Shakespeare Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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119342 Unique Reference Number 01 August 2006 Inspection date Suzanne Joyce Stedman 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 1996. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Southend on Sea, Essex. The whole of the childminder’s house is 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding nine children all part-time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/ or disabilities. She is a member of the National Child Minding Association.

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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 enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health and physical development. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example, children walking to and from school and playing in the garden on the swing and climbing frame. Regular visits to the local park and beach improves children's physical skills. They are becoming aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or rest.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Well established hygiene routines and clear explanations increase children's understanding of the importance of washing their hands to help maintain good health. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate to ensure accidents are treated appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They can help themselves to drinking water from accessible cups throughout the time they are at the childminders. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. She encourages children to make healthy eating choices as they decide what fruit or raw vegetables they would like with their snack. Older children are offered opportunities to be involved in the preparation of their food.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very safe and secure home where hazards are minimised and various precautions are in place to protect them. For example, frequent risk assessments are carried out including the smoke detectors. Children are therefore, able to move around the environment safely and freely. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety outside the home. She talks to children about road safety and the importance of using pedestrian crossings whenever possible and is a good role model when crossing the roads. Children are beginning to learn the importance of fire drills and how to leave the premises quickly and safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from an extensive range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys 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 all of the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. Both herself and her assistant have attended additional child protection training.

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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. Children are well settled and very at home in the childminder's house. They are happy and confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. Children are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful indoor and outdoor activities which provide stimulating levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. They enjoy Skoobies Fashion and Knitty Nancy at the childminder's home. Making sand castles, crabbing, puddle splashing and collecting shells to decorate pots on outing to the beach. In the woods they enjoy tree rubbing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Musical activities include disco sessions and concerts were minded children play the instruments they are learning to play at school. Children take part in regular cooking activities, observing changes to ingredients before and after cooking. They learn about life cycles of plants as they help plant bedding plants in the garden.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good knowledge of child development. She provides very good support to children in their play, providing an environment that allows children to respond with enthusiasm to new challenges.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain an understanding of diversity as they share a good selection of books which reflect different cultures, beliefs and disability. They taste fruits from around the world as they make their snack. They learn about their local community through regular outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy mutually respectful relationships with the childminder. She knows the children well and ensures they are included fully in the life of the setting. Children's individual needs are well met and each child is valued. They develop confidence and self-esteem as they make choices and decisions about their play. Children have time to relax as well as be active. They learn to understand behaviour boundaries and learn right from wrong because the childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. For example, children are encouraged to show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. Children behave well and are developing good manners in response to the childminder's clear and consistent boundaries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from an effective and positive partnership with parents. The childminder welcomes parents and keeps them informed about daily activities, routines and meals. Parents are provided with good quality information about the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by a well organised home which is welcoming and inviting to children and their families. Indoor and outdoor play space is used effectively to maximise play opportunities for the children. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all

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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 children and she organises and plans her time to ensure children are positively supported in their care, learning and play.

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Organisation

The childminder frequently reads information relating to current childcare issues. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being are in place. Policies and procedures are used effectively to protect children, promote their well-being and support all, to develop their potential. Parents are kept informed of their children's progress with information shared on a regular basis.

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Organisation

Children benefit from a childminder who is knowledgeable and experienced in providing childcare. She is committed to keeping her practice up to date by reading current childcare issues from publications.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to update her knowledge and understanding of the steps that may be taken to promote the welfare and development of children who have special needs. She has updated her knowledge and understanding of children with special needs by attending training courses and reading relevant articles.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints 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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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): • further develop use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework when caring for younger children

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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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