Sheringham Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

141296 Unique Reference Number 11 December 2006 Inspection date Dorcas Forgan Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder was registered in 1998. She lives with her four children aged two years, 11, 13 and 15 years in Grange Farm, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children. She is currently minding one child who is eight months old full time, and three children aged one, six and seven years on a part time basis. The childminder collects children from local schools. She attends the local parent/toddler group.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are learning the importance of personal hygiene. The childminder reminds the older children to wash their hands when they come in from school and before eating. She follows good nappy changing routines with the youngest child. She has good procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs met because childminder works well with parents she follows their guidance. Parents provide some of the meals and the childminder provides healthy snacks for the children when they come in from school, fruit and drinks are always available to them.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are opportunities and activities to help children develop control of their bodies, for example they walk to the school and they visit the local parks where they can climb, slide and balance. When the weather is suitable they play in the garden. Children rest and sleep according to their needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move safely, freely and independently. They can sit comfortably in the lounge to relax and listen to stories. They carry out craft activities at the tables either in the lounge or the hall. Children have access to a suitable range of toys and activities. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning how to keep themselves safe, for example they practice the emergency evacuation procedure so that they would all know what to do if they needed to leave the house quickly. Children also learn to behave responsibly when walking near the road. The childminder has all the necessary documentation and procedures in place. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection but she does not have the present contact details of the authorities that she would need to contact.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very well settled in the childminder's home. They have formed trusting affectionate relationships with the childminder and her family. Their individual needs are met effectively and they are incorporated into the family routines. The childminder knows each of the children very well and plans their routines so that they have opportunities to play and rest as they need. The children have opportunities to socialise with others both in their homes and at the parent toddler groups. The older children take part in a full range of activities, which include arts and crafts.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals. They learn about the local community through visits to the local shops, the parent and toddler groups and socialising with friends. They have access to some resources that promote a view of the wider world. The childminder has a basic understanding of how to care for children with physical or learning disabilities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are gaining an understanding of responsible behaviour. The childminder uses appropriate strategies to promote good behaviour. The childminder works with the parents to ensure she is aware of the needs of the children and she exchanges information with them verbally at the beginning and end of the day. However she does not always have clear records of children's specific needs.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children benefit from their care being well organised. The childminder plans her routines so that all children's needs are met. Good use is made of the space in the home. Most of the required documentation is in place. However, there is no daily record of attendance, which is a breach of regulations. The childminder has produced information for the parents which includes her policies and procedures. She has a current first aid certificate. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection, the childminder was recommended to provide written information for parents. She has devised an information sheet about herself and has copies of her policies and procedures which she gives to the parents.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

p.4

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.

p.4

Complaints 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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • ensure contact numbers for child protection concerns are up to date • ensure a daily record of attendance is maintained • ensure a record is kept of all children's specific requirements or allergies.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5