Coxlease School

Inspection report for early years provision

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116586 Unique Reference Number 12 March 2007 Inspection date Samantha Hunt 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 satisfactory. 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 1998. She lives with two adult children in the Totteridge area of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 five and four children over five all on a part-time basis. The childminder attends the local parents/carer group and take children to local parks.

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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. Children have the benefit of fresh air and exercise. They visit local parks, a ball pool centre and toddler groups on a weekly basis. A good variety of play equipment in the garden, such as the ride on toys, a playhouse, bats and balls help children to develop their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children become aware of the importance of being healthy as they independently access drinks when thirsty. The childminder refills beakers regularly and provides children with healthy snacks that include fresh fruit. Through discussion with parents, she ensures she is aware of all children's dietary needs, allergies, likes and dislikes.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate that enables her to act in the best interest of the children. She carries out regular checks of her first aid box to ensure items are still in date and store it within easy reach. The childminder follows effective procedures when recording accidents and giving medication. She informs parents of accidents and obtains prior permission to administer medication. This promotes children's well-being and welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play in a clean environment where they learn to follow good hygiene practises. The childminder provides them with a toilet step, soap and hand towels that are easily accessible and encourage independence. Younger children have nappies checked and changed regularly to promote good health and hygiene.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in an environment that is clean and bright. They have access to a sufficient number of age appropriate toys and resources to support their play and learning. Although toys are stored at the children’s level, many are in a large chest making it hard for children to see them all, and make choices easily and independently. The childminder carries out regularly checks of toys to ensure they are safe for the children to access.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children stay safe because the childminder takes effective steps to identify risks. Safety features such as stair gates, socket covers and cupboard locks help to ensure children cannot access items that cause harm. When taking children on outings the childminder ensures she takes a first aid kit, mobile phone and supplies such as drinks and snacks for the children. She gains written permission from parents to take children out and ensures they travel in appropriate aged car seats and buggies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an adequate understanding of child protection to safe guard children’s safety and wellbeing in the setting. She is able to identify most signs and symptoms that would alert her to any concerns about the children in her care. Although she has up to date local authority guidelines and contact numbers, she does not have the “What to do if you have a concern” booklet to refer too and support her.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder shows children warmth and affection. She involves herself in their play and chats enthusiastically to the children. For example, they watch the birds from the window and listen for the sounds of the trains. The children access and enjoy books with the childminder, they begin to develop communication skills as she points to objects of interest on the page. Children begin to play independently as they do puzzles and make cups of tea.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well towards the childminder and others in the home. They happily bring toys to the childminder who extends their play with positive support. Children have opportunities to mix with others both in the home and through regular visits to local childminder groups and toddlers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder shows a good awareness of the children’s needs and talks about activities she provides such as cooking, play dough, drawing and arts and crafts to extend the children’s enjoyment and learning. The childminder plans a daily routine, which takes into account individual routines such as sleep and meal times. Children have opportunities for free play, outings, quiet times and structured activities. This helps children to feel happy and settled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works in partnership with parents to meets children’s individual needs. She collates records when they first start and shares information verbally with parents on a daily basis. The childminder shares information with parents about her practice that includes details of how to make a complaint including the contact details of the regulator. This helps to keep parents informed about their children’s care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s individual needs are values and respected. They receive positive praise and encouragement for the childminder that helps them to develop good self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Through discussion, the childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of age appropriate behaviour management strategies. She sets clear boundaries to older children, which include the rules of her home. This helps to children to develop respect and promotes their wellbeing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children begin to learn about the wider world through visits into the local community and playing with toys and resources in the home. They have access to a sufficient range for toys and resources that promote positive images such as books, dolls and puzzles. The childminder takes them to activity days that help them develop an understanding of other cultures. For example, children recently attended a Chinese New Year workshop where they learnt about the Chinese culture and tasted different foods.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Organisation of the home is effective and helps children to feel relaxed and secure. Children have sufficient space to play and rest. Although freely available, toys are rather disorganised. The childminder offers children a good level of support and this helps them to feel settled and at ease in her care.

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Organisation

All regulatory documentation that supports children health, safety and wellbeing is in place although there is room for improvement. For example, accident records are not recorded separately to maintain confidentiality. The childminder takes satisfactory steps to share information with parents. The certificate of registration is displayed for parents to see and policies such as behaviour, sickness and complaints are shared parents prior to children starting. A current first aid certificate enables her to act in the best interest of the children, and she collates adequate records of children's attendance including time they come and go. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide children with an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practise. She was also required to ensure that full details of accidents were recorded.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has extend resources to include books, play food and dolls that promote positive images. She takes children out on activity days with the local authority, where they take part in activities that promote equality of opportunity. Accident records have been updated and now include full details such as date and nature of accident.

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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.

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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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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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • consider storage of toys and resources to make them more accessible to the children. • update knowledge of child protection and obtain a copy of "What to do if have a concern booklet” • ensure accident records relating to each child are recorded confidentially.

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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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