Gibson Lane Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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107864 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2006 Inspection date Helen Ann Woods 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 September 1997. She lives with her husband and their two adult children. They live in house in Chalfont St. Peter within walking distance of local parks, schools and shops. The childminder takes the children out to local carer and toddler groups. Most of the ground floor is used for childminding including a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Currently there are three children aged under eight years on roll. The family do not have any pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, healthy environment where procedures are in place to maintain good levels of hygiene through daily routines such as hand washing. Policies and procedures

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 are in place for first aid, accidents and medication ensuring children are well cared for. Children are protected from unnecessary illness, as they do not attend if they are contagious. Children are developing well physically through regular daily walks to local parks, toddler group, climbing, running and jumping in the well organised garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides a healthy diet that includes freshly prepared fruit and vegetables and takes account of individual requirements and personal preferences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in the spacious home. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children's choice of toys and equipment is supervised by the childminder to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues, minimises risks for children with constant supervision both indoors, when out in the garden or on visits. This means that children are able to move about and play in safety. Suitable and well maintained furniture is readily available to meet children's individual needs, for example cot and high chair.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted; for example the childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She has a good understanding of child protection procedures which she keeps updated by attending regular training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children take part in a range of activities, both indoors and out, which are fun and stimulating and aid their development. They have the opportunity for daily walks and visit local places of interest such as the aquadrome in Rickmansworth where children can follow nature trails and water activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn through play, by painting, drawing and taking part in creative activities with different shaped objects and collage with different textured materials. Children have very loving relationships with the childminder and each other which is based on mutual respect and affection; for example, a child cared for since he was four months old talks about the childminder, her family and other children as his second family.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children proudly display their art work as well as taking some home for their parents. A large selection of books encourages the children to read and reference activities such as visits to local places of interest. They benefit from the childminder's sound understanding of learning and developmental stages that ensures they make good progress. Children are therefore happy and relaxed, benefiting from a caring environment.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's self-esteem is fostered through positive interaction with the childminder. They receive lots of praise and encouragement as she involves herself with their play; children feel valued and confident to try new experiences. Clear consistent house rules, based around safety and respect for property and people, are in place, which enable children to develop self-discipline. Children mix socially with others encouraging them to learn respect for differing cultures and abilities. The childminder's good understanding of children’s learning and developmental needs ensure she meets any child’s special needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder and parents form a close working relationship that ensures continuity of care for children. Parents receive copies of all policies and procedures and all relevant recordings concerning their child. The childminder maintains confidentiality at all times.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease within the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children use all available play space in and outside the home. Children benefit from a variety of outings such as visiting the local parks, the aquadrome at Rickmansworth and other local places of interest. The childminder keeps up-to-date with new childminding developments by attending regular training programmes in order to develop her skills and improve the service she provides to children and their families. The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and skills to benefit the children, for example, by making use of Birth to three matters.

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Organisation

All documents are in place according to regulation. Attendance is recorded in a daily attendance register although exact arrival and departure times are not accurately recorded. They are stored securely and made available for inspection and regularly shared with parents. The childminder keeps parents well informed about the care that is provided. The childminder meets the needs for 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 that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equal opportunities and to make sure that all cleaning materials are inaccessible to children. She has increased activities and resources with puzzles, books and figures that reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. Cleaning materials are kept in the locked utility area in high cupboards and are inaccessible to children.

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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 arrival and departure times are recorded accurately.

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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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