Melcombe Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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100334 Unique Reference Number 15 August 2006 Inspection date Christine Coram 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 was registered in 1989. She lives with her husband and five children aged three, nine, 12, 19 and 21 in West Parley. The home is situated within walking distance of local amenities on the border of Christchurch, Ferndown and Bournemouth. The lounge, conservatory and one bedroom on the ground floor of the premises are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children under eight. Some attend all day, and others attend before and after school. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local childminder meetings, and parent and toddler and groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a level 3 qualification in childcare and is a member of the Bournemouth Children Come First Childminding Network.

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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 is promoted effectively. Any medical needs are met because appropriate records are in place. For example, comprehensive accident record sheets are completed and filed in each child's folder. Medication and emergency consent forms are completed and signed by parents. Should an accident happen, the children are protected well because the childminder has a current first aid qualification. She also has a first aid box in the kitchen and another travel kit is taken on outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good hygiene habits are promoted because children are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after touching animals. The childminder is currently caring for her sister's guinea pigs. Children sit on a chair with a towel on their lap to hold the animals and stroke them. They wash their hands immediately after all the children have had a turn.

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Helping children to be healthy

The organisation of meal times does not always promote the children's nutritional health. Parents are encouraged to send nutritional food in the lunch boxes but children are not sufficiently encouraged to eat the healthy items. Snacks include an appetising variety of fruit but also some sugary items that do not promote health. Children's need for regular fluids is met very well. Drinks are left in bottles on the windowsill so that they can be accessed at any time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The environment is very welcoming with pictures and children's work displayed on the walls. The rooms used for childminding have plenty of natural light and ventilation. Fans are used to keep rooms cool on hot days. Children also play in a large, secure garden. This is a very natural environment that is accessed safely through the conservatory. The furniture is safe and includes child height chairs, table and large floor cushions so that children can sit or lie comfortably to play and join in activities. Toys and equipment are maintained in a good condition. The childminder has a procedure to check for any cracks and breakages. She cleans the equipment with bleach solution or anti-bacterial spray on a regular basis. The outdoor equipment is checked and cleaned daily.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are safe and the childminder regularly conducts a comprehensive risk assessment. The emergency evacuation procedure is practised every two months. The date, time and duration are recorded in a log. Children are protected on outings through clear procedures. For example, children wear an identity bracelet with the childminder's mobile telephone number written on the inside. Children are kept safe from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder has a clear understanding about the issues and procedures regarding child protection.

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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. The children enjoy a wide range of activities that are thoughtfully provided for them. A good choice of toys is provided and is set out invitingly for them each day. For example, play-dough, musical instruments, sticking, books and a farm set are offered. Books are attractively displayed and children have easy access to the equipment. This is because it is stored in the rooms used by them in see-through crates so that the children can decide for themselves what they would like to play with. In addition, more structured activities are provided throughout the day such as making rocket pictures and music-time when they sing and move to children's music. The toys and activities provide stimulation and challenge for all the children, across the age-range.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

In the garden, children enjoy water play, sand, climbing frames, a play-house, bikes and sit-and-ride toys. Trees and shrubs provide interesting areas to play and hide. This is a very stimulating area. They gain social experiences through visits to toddler groups and meeting with other childminders.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's play is further enhanced by the involvement and support given by the childminder. She involves herself in their play, listening and responding to their comments and asking question that extend their learning and enjoyment. She praises and encourages their efforts, building their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a positive and inclusive atmosphere. The childminder has a clear understanding about equality of opportunity and has recently undertaken a detailed training course to become an 'Equality Named Coordinator'. The childminder knows the children's personalities and preferences. She considers these in her planning and care. Children have free and equal choice and the childminder supports younger children to give them the chance to participate. They are taken to various places of interest to broaden their experiences. These include the library, dentist and museums. They develop an open attitude to people whose life experience is different to their own through resources which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. Books are displayed with very positive illustrations of culture and disability and beliefs. A variety of festivals is included in the art activities such as Chinese New Year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed effectively. Each child's level of understanding and stage of development is taken into account. The childminder discusses their behaviour and it's impact with older children and is firm when needed. She is calm and clear with younger children, demonstrating an understanding of why they behave in the way they do. Stickers are used successfully to reward good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are well informed about the childminder's practice through a policy and information file

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and picture books made for parents following outings and special occasions. Diaries are used for children under three to inform parents about their day and their progress. This is in addition

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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 to verbal communication each day. It is clear from the written agreements and letters of reference that children are looked after according to parents’ wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to training. She is keen to increase her knowledge and understanding of childcare issues and practice. She was awarded NVQ level 3 in childcare in June 2005. She has attended a variety of courses including child protection, behaviour management, using recycled materials in craft and 'finding a voice'.

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Organisation

Children are cared for within a well-organised day. Space and resources are used very well to provide different areas for different types of play and plenty of room to move around. However, the arrangements for snack and meal times do not promote children's health very well. There is a flexible routine, which includes structured activities such as singing and music time, and frequent changes of activity to stimulate the children's interest.

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Organisation

All the required documentation and records are maintained and available. The childminder can access the information quickly and easily but this is kept confidential. A booklet of policies is available for parents.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection, the childminder was asked to make her records more accessible for inspection and to report significant accidents to Ofsted. The records are now comprehensive and easily available for inspection. They are stored in a crate in the room used for childcare and are well organised and easy to read. Any significant accidents or incidents are now reported to Ofsted and the childminder is fully aware of her responsibility.

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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): • review the snack and lunch procedures to ensure that the children's diet is nutritious and that the emphasis is on the healthy options

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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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