Neston Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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150800 Unique Reference Number 25 October 2006 Inspection date Coral Hales 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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and six in Whiteley near Fareham in Hampshire. All areas of the property except for the study are used for childminding. The childminder has moved house since the last inspection.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day and two children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect the children and attends local groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is a qualified childcare practitioner. The family has two cats.

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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 home. Their health needs are generally met well as the childminder has a suitable sickness policy and she has a first aid box and is up to date with her first aid training. However consent for emergency treatment/advice is not maintained. Children are developing an understanding of personal hygiene and are aware of the need to wash their hands regularly. Suitable facilities are available for the children to use independently and this encourages their self-help skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with snacks and drinks regularly throughout the day, for example, they have their own drinks and request them when they need them. Snacks offered are generally nutritious and children are encouraged to eat fruit. They begin to have some understanding of a healthy and nutritious diet as they eat their sandwiches and yoghurt. Children's independence skills are promoted, for example younger children are encouraged to feed themselves.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing awareness of a healthy lifestyle as they partake in good physical activities, and they have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Their physical skills are extended and further developed when they go on trips to the local park, the seashore, the soft play centre and local pre-school groups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe as a result of the childminder's good awareness of health and safety issues. All reasonable steps are taken to maintain children's safety and they play in safe and secure premises. Children's understanding of their own safety is promoted during planned and unplanned learning activities. For example, as children go out for walks they learn about safe roadside practices. Appropriate safety precautions are in place to maintain children's safety, for example, stair gates are used effectively and smoke alarms and a fire blanket are maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder is aware of her responsibilities for the welfare of the children in her care. She has attended additional training on child protection and has a good understanding of the procedures to follow if she has any concerns about the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development and a good knowledge of the 'Birth to three' framework. This has a positive effect on the younger children's enjoyment and achievement. A good selection of resources are provided to promote and challenge. For example, the younger child attempts to create a mask using a good selection of craft resources. Children are encouraged to make the most of their experiences and as a result are happy and enjoy the

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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 positive interaction with the childminder. For example, they sit and read books together and enjoy looking at the pictures and this allows them to develop simple language skills. Children are developing independence, they are able to access resources for themselves and are confident and interested in the activities provided. They make decisions and explore and investigate as they develop their play. Children regularly go on outings to socialise with a variety of children and this helps to broaden their range of experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive appropriate care according to their needs because the childminder knows them well and routines are followed as discussed with parents. Children are at home with the childminder who provides a warm and caring environment. She ensures that they are settled and happy in their surroundings. Children behave well because the childminder has a consistent approach and manages behaviour in a calm and friendly manner that effectively teaches them to share. They play well together and are encouraged to be helpful and caring.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good relationships have been established with parents and children benefit from the effective communication that ensures their continuity of care. For example, a written diary keeps parents up to date with the daily routines and care issues and also the events of the day. They are given details about the childminding arrangements and contracts are in place that set out the expectations of both parties.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The premises are organised to meet the needs of the children and they benefit from the good use of space within the home which enables them to play happily. This includes a separate playroom which is well stocked with toys and resources to support their learning. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's professional and committed attitude to her work. She has completed required training and further developed her practice by attending additional training and is now qualified to level 3 in childcare and education.

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Organisation

Children's welfare and care is promoted generally well because the childminder has a good knowledge of the documentation and records to be kept. Regular discussions with parents take place to ensure information is exchanged and this helps to ensure continuity of care is provided. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to: devise and practise an emergency evacuation procedure and develop her knowledge about child protection issues. Training has been attended and fire procedures are known to the children and practised and this improves children's safety whilst in her care. Parents have yet to give written permission for emergency advice or treatment.

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Improvements 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

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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 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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment

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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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