Mursley Church of England School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

110444 Unique Reference Number 16 February 2007 Inspection date Nikki Whinton 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1996. She lives with her two sons aged 18 and 15 years, in Newbury, Berkshire. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under the age of eight years, on a part-time basis. She is an active participant of the local childminding 'drop-ins' and other children's activities in the area. The family has two cats.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the West Berkshire Childminding Network.

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 gain an awareness of healthy eating through the varied menu of meals that they enjoy whilst in the provision. Children are encouraged to try new foods and thus increase their awareness of food tastes. For example, whilst attending a recent Chinese New Year celebration, the children had the chance to try prawn crackers. Any food provided by parents is appropriately stored. Children's allergies or dietary needs are discussed prior to a child commencing in the setting. These discussions are recorded and any needs accommodated. Children are able to help themselves freely to a drink, which ensures they are consuming fluids in sufficient quantities to meet their differing requirements.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's good role modelling, her understanding of first aid and her awareness of the correct administrative procedures to follow if accidents occur or children require medication. There is a range of measures in place to support children's health and to protect them from peers who are unwell. For example, a sick child policy is shared with parents, written permission has been obtained for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice and a first aid kit is easily accessible. However, children and adults share the same hand towel, which puts children at risk from cross contamination.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children lead a healthy lifestyle. They have frequent opportunities for fresh air and exercise when playing in the childminder's fully enclosed garden or whilst on countryside walks. In addition, they play in local parks and visit venues such as Bumpers Backyard, where children use additional apparatus to help develop their physical skills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and rest within premises that are very clean, well maintained and of an appropriate temperature. There is a range of measures in place to support children's safety and help prevent accidents both within the home and when taking children on outings. For example, the premises is secure, socket covers are fitted to exposed electric points, smoke detectors are maintained in working order and a gate prevents children having unsupervised access to the kitchen. In addition, a suitable back up care plan has been arranged, in case an emergency should arise. Children are learning to share responsibility for their safety through practical activities including taking part in emergency evacuation drills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children help themselves to a wide range of age appropriate resources. Such free choice opportunities help children to gain confidence and a sense of belonging within the provision. They benefit from the childminder's understanding of safety issues concerning the purchase and ongoing maintenance of equipment. As a result, children play with safe, suitable toys that help to support their development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being is safeguarded by a childminder who has a good understanding of child protection issues, confidentiality of information and the correct procedures to follow if concerned

p.3

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 about a child. However, there is no system for ensuring parents are fully aware of the childminder's child protection responsibilities prior to child commencing in the setting.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the setting. They are eager to participate and make independent decisions regarding the activities and resources they wish to explore. For example, a child decides to try on dressing up clothes, before looking at a book and later choosing to complete a giant floor puzzle. Children are motivated and consistently well occupied whilst in the childminder's care. Their enjoyment and development is greatly enhanced by the dynamism of the childminder who skilfully uses play to reinforce and extend children's learning. For example, children count the pieces of fruit in a bowl, compare the difference in colour between cups in the role-play kitchen, discuss words such as excavator whilst looking at books and count the total numbers of spiders they can see on a poster. Children's knowledge is carefully nurtured during play scenarios, such as when discussing a number line poster or by searching for a picture

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of a ladybird, prior to deciding what colour crayons to use for their own insect picture. Children are constantly learning and being challenged whilst involved in stimulating, practical activities.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children have a close, genuinely warm relationship with the friendly, caring childminder. This confidence and trust helps them to develop further their blossoming confidence and self-esteem. They undertake an extensive variety of stimulating outings, such as to Snelsmore Common, Bucklebury Farm, Fantasy World and Northcroft Recreation Centre. Such age appropriate activities enable children to gain a greater awareness of the world around them.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected and treated as valued individuals. They benefit from the childminder knowing them very well, understanding their differing needs and appreciating their varying home circumstances. Children access a suitable variety of toys including small world figures, books and dolls, to help them gain an awareness of diversity.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. Their behaviour is supported by a childminder who has a good understanding of effective strategies for managing behaviour, such as praise, positive reinforcement, reward systems or time out. Strategies are discussed with parents prior to a child commencing in the setting to ensure a consistency of approach.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children greatly benefit from the positive relationship that exists between parents and the childminder. There are daily informal opportunities for discussion about children's achievements or any childcare issues. This positive liaison helps to ensure continuity in children's care.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

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

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is a skilled, experienced early years practitioner, who undertakes appropriate training courses to develop further her professional knowledge. All legally required documentation is carefully maintained, securely stored and easily accessible to support a child's care. The daily attendance register accurately records children's daily attendance, although entries are currently made in pencil.

p.5

Organisation

Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of the last inspection the childminder was given a recommendation to help improve her provision. This referred to making sure the accident sheets reflect that the local authority is no longer the regulatory body. The accident sheets now reflect that Ofsted is the regulatory organisation. This improvement has had a positive impact on the quality of the provision and the service given to the children and their families.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.5

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 good. 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 good hygiene procedures are in place regarding hand-drying • make sure parents are made aware of child protection procedures prior to a child commencing in the setting.

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 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.6