Elburton Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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113322 Unique Reference Number 30 October 2006 Inspection date Michelle Ann Parham 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 1991 and is registered to provide care for six children. Currently the childminder provides care for six children, the majority of which attend on a part time basis. The childminder lives with her husband and adult daughter in a house in the residential area of Bridgemary, Gosport in Hampshire. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding with the first floor accessed for sleeping only. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends a number of groups for children throughout the week.

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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 benefit from an enclosed rear garden area that is laid to lawn and suitable for outside play. They enjoy regular use of the climbing frame and slide, balls, balance platform ball, scooters, sit and ride toys, tent and bats in the garden, which encourages good co-ordination and gross motor development. They also experience regular outings to Nicholson Gardens, the Haven Puff group, the local childminder group at Stoke Road and the library for story time. Other experiences and outings include other community parks such as Lee on the Solent beach park, Staunton Country Park and Fort Nelson, regular socialising with other childminders and daily walks to Bedenham Primary School. Consequently physical fitness is well promoted and the children have ample opportunity to develop communication and socialisation with others and extend their knowledge and understanding of the community.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their care needs effectively met in the event of an accident or illness as the childminder has a well maintained first aid kit and up to date first aid qualification. She contacts parents as soon as possible if a child is injured or ill and thoroughly protects children as they are excluded from the setting if they are infectious to others.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of good hygiene as from an early age they are encouraged to wash and clean hands after using the toileting facilities, after messy play and before snacks and meals. Effective procedures are in place to ensure toys and equipment are clean and suitable for children's use and the children benefit from an environment that is clean, bright and well maintained. Individual bedding is used for children and all children have their own personal changing mat which prevents cross contamination and spread of infection, therefore promoting children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their individual health and dietary needs identified and met as the childminder has the required documentation in place and works closely with parents. Parents supply the majority of children's meals, however, the childminder has a flexible approach and when requested by parents supplies occasional evening meals. She promotes healthy eating by gently encouraging children to try unfamiliar healthy foods such as various vegetables and supplements children's meals with healthy snacks of fresh fruit, breadsticks, chopped vegetables and raisins. Children have fresh water throughout their time at the setting as drinks are always accessible on the dining room table. As a result children are well hydrated and well nourished at the setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from an environment that is safe as all hazards have been identified and minimised through use of cupboard locks, safety gates and socket covers. The rear garden is fully enclosed with a bolted gate and equipment and play resources are checked regularly to ensure they are safe and suitable for children's use. Play resources are also stored whereby they are appropriate and safe for the age of the children to access. Children begin to learn

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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 about staying safe as they discuss and practise road safety as they walk to the local school and in the community. The childminder ensures they use safe places to cross, such as the crossing patrol officer, and talks to the children about other dangers such as strangers and unfamiliar animals. Children are appropriately restrained and seated when travelling in the car in line with recent legislation and effective use of harnesses in highchairs and buggies also contributes to their safety. Children are secure within the home as the childminder is aware of who is collecting children and has effective procedures in place in the event of an alternative or unfamiliar adult arriving. The front door is locked and the childminder is vigilant in her supervision to further ensure the safety and security of the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is maintained at the setting as the childminder has good awareness of signs and symptoms that may indicate concerns about a child. She has documentation in place to record existing injuries and incidents and has attended child protection workshops to develop her knowledge and understanding of this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thrive in an environment where they have good play and learning opportunities that help them develop in all areas. The play resources are stimulating, interesting and fun. Children can access them independently as they are stored in boxes and open shelving in the dedicated conservatory playroom. As a result they are able to initiate their own choice of play developing their independence and responsibility. They are becoming competent learners as they have a wealth of well organised play resources which are appropriate for their stage of development. They enjoy many exciting outings to places such as Longdown Dairy Farm where they pet and bottle feed the young animals and to Fort Nelson to participate in the Halloween Horror Experience, making broomsticks and masks and joining in the alphabet trail around the fort and museum. Children also benefit from visiting various children's groups where they can

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

participate in craft and creative play with larger groups of children or listen to story time at the local library. As a result children have good opportunity to extend their social skills, confidence and understanding of the wider world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's communication and language is developing well as the childminder has very good interpersonal communication skills. She gives children her full time and attention, speaks clearly and makes good eye contact. With younger children she repeats words and uses emphasis to encourage children to verbally communicate in response. She uses incidental play and everyday routines to extend learning, such as including colour and counting at meal times and in general play. Children enjoy the company of the childminder and are very confident within the home. They chatter and engage continuously evidencing how they feel secure and relaxed at the setting. They enjoy cuddles and hugs with the childminder as they sit on her knee and look at books, or as they happily select resources, enjoying independent play with the Little Tykes Mountain Tunnel and small world figures. The setting is a happy home, where children are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

confident in their surroundings. They move freely and easily around the home and show a sense of belonging and good levels of self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the childminder having some regard to the Birth to Three Matters Framework and she is due to attend training in December to further consolidate her knowledge,

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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 practice and understanding. She knows the children well in her care and builds warm and trusting relationships with the family as a whole. Children have their individual care needs effectively met in an environment where they are able to enjoy and make progress in their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a setting where they receive a care package appropriate for their individual needs. The childminder works closely with parents to support the needs of the family as a whole and is flexible in the service she provides to accommodate parents who work shift patterns. Parents are fully informed about the setting and work practices as the childminder provides them with a number of written policies. Required information such as the certificate of registration is displayed effectively in the home when actively childminding for parents to view. Information is shared on a daily basis and parents are made welcome into the home to discuss the day’s events. Consequently children benefit from the good partnership with parents which ensures effective continuity of their care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing a strong sense of themselves because the childminder values them as individuals. She uses child record of information forms to ensure she is aware of personal requirements and needs. Children develop good self esteem and a sense of belonging as the childminder welcomes them into the home with her friendly, warm, caring nature which they respond well to. The children have generally been in the setting from an early age and evidently are well settled, happy and enjoy the childminder's company, evidenced through lots of friendly chatter, giggles and cuddles as they spend time together. Children thrive at the setting because the childminder recognises that they are individuals and provides play resources suitable for their age and stage of development. They extend their understanding of diversity as there is a good range of resources such as dolls, small world figures, dressing up clothes, role-play

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Helping children make a positive contribution

equipment and books that project positive images of all members of society. As a result children learn about other cultures and develop understanding and respect. Children with additional needs are welcome at the setting and this is an area that the childminder finds interesting and would like to further extend her experience of.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well at the setting. They benefit from the childminder having a calm relaxed manner and good communication skills. Occasions of unwanted behaviour are addressed effectively through discussion, distraction, tone of voice and occasional time out if required. The children receive lots of praise and encouragement throughout their play and daily routines which is a positive method used to reinforce good behaviour, effort and achievement. Documentation is in place to record incident and concerns or issues are discussed with parents if required. Simple house rules are explained to children which also help them understand right from wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive good quality care enabling them to develop self assurance and confidence because the childminder is effective in promoting positive outcomes for children. They benefit

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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 because she has a good understanding of how children learn through play and many years experience of working with young children.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good understanding of the requirements of the National Standards and effectively maintains the required documentation. Written policies and procedures enable her to effectively share her practice with parents ensuring they are fully aware of her role and responsibilities.

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Organisation

Children benefit because the childminder plans her day to ensure all their individual needs are fully met and routines respected. She makes good use of local amenities, space and resources to provide a stimulating and fun environment where children have opportunities to enjoy and achieve and are safe and well protected. 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 visit the childminder was required to put in place documentation in regard to overnight care for children, ensure all required persons have completed relevant checks and update records to include the relevant information. The childminder does not now provide overnight care for children, all adults in the home have suitability checks completed and all records now hold the full required details. As a result these improvements have a positive impact on the overall health and welfare of children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the national standards.

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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 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): • continue to develop knowledge, understanding and practice of the Birth to Three Matters Framework.

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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 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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