Oakwood School

Inspection report for early years provision

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125273 Unique Reference Number 20 July 2006 Inspection date Lesley Theresa Watts 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children, both of whom are aged over eight years. The whole ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available 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, of these two may be under one year. She is currently minding five children aged under eight years, on a part time basis. The childminder lives within easy reach of the shops, schools, pre-schools, the beach and the park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder helps run a local carer and toddler group on a regular basis.

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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's good health is promoted in premises that are maintained to a good standard of hygiene and cleanliness. Effective systems are implemented within the home to help minimise the transmission of communicable diseases, this includes the implementation of good hand washing after using the bathroom, a changing mat that is cleaned after use and the careful disposal of nappies. However, opportunities for younger children to learn the importance of good personal hygiene are not wholly implemented because, although the childminder washes their hands before and after eating, their hands are not cleaned after nappy changing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary requirements are met because parents provide a packed lunch for their children. In addition, the childminder adheres to easily accessible information relating to special dietary needs and preferences, because she provides a balanced range of nutritious snacks. Children begin to learn the importance of keeping their bodies hydrated because they have their own drinking vessels, which are easily accessible and refreshed regularly. Gentle reminders for younger children remind them to take a drink, contributing to their good health

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular opportunities to visit the park, the local toddler group and play outdoors, all of which help them to acquire a healthy attitude to physical exercise and develop their large muscle movements. It also provides opportunities for children to develop an awareness of changes that occur in their bodies during vigorous physical play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are safe and secure; as a result, children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised. Toys are clean and in good condition because the childminder checks and cleans them regularly. There are effective procedures in place for the safe arrival and collection of children, which contribute towards children’s safety. The fire blanket is in place in the kitchen and smoke detectors will ensure the childminder is alerted promptly in the event of a fire. In addition, the clearly displayed fire evacuation plan and details of what to do in an emergency is discussed with older children, as a result, children are familiar with procedures to follow, contributing to their safety. A clear and consistent routine enables the children to develop a sound awareness of the boundaries implemented by the childminder to keep them safe, for example; children are reminded to walk inside and they learn that meals are eaten at the table.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are kept safe on outings because the childminder applies appropriate safety measures, such as ensuring babies and younger children are strapped securely into a buggy and that her vehicle is safe and roadworthy. She gives high regard to the suitability of the places children are taken to, helping to minimise potential risks to children. In addition, before taking children further a field, the childminder ensures she has provided each child with a fluorescent wristband, which details the childminders contact numbers, therefore in the event of a child becoming lost, the childminder can be contacted swiftly, all of which contribute towards keeping children safe.

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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 Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted appropriately because the childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate, there is an easily accessible first aid kit and she has a good knowledge and understanding of issues and procedures relating to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The well-organised and nurturing environment helps the children to settle quickly. The childminder is attentive and caring in her approach and the children are content and settled in her care. The children clearly enjoy exploring the range of brightly coloured plastic toys that the childminder provides. Together they sing songs, read books, mimic animal sounds and play ball games outdoors. With support, children investigate the toy cupboard, make marks with the magic pens and older children develop their skills on the computer. Opportunities for children to explore with their senses are provided both at home and at the crafty toddler group they visit weekly. In addition, the childminder intends to implement fully, the Birth to three matters framework in the future to further promote babies and children's development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder consistently ensures she shares her time equitably amongst the children, supporting and encouraging them in their play and learning. She ensures all children receive lots of praise and positive intervention, helping to build on their self-esteem and confidence. As a result, younger children are beginning to make independent choices and develop their concentration, as they explore and investigate the toys and equipment. Regular visits out into the community help children learn about the local environment and wider world, for example trips to wildwood, the beach, the zoo and the local environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are settled and enjoy a consistent and organised routine that affords them opportunities to be active and relax. Realistic expectations and a consistent approach by the childminder helps the children to learn about right and wrong. As a result, children’s behaviour is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals, differences embraced and each child treated with equal concern. A child record form details children's dietary requirements, medical needs, likes and dislikes, all of which help the childminder provide the appropriate care. Although the childminder has not yet cared for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, she is committed to providing an inclusive service.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A strong commitment to work in partnership with parents underpins positive relationships. Effective communication contributes to meeting the individual needs of all children and formal contracts detail business arrangements to ensure the care required is provided. Although parents are provided with access to the childminders full range of policies and procedures and a detailed statement of service, as yet, systems for ensuring parents are kept informed of changes in legislation have not been established. As a result, parents have not been advised of the recent changes in the procedures to follow in the event of a complaint.

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

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Organisation

The organisation of the setting is good and contributes to positive outcomes for children. The environment is clean and organised to ensure children's individual needs are met. The routine includes quiet times, active times, snack times and outings. As a result, children are secure in the childminders care. The certificate of registration and certificate of public liability insurance are displayed for parents to see and most of the required documentation and parental consents for the safe and efficient management of the setting and for the welfare and care of children is maintained correctly. However, the complaints procedure has not yet been updated to reflect recent changes in legislation.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to improve the quality of care she provides to children, for example, she has attended training to become an accredited childminder and regularly accesses short courses to enable her to build on what she already knows, this includes Child Protection training.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection in 2004, the childminder was set one action in order to ensure the National standards are met and three recommendations to improve her childminding service.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was instructed, by way of an action to; ensure that positive steps are taken to keep children safe around the swimming pool and pond. In order to address this action fully the childminder has removed the swimming pool and constructed a fence to prevent access to the pond. As a result children are unable to access this area unsupervised.

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Improvements since the last inspection

In order to meet the recommendations set at the last inspection, the childminder has reviewed her paperwork to ensure both her register of attendance and medicine records are completed correctly, in line with the requirements of the National standards. In addition, she sought consent from parents to use the swimming pool, however this is no longer relevant because the childminder has removed the pool.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Overall, the childminder has made good progress in addressing fully the action and recommendations set at the last inspection, contributing towards positive outcomes for 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 the complaints procedure reflects changes in legislation and is available to parents • continue to develop knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework in order to support and develop the programme of activities provided for children under the age of three years

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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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