The Gateway Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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132107 Unique Reference Number 30 November 2006 Inspection date John Early 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 June 1997. At present she cares for six children aged six, five, five, two, two and one year, part time throughout the week.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her adult daughter in a semi-detached three bedroom house in Kingston within walking distance of the park, local shops and bus routes. All the downstairs rooms are used for childminding and there is a separate play room at the rear of the house. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She attends the local care toddler group for minded children on a regular basis and is a member of The National Childminding Association.

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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. The children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Children learn the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing hands after using the toilet and before eating meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's systems for giving and recording medicines, administering first aid and sharing this information with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from well planned and varied meals and snacks that ensure their dietary needs are met throughout the week. Children benefit from drinks of water or juice provided with each meal.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a range of activities, such as playing in the garden and going to the local park and shops. This contributes to their health and physical well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around the house and garden because the childminder generally takes steps to reduce potential hazards. However the children's safety is compromised by the wooden decking and old structure left in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children independently choose activities from a wide range of good-quality resources, which the childminder makes sure are appropriate for their ages and stages of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the childminder's care and conscientious methods for assessing risks outside the home. She supervises them at all times, for example, when taking them to a toddler group or walking to the play group.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm by the childminder's knowledge of the child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and make themselves at home within the setting. They relate well to each other, sharing toys and learning through creative play, for example making shapes with dough and role playing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the childminder who joins in with the children's play, for example using the Duplo building bricks. She encourages them to share toys, talks to them and contributes to their learning and development.

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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 Children benefit from the childminder who helps them with their physical development, for example by encouraging them to walk to school or play group and visit the park where they can run, jump and freely move around.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the childminder who helps them with their language development by constantly speaking to them, asking them questions, for example during activities such as using play dough, which stimulates their minds.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have further access to play opportunities through outings to toddler groups, Childminder's Drop-in Centres, parks and visiting other childminders.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals as the childminder gets to know them well. She works closely with parents, which ensures children experience consistent care. The childminder also works closely with parents regarding the children's routines and dietary needs, for example when discussing a vegetarian or special diet.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have opportunities to increase their awareness of diversity through a range of books, figures and dolls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and understand the importance of house rules, such as not jumping on the furniture or hurting each other. They are beginning to understand the importance of sharing toys and playing together, for example when sitting at the small table to do an activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's consistent use of praise and encouragement, for example saying 'good boy' or 'good girl' when they have contributed to each other's wellbeing, or cooperated with each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has awareness that some children may have special needs and would work closely with parents if the opportunity arose.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable in a well organised home, which helps them gain confidence and become independent. The environment is set out to make the most of the space, maximise the children's play opportunities and for them to play freely and safely.

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Organisation

The childminder makes appropriate use of contracts to invite discussions with parents about their individual needs. She uses the information to promote the care and welfare of the children.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps all the required records that contribute to the children's health, safety and well being. The childminder regularly shares information with parents, which keeps them informed about the care she is providing.

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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 The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection recommendations were made in relation to written parental permission for medication, emergency treatment, taking children out, and ensuring a fire blanket was in place.

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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): • remove old decking from the garden

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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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