Washwood Heath Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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103132 Unique Reference Number 29 November 2006 Inspection date Janet Butlin 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 lives with her husband and two school-aged children in a detached house in St Stephens, a rural village a few miles from St Austell. She has been registered since 2000 and may mind up to six children under the age of eight years. There are currently four children enrolled within this age group. The house is within walking distance of schools, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor and part of the first floor 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 family has two cats, a guinea pig and a rabbit. They also have some fish, which are kept in a tank in the living room.

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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 efficiently protected from infection as they learn to follow very good routines. For example, they wash their hands using liquid soap and a paper towel each time. The high regard given to hygiene is reflected in the good standards of cleanliness within the home. Children are well cared for in an emergency as the childminder has a current first aid qualification and has obtained all necessary consents to respond appropriately. She has a carefully outlined emergency procedure. Details regarding any accidents, and any medication administered, are recorded in helpful detail and countersigned by parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy snacks provided by the childminder. For example; they tuck into a plentiful supply of attractively prepared and presented fruit mid-morning. If they bring a packed lunch from home this is appropriately stored which ensures the contents remain wholesome. Children remain well hydrated as the childminder ensures they have frequent drinks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their muscles and enjoy the health giving properties of fresh air and sunshine as they play in the garden and go on regular and frequent outings to the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a spacious and well presented environment. They mainly use the downstairs, where they are able to access the facilities easily and safely. Effective safety precautions prevent them from accessing unsuitable places, for example; the stairs. On the occasions that they play upstairs, or in the garden, they are well supervised. They play with a wide range of suitable resources. These toys and playthings are clean, sound and in good condition, and are stored attractively within easy reach of the children. Children clearly have their favourite toys and safely select role-play materials and games as they wish, to support their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe as the childminder has addressed all risks and hazards in the home, both inside and out. She protects children from all identified risks. For example; she clears away toys with small parts before very young children arrive. Children are protected by the childminder's well thought through evacuation procedure and all necessary fire safety equipment is in place. A clear register is kept of children's attendance, but this is not always promptly completed which means it may not always be an accurate record of who is on the premises at that precise moment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is further supported by the childminder's secure understanding of the child protection procedures. She has up to date guidance and helpful information on file to enhance her knowledge in this area.

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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, confident and settled. They eagerly take part in a variety of interesting games and activities and they are helped to enjoy their time and achieve well by the sensitive and enthusiastic interaction of the childminder. The childminder has an awareness of the Birth to three matters framework and, although not using it specifically to inform her planning, appropriate activities are provided to help young children to develop. For example, they skilfully communicate with one another, taking turns in games and having conversations in their role-play. They also become competent learners, working out how pieces fit together in their games. They take part in a range of worthwhile activities over the course of their time with the childminder. They enjoy painting and craft activities in the home, as well as visiting local groups and parks. The childminder provides quieter activities for young children when she knows they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are becoming tired. Older children attending after school enjoy games appropriate to their stages of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about cultural and social diversity in meaningful ways. They play with resources that promote positive images of diversity and non stereotypical gender roles. They also have naturally occurring opportunities to raise their awareness. Children's individual needs are known and respected. The childminder has a secure understanding of caring for children with special needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are polite and well behaved. They respond to the childminder's calm and consistent manner and the way she helps them to understand the reasons for rules, such as sharing or not touching things that they shouldn't.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for in accordance with parents' wishes. They benefit from the close working relationship that exists between childminder and their parents and the effective way she communicates details of their day, and the activities they have enjoyed. All necessary contracts and consents have been obtained to support good care for children. The childminder has a useful portfolio of information regarding procedures for parents to view, but the complaints procedure lacks helpful detail.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a well organised childminder who enjoys her work with children. She organises her home well and ensures that the spaces within it are suitable for children's care and play. She keeps up to date with essential training and has undertaken helpful study to support her practice. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

All regulatory documentation is in place and is securely stored. However, some requires more attention to detail.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to ensure the storage heater in the living room is not accessible to children. The heaters are now controlled and the temperature regulated to a safe level. This has improved safety for children.

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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 documentation to ensure that the register is promptly completed and the complaints procedure is clear

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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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