Cross Hall Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

107853 Unique Reference Number 23 March 2007 Inspection date Helen Ann Woods 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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and three adult children, in a house near Amersham Buckinghamshire. Minded children have access to the ground floor with toilet and sleeping facilities also available in this area. There is a fully enclosed outside play area with a fish pond.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Currently there are five children on roll attending both part time and full time.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has an up to date first aid certificate. She meets up with other childminders and takes children for walks to local places of interest in the countryside.

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 healthy and hygienic environment where the childminder gives high priority to ensuring that children's individual needs are met. She takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection by keeping the premises clean and protecting children from infection. Children enjoy a good balance of nutritious foods, and regular drinks, which the childminder prepares and stores appropriately, ensuring children remain healthy.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to learn about good personal hygiene practices as part of the daily routine and through discussions with the childminder. When changing nappies she ensures the changing mat is cleaned after every use and that nappies are disposed of appropriately. The opportunity to take part in regular outdoor activities in the large garden, parks and taking the dog for walks in the local countryside, promotes children’s physical development.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder obtains written permission for emergency procedures and holds a current first aid certificate to safeguard children’s welfare.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a friendly, welcoming home environment where children feel relaxed and secure. Children are able to move about the spacious home safely and independently. Her home is well maintained and has been thoughtfully organised which means that children can freely access activities, toys and equipment. Children use a variety of good quality play equipment and resources that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder regularly checks items to ensure that there are no broken parts that could harm them.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risks have been carefully identified and minimised, for example, the fish pond has been made safe and is inaccessible to children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted, for example the childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She has a good understanding of child protection procedures which she keeps updated by attending training when it is available.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children arrive happy and are eager to be with the childminder. They have a good time with the wide variety of activities that she provides for them. Children know where the toys and activities are kept and confidently find what they want to play with. Their early communication skills are well fostered because the childminder spends lots of time talking to them and acknowledging their efforts to speak. Children count confidently, identify shapes and colours with ease. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and enable them to be self confident.

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 They have the opportunity for daily walks and visits to local parks, friends and activity groups. They regularly visit places of interest such as 'Jungle Mania' and the Aquadrome in Rickmansworth. Toys and equipment are well placed, allowing children to help themselves and make independent choices.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn through their play, by singing number rhymes and taking part in creative and imaginary play. The childminder works together with parents and ensures children follow their established routines, such as sleeping and feeding patterns. Children are therefore happy and relaxed, benefiting from a caring stimulating environment.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's self-esteem is fostered through positive interaction with the childminder. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement as she involves herself with their play. Clear consistent house rules, based around safety and respect for property and people, are in place, which enable children to develop self-discipline.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder understands the importance of helping them to develop a strong identity and feel good about themselves, their family and others. Children are learning to take turns and share. They are very well-behaved as the childminder provides consistent boundaries.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s needs regarding diet and routine are discussed with parents and incorporated in the planning of the daily routine.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder's good understanding of children’s learning and developmental needs ensure she meets any child’s learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder and parents form a close working relationship that ensures continuity of care for children. Both fill in a daily diary to enable the exchange of necessary information. References from parents state how excited their children are to go to the childminder and there are compliments about how well their children have settled so quickly. Parents receive copies of all policies and procedures and all relevant recordings concerning their child. The childminder maintains confidentiality at all times

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children arrive happy and eager to join in with the activities the childminder provides. They are comfortable in her home and know where to find what they want. Children use all available play space in and outside the home. They benefit from a variety of interesting outings to local places of interest and meeting with other children.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder keeps up to date with new childminding developments by attending training programmes when she can in order to develop her skills and improve the service she provides.

p.4

Organisation

All documents are in place according to regulation although any existing injuries children may have are discussed with parents they are not recorded. Documents are stored securely and made available for inspection. She regularly shares them with parents to keep them well informed. The childminder meets the needs for the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that equipment is clean and well maintained. Equipment is clean and checked daily for any breakages. As a result the children's well being and safety has been enhanced.

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 that any existing injuries are recorded.

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