Bowness Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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105197 Unique Reference Number 07 December 2006 Inspection date Susan Tuffnell 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 satisfactory. 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 1998. She lives with her husband and two children aged eighteen years and twelve years. The family live in the Sundon Park area of Luton. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children on part-time and flexible arrangements. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has a hamster and two gerbils.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well maintained home. Procedures are in place to protect children from becoming ill. For example, regular routines establish children's understanding of personal hygiene and the importance of washing hands, before meals and after toileting. Children's health is protected by the childminder as she carries out daily procedures such as cleaning surfaces with anti-bacterial wipes. The care of sick children is discussed and agreed with parents and accident forms contain very well recorded information. Health and safety procedures are in place. For example, parents give written consent to the childminder to enable her to use the first aid box and she holds a current first aid certificate. The childminder carries a record card for each child with important details such as contact numbers, doctor's details and consent for seeking emergency advice or treatment. This ensures

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Helping children to be healthy

that children are fully protected at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks and snacks. Most children bring their own food from home however, the childminder offers a range of snacks such as yoghurt and fruit and will provide a full menu if required in the school holidays. Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents and recorded. For example, the childminder ensures that children with allergies are protected by giving close attention to the food and drink provided for all the children in her care. Children have their own cups and these are checked and refilled by the childminder as necessary. Older children are confident to ask for more food and drink.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular physical exercise as they play in the garden and visit the park. They access a range of equipment such as a slide and trampoline and practice skills as they play ball games, use skipping ropes and ride bikes. Children have opportunities to use their bodies in a variety of ways as they dance to music and join in with exercises.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a homely environment where very good safety measures allow them to move safely and confidently in the childminding area. Children's welfare is protected effectively by procedures carried out by the childminder. For example, electric socket safety covers, a fire blanket in the kitchen, smoke detectors at each level of the premises and good security. However, an emergency escape plan has not been devised or practised with the children in order to prepare them for a real life fire situation. Children's awareness of road safety is greatly enhanced as they walk to and from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to an abundance of appropriate play materials. They are stored in boxes and in cupboards in the childminding area giving the children independent choices. Toys provided meet the needs of all the children attending and contain some challenging activities such as puzzles, games and construction to extend children's intellectual and imaginative skills. All equipment seen is in good order and well maintained.

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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 The childminder understands the procedure for recording and reporting child protection issues to make sure that children are protected. She has obtained necessary paperwork to ensure that procedures and guidelines are followed to make children's protection a priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are happy and settled. They enjoy good relationships with the childminder and each other. The children play happily as they explore and create an imaginative environment with play materials. For example, the children enjoy art and craft activities and create pictures using the wide range of materials on offer. Older children make suggestions and carry out their ideas. They have access to a computer to help with homework and to play educational games. Children are given lots of positive support, praise and encouragement as they attempt jigsaw puzzles and use construction materials. They are involved in daily routines such as walking to and from school. The childminder has the 'Birth to three matters' framework and has looked through this. She intends to incorporate this into her practise and planning for children under three in the future.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides some good resources to promote a positive view of the world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, the children are encouraged to discuss issues as they access a range of information books on subjects such as bullying, learning disabilities and stepfamilies. Children's understanding of diversity is further enhanced by a range of multicultural play materials. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are valued and respected by the childminder. They respond positively to appropriate boundaries and behave well. Agreed strategies with parents ensure that behaviour management is consistent and children understand acceptable behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in close partnership with parents. She has time for each parent to discuss their children's day involving them directly in the children's care and development. Parents' information contains official documentation and some procedures. However, parents do not have a procedure or any guidance should they wish to make a complaint. The childminder works closely with parents on all aspects of childminding to ensure that the partnership reflects positively on the care and development of all the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are relaxed and happy in a homely environment and receive appropriate care and support from the childminder. The play area is utilized well with ample floor space and accessible equipment. Procedures are in place to promote the welfare, care and learning of each child and take account of parents' wishes and the individual needs of the children so they feel safe and secure. Documents are shared with parents to keep them informed of the provision and there

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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 is a regular exchange of verbal information between the childminder and the parents. The childminder operates a flexible service in order to fully support the parents and children and meet their individual needs.

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Organisation

Overall the childminder meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure the safety of the children in the garden. This refers to the loose cover on the pond and develop knowledge and understanding of local child protection procedures. The pond has a secured cover with hooks going into the ground to ensure it cannot be lifted. The childminder now has all her child protection paperwork. She has read the booklet 'What To Do If You Are Worried A Child Is Being Abused' summary and also has some other information from the Area Child Protection Committee. The childminder has written a child protection statement where she outlines how she ensures the children's safety with unvetted people, while outside the house and when friends visit.

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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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made to 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 satisfactory. 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): • devise an emergency escape plan and practise with the children • ensure that parents are fully informed about the complaints policy and procedure which includes the address and telephone number of the regulator.

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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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