Cole Street Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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105049 Unique Reference Number 10 October 2006 Inspection date Sarah Catherine Jex 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 1992. She lives with her partner and two adult children in the town of Luton in Bedfordshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding plus a bedroom upstairs used for sleeping. 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding eight children of different ages at various times and days of the week. The childminder walks to the local school and pre-school to take and collect children.

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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 able to learn the importance of good personal hygiene from an early age, through well organised routines and practice. They understand the need to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating snacks. Children contribute to their own good hygiene practice by the use of tissues when noses need to be wiped. The children are protected from infection because the childminder is well informed about their health and employs suitable methods to prevent infections spreading, such as implementing her sick child policy and providing separate flannels and towels for the children to use. Sound procedures are in place for recording children's accidents or administering medication and parents countersign the entry, this impacts positively on the children's health and well-being. Information is shared with parents relating to any aspect of their child's health and she values and respects parents' wishes. The childminder

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Helping children to be healthy

holds a current first aid certificate and is confident she can deal with any minor accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Parents supply the children’s meals. Children have access to drinking water throughout the day and eat plenty of fresh fruit which they are encouraged to help prepare. Children are becoming aware of what foods are good to eat and the impact healthy eating has on their body. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and works with them closely to provide nutritious snacks that appeal to the children as well as meeting their dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy an appropriate range of physical activities which contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They are able to play, rest, sleep and be active according to their needs. Children's health and development is promoted through their participation in a variety of physical activities such as walking to drop off and pick up other children from the local school, visits to the local park and playing outside in the garden with a variety of toys. For example, bats, balls and skipping ropes. All children are able to fully participate in the activities because the childminder uses her experience and knowledge of child development to adapt these to a suitable level.

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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 safe, clean and well-maintained environment. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has a good awareness of safety. An informal risk assessment is carried out on the premises, toys and activities to ensure potential risks are identified and minimised. Space and resources are organised so children are able to explore and take risks in a safe, controlled environment. However, the childminder's knowledge of emergency evacuation is restricted as she has not practised the written procedure, therefore this compromises children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about keeping themselves safe both in and out of the home. They learn about acceptable behaviour and the impact this has on their safety. For example, children know to hold hands and to stay together always in sight of the childminder. Clear arrangements with parents to ensure that authorised people only collect children. Children learn about the reasons

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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 to pick up after themselves to keep things safe for all children playing. Supervision is of a high standard. Car safety is taught as children have appropriate car seats and restraints. They learn about the importance of keeping the belts in place at all times. Children have access to well-maintained, developmentally appropriate toys and equipment which are easily accessible for them to self select.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from possible abuse or neglect. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to protect the children in her care and has a understanding of the signs and symptoms to look for along with the procedures to follow if she has any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children access a variety of appropriate activities and play opportunities which are incorporated within their daily routine. Children's independence skills are constantly developing as they take part in and initiate child-led activities using their imagination. For example, when playing with the dolls and tea set. They enthusiastically act out familiar situations such as making cups of tea or coffee and putting the babies to bed. The childminder is skilled in listening to the children and introducing new language which they imitate in role play experiences. Suitably challenging and fun activities are available for all children and with the childminders knowledge she is able to adapt these to suit children’s individual needs. Children show an interest in the activities available. The childminder has knowledge of the needs of the children under three, but these could be developed further. For example, by using the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have very positive relationships with the childminder. The childminder interacts at the children's level, encouraging communication and independence skills. They have opportunities to think for themselves, express their thoughts, ideas and interact with others by sharing and taking turns to explore their environment and wider surroundings, either individually or with each other. They are able to ask questions and are absorbed in whatever they choose to do. They initiate their own play and constructively use the resources available. The childminder arranges outings to the park where children benefit from new experiences and can explore new areas of interest, particularly exploring their physical capabilities and discovering nature. Children approach her for physical comfort and reassurance which contributes to their sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children become aware of diversity and the wider world through using a good range of resources and activities. They see positive images that promote race, culture disability and gender in puzzles, imaginatively dressing up and play figures. Books are readily available and children enjoy discovering the world around them through sharing stories with the childminder. Children accept each other as individuals with the childminder setting an excellent example by valuing and respecting each child. Activities are adapted to meet the needs of all children and a sensitive approach ensures children can play without fear of discrimination. The childminder knows the children very well and is responsive to their needs. For example, if a child needs extra reassurance

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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 or cuddles this is happily provided and children respond positively knowing they can climb up for a cuddle at any time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Expectations and realistic boundaries are in place and this impacts positively on the children’s behaviour. For example, children know not to jump on the furniture or run inside. They respond well to the childminder and the high level of support and consistent strategies help them understand what is acceptable. Their confidence and self-esteem is enhanced by the support and praise provided. When asking a child to respond the childminder always gives a reason and explanation for her request. This again helps children feel valued and respected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed secure relationships with parents which impacts again on the confidence and security of each child. Parents are provided with information detailing all aspects of the childminder's practice verbally. Each parent has time to discuss their child's day and is able to share and play an active and important role in their child's care. Relevant documentation about the children is in place along with the parents poster informing them how to make a complaint. However, a complaints record is not kept.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's needs are met through successful organisation and communication with parents. Space and equipment is prepared so that children can access resources easily and independently. This enables them to self select their activities and play safely. Children benefit from routines which make them feel secure and relaxed. Children play, eat, sleep and rest as they need to. The childminder arranges her time well to ensure children's needs are met and they receive good levels of attention.

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Organisation

Documentation is stored securely and information shared appropriately with parents. Some written policies and procedures are in place to help keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. The childminder has followed appropriate procedures to ensure that all members of the household are vetted and suitable. Overall, the needs of all the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to complete the recommendations set. They were to:

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Improvements since the last inspection

Ensure all persons over 16 years have updated clearances and she informs Ofsted of any significant changes or events which affect her childminding practice. The attendance record is kept up to date. A variety of toys are available for outside play. Improve fire safety precautions by fitting the smoke alarm correctly on the ground floor, ensuring the children cannot access the sharp knives. Update the procedure and ensure the children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised or be collected by an authorised adult.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has completed all her recommendations by ensuring that all adults have suitable clearances in place and is aware of informing Ofsted of any changes which would affect her childminding practice. All records regarding children's attendance is up to date as she records

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Improvements 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 the arrival and departure times of each child daily. The childminder has acquired a suitable range of toys which will enhance children's outside play these include ball, bats skipping ropes and see-saw along with encouraging children to walk more. Safety has been enhanced by the childminder providing a smoke alarm which is correctly fitted and regularly checked, sharp knives are kept in a locked drawer and children are unable to leave the premises as the front door is locked when children are present and a password system has been introduced so children only leave with authorised people. Documents are in place for the recording of the administration of medications which includes the parents signatures.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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): • practise and document the emergency evacuation procedure • obtain a copy of 'Birth to three matters' framework • keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken

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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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