Tytherington High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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111402 Unique Reference Number 05 September 2006 Inspection date Lynne Elizabeth Lewington 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 1995. She lives with her three children, all aged over eight years. They live in an end of terrace house in Winklebury, Basingstoke. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, including a playroom. The children have access to a secure back garden for outdoor play. Local parks, shops and schools are within easy walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years of age. There are currently five children on roll. The childminder collects and takes children to the local primary school and she attends local toddler groups. The family keep a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with special needs.

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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 opportunities to develop their physical skills competently in the garden and the local parks. They learn to use the outdoor play equipment confidently as the childminder encourages them to think about what they are doing and praises them frequently. Opportunities to use the large play equipment outdoors encourages children's' physical strength and balance. Whilst indoors, children use puzzles, paintbrushes and equipment which requires finer movement and hand and eye co-ordination.

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Helping children to be healthy

A spotlessly clean and fresh environment provides the children with a healthy environment for their play. The childminder ensures the children begin to learn sensible simple hygiene routines as they learn to wash their hands before food and after toileting. She is well equipped to manage minor accidents both in the home and on outings, as she has updated her first aid training and maintains very well equipped first aid boxes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good care is taken to ensure children have a suitable diet with opportunities for frequent drinks to prevent dehydration. Fruit is always available for snacks and children can access their drinks easily. Children often bring their meals from home which provides them with continuity in their diets. The childminder recognises links between behaviour and diet and will make suggestions to parents if she thinks that diet can be improved. For example, replacing fizzy drinks with fruit juice and sparkling water.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to very safe and secure premises for their care and play. Good use is made of all the available space and sensible safety measures have been implemented for the children's benefit. The attractive playroom and lounge provides floor space for activities whilst the kitchen table is utilised well for creative activities. The attractive garden is designed with the children in mind providing them with a grass and decked area for their play and activities. Children independently use the ground floor toilet facilities enabling them to develop their independence skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Sensible precautions around the home ensure the children's safety is maintained at all times. The childminder encourages the children to think about safety. For example, they learn road safety and to pick up items to prevent people tripping. Smoke detectors and a clear evacuation procedure ensure the premises can be evacuated swiftly in an emergency. The childminders very clear awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the action she would take if she were concerned about a child in her care safeguards their well being.

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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 enjoy the environment because the childminder works hard to ensure they are happy, confident and settled. They know the daily routine and the childminders expectations. The childminder is sensitive to the children's needs and adapts to ensure they are met. For example; she sits and cuddles a very tired child, sharing a book quietly until the child relaxes and has a short nap. She recognises the importance of ensuring the children have varied experiences with opportunities for stimulation, rest and nourishment frequently throughout the day to enable them to feel content.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children undertake a wide range of activities where their interests and abilities are encouraged by the enthusiastic childminder. The childminder encourages the children's abilities to make independent choices in their play by having toys and activities easily within their reach. They undertake painting activities at the kitchen table, choosing colours and creating paintings of differing sizes. The childminder talks and listens attentively, asking appropriate questions and sharing information, enabling the children to develop awareness of colours and size. An excellent selection of good quality books which can be easily accessed promotes the children's interest in books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Consistent positive working relationships with parents enable excellent working arrangements to be made which benefit the children. The childminder shares information about the child's day and talks to parents at the start and end of each day ensuring that they are fully informed of their child's activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of children's needs and shows patience and skill in her abilities to adapt to them. She recognises the importance of working with other professionals and parents to meet individual special needs, ensuring children have every opportunity to meet their full potential. Children enjoy meeting other children and adults regularly as they go on outings within the local community. This increases their awareness and understanding of their community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder presents as a positive role model to the children consequently the children behave well. They learn to use good manners, share and take turns in their play throughout the day. Consistent boundaries and expectations enable the children to understand what is required of them which in turn provides a sense of security.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The enthusiastic and well qualified childminder has a clear sense of purpose, she organises her day effectively providing the children with a variety of activities which interest and encourage development. Good use is made of the well maintained environment to provide the children

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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 with a healthy, safe, spacious environment for their play. Children have opportunities to develop a very good understanding of the needs of others through the resources and opportunities they experience whilst in the childminders care.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the requirements of her registration. However, the attendance record does not contain sufficient information and there is no information for parents regarding how they can complain or make a compliment about the service offered.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to improve safety by; the provision of a fire blanket and obtaining permission to seek emergency advice or treatment for each child in her care. Safety has been improved appropriately as a fire blanket is now in place in the kitchen which can be easily accessed if required and all parents have completed a consent form with regard to the provision of emergency advice or treatment.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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): • improve attendance records to ensure they are easily accesible and show an accurate record of children's attendance • ensure parents are aware of how to make complaints and compliments about the service offered.

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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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