Laurance Haines Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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129139 Unique Reference Number 19 June 2006 Inspection date Lindsay Hare 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 registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and children aged 11 and 15 in the Ellenbrook area of Hatfield. The whole ground floor 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 five children under five on a part-time basis. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has two guinea pigs and a hamster.

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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 are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Clear explanation and helpful reminders help children understand that washing their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating reduces the risk of passing on germs. For example, a poster displayed in the toilet illustrates the need to wash their hands as well as practical activities that show how germs are spread.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a detailed sickness policy and written parental consents to administer medication and seek emergency medical treatment. This means that she can give appropriate care if there is an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of a healthy diet. The childminder shares information with parents on ideas for providing healthy lunch boxes. Children benefit from the nutritious snacks the childminder provides and are given opportunities to try new foods. For example, they tried the fruits listed in the story of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical activities that keep them in good health, such as trips to various parks. They benefit from using the wide range of equipment in the garden to help them develop control of their bodies, such as the slide and parachute. Children improve their fine motor skills as they complete puzzles and thread cotton reels. They are becoming increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies and are beginning to recognise when they need a drink or a rest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a spacious environment that allows them to move around safely. They benefit from the good range of safety measures, such as socket covers, a fire guard and a secure outdoor play area. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. For example, the childminder discussed road safety and then the children produced a poster to illustrate stopping at the kerb. Children often share responsibility, contributing, at some level, to the development of safety and care routines, such as tidying away the small toys when the babies are around and regularly practising the emergency evacuation procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have easy and safe access to toys and play resources that are stimulating and appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder follows guidelines when using the trampoline and children abide by the rules in order to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are excellent systems in place to allow the safe arrival and collection of children. Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect as the childminder ensures that they are never left alone with anyone who is not vetted. She has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and a very clear understanding of the correct procedure to follow if she has any concerns.

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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 happy and settled in the welcoming environment. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. The childminder develops good relationships with the children and is very aware of their individual needs. For example, she will suggest a quiet activity such as listening to a story if she thinks a child needs to rest. The younger children are too small to use the trampoline, so therefore a smaller trampoline was provided, so that they could also participate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which provide good levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. Although the younger children may miss out on specific activities for their age group because the childminder has not fully incorporated the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children enjoy making pizzas when role playing and learn to follow instructions when making the beanbags jump on the parachute. Children ask questions and the childminder encourages new vocabulary as she talks and reads stories to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged and offered support if necessary when acquiring new skills such as writing their name. The childminder listens to the children as they talk about their school day and praises them on their efforts and achievements. This builds their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children form close relationships with the childminder and are confident to seek cuddles and reassurance when needed. They develop an awareness of their own needs and those of others through their interaction with the childminder. For example, one child gave the baby his comfort toy when he started to get upset. Many resources reflect positive images of all aspects of society and this means that children learn to acknowledge and accept differences. The childminder provides a good role model by answering the children's questions openly and honestly, helping children learn the importance of respect for all.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the flexible and supportive partnership the childminder has with the parents. The childminder follows parents' wishes regarding sleep and toileting routines and provides them with detailed information about the provision to ensure continuity of care. Children receive support if needed to ensure that they are all included and their individual needs are met. For example, the childminder uses dual language books with children who are bi-lingual.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are polite. The childminder manages their behaviour calmly and patiently. This encourages children to respond effectively to any guidance and praise. Children abide by the house rules and appropriate strategies according to the age and stage of development helping children understand right from wrong.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from a well-organised environment where they receive excellent adult support from the childminder to help them feel secure and confident. All policies and procedures are individual to the setting, robust and fully support the expert practice in promoting children's well-being and supporting children to develop their potential.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps up to date with current child care issues by attending training and workshops whenever she can, such as child protection and food hygiene as well as first aid. She understands her role and responsibility as she regularly evaluates her practice in order to monitor and improve the quality of care and education she offers to children.

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Organisation

All the relevant documentation is in place and is reviewed regularly to ensure that children's welfare is promoted. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has attended a healthy eating workshop, which has enabled her to provide information for parents on providing healthy packed lunches. The childminder talks to the children about what foods are good for them and what foods they like and provides them with nutritious snacks including fruit.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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): • improve the outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with 'Birth to three matters'.

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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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