler groups extend the opportunities available for younger children and promote their social skills when playing with others. Outings, suitable for all the children, are organised in the holidays and include trips to the park and forest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children demonstrate a clear sense of belonging in the relaxed way they interact with the childminder. Positive behaviour management strategies, such as consistent boundaries, praise and encouragement, help children understand what is expected of them and behave well. Suitable arrangements are in place for supporting children with learning difficulties or disabilities. However, there are few resources or activities available to promote children's awareness of the wider society. Children are treated fairly and parent's wishes regarding their care are respected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Arrangements for managing children's care are discussed and agreed with parents, when they initially visit the childminder. Ongoing discussions with the childminder ensure they are well-informed about children's daily routines and activities. Positive relationships are developed with parents and they are encouraged to raise any concerns they may have, although there is no formal system in place for keeping an organised record of complaints or concerns received.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. A friendly environment is offered where children are confident and secure, and parents are happy with the care provided. Space is used appropriately, so that children can be easily supervised as well as having different areas to play indoors and outdoors. Most documentation relating to children's care and well-being is efficiently organised and maintained appropriately. A range of written information is shared with parents about the service provided, although some policies are not fully up-to-date. 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 ensure all documentation is maintained and up-to-date. Most is completed appropriately. However, existing injuries and incidents are not always recorded. The childminder was also asked to provide parents with information about her complaints procedure and sickness policy. Parents are now provided with written details of all her policies and procedures so that, for example, parents are aware that children should not attend if they are ill. They are given a copy of her complaints procedure, however, it has not been updated to reflect the most recent changes to the regulations.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to provide a suitable range of toys, in order to meet the developmental needs of children over five years and extend resources reflecting positive images

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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 of culture, ethnicity and disability. She has obtained some additional resources, although few are easily accessible, which reduces the play opportunities available for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, Ofsted has received one complaint. A concern was raised in March 2006 relating to National Standard 2 – Organisation. The childminder was minding more children than the registration allowed. An unannounced visit was conducted and, as a result, a formal warning letter was sent in relation to overminding, which was a breach of the registration. In view of the steps taken by the childminder, no further action was taken. The provider remains suitable for registration. Details of the complaint have been kept, although not in an organised format.

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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 satisfactory. 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 adequate safety measures are in place to prevent children from accessing areas not suitable • extend the range of activities and resources to meet the developmental needs of all children • update the complaints procedure and complaints record according to current regulations and ensure all documentation is maintained appropriately.

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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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