Melbourne Park Primary and Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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115024 Unique Reference Number 25 October 2006 Inspection date Lynn Reeves 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 1992. She lives with her husband, their adult son and school aged daughter in the rural village of South Harting, near Petersfield in Hampshire. The childminder is registered to provide care for a total of five children aged under eight years and is currently minding two children on a part time basis and also cares for children aged over eight years. The property is within close proximity to schools, pre-school, park and some local shops. Children have access to all area on the ground floor, which include toilet and rest facilities. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play and the family have a range of pets.

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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 protected from the spread of infection through the effective procedures and practices the childminder has in place. For example, keeping all soft furnishings, worktops and toilet areas clean. Play provisions are checked for damage and washed regularly to prevent cross contamination. Children learn about their own personal hygiene through daily routines, for example, they wash their hands prior to eating, after playing in the garden, after toileting and after stroking the pets. Procedures are in place for care of the family pets and the precautions to keep children free from infection or allergies. Children enjoy a range of outdoor activities, which aids their physical development. For example, they have access to an outdoor garden that has a range of play equipment, they enjoy walking over the park and going to feed the ducks. Children discuss how important it is to eat fresh fruit, gets lots of exercise and sleep

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a range of healthy snacks in addition to meals sent from home. Children have access to drinks throughout the time they are in the childminders care, which ensures they do not go thirsty. Children's health is protected by the procedures in place for administering medication, dealing with injuries and recording all accidents.

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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 comfortable, home from home, cosy environment where they can move freely and in safety around the allotted areas. Children are provided with a range of toys that are suitable and appropriate for their age and stage of development. They are able to access resources independently increasing freedom of choice as these are stored at low level in various storage boxes and on low shelving. The home is safe and secure because the childminder has implemented safety precautions, such as providing a fire guard, socket covers and keeps all doors and gates to the premises locked. Procedures are in place for the safe collection of children by named people only. Suitable smoke detectors and a fire blanket are in place, although there is no written emergency procedure or evacuations practised with the children, to ensure their overall safety in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn how to stay safe indoors as they are reminded to pick things up from the floor and keep gangways clear to prevent others falling over things and during outings they discuss road safety issues. Children are well protected through the childminders clear understanding of child protection issues, she knows who to report her concerns to and her responsibilities are shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very relaxed and feel at home in their surroundings as they select what activities they want to play with, for example, drawing materials, Lego and dolls. Children relate well to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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, they enjoy her company as she takes an interest in what they are doing. The childminder knows the children well and provides activities that interest them. For example, she knows one child is very inquisitive, he asks how many ribs are in the human body, because he is drawing a skeleton. The childminder encourages him to look in the reference books and helps him find the information. This interaction is extended when the childminder asks the child to find how many bones are in the foot. Children are happy drawing Halloween pictures, such as witches, cats, spiders and pumpkins, they then want to make cards and locate the appropriate resources. They eagerly chat about when they made some pom pom chicks and a macrame hanging basket using different strings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy what they are doing and have fun, they remain fully occupied and engaged in the activities. Children use their imagination well as they play on the floor with Lego bricks and small world people in the doll's house. Children have regular opportunities to read books, play with role-play resources, participate in messy play and watch DVD's. The childminder offers children a lot of support and interacts well with the children, knowing when to stand back and let their play develop.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop confidence as they make their own choices of activities they engage in, as all children have equal access to the range of toys and play materials available. Children's individual care needs are met because the childminder takes the time to get to know what they are. Children learn about the wider world as they play with a wide range of resources that reflect diversity, for example, reference books, puzzles and dressing up clothes. They explore the local environment when they walk to the park and collect leaves, conkers and acorns and learn how things grow when they plant cress and seeds.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well, they know exactly what is expected of them. They help to tidy things away and use their manners. The childminder uses consistent methods to promote good behaviour, for example, praise and encouragement. The childminder has some experience of working with children who have special needs. She is happy to liaise with other agencies and works closely with the parents to ensure continuity of care. The childminder maintains good relationships with the parents', sharing information at collection and handover time. The required parental signatures are obtained and a complaints procedure is in place.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides a friendly environment where children are comfortable and feel at home. Indoor play space is laid out to maximise children's play opportunities and where they have easy access to resources. Most procedures and practices in place contribute to children's health, safety and well-being, although the daily registers have relevant information missing. Parents are welcomed into the home and kept informed of the care provided for their children through daily discussions at handover time. The childminder is aware that the information she

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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 holds about children is confidential so is careful to keep it safe. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure written permission is gained prior to medication being administered. Since the last inspection the childminder has sought the relevant information required, which supports children's health and safety.

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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): • introduce a written fire plan and implement a procedure to keep children safe in the event of a fire • maintain children's daily attendance register with actual times of arrival and departures.

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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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