West Croft School

Inspection report for early years provision

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113132 Unique Reference Number 02 May 2007 Inspection date Marilyn Joy 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 has been registered since 1998. She lives with her husband and three children aged 10, seven and two. They live in a house in Chandlers Ford, from where she walks to the local park, shops, Hiltingbury School and the surrounding pre-schools. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The family have a cat. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years. She is currently minding nine children on a part-time basis. This also includes two children aged over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She holds a Nursery Nurse Examination Board qualification and a National Vocational Qualification level 3 in Early Years Care and Education.

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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's good health is promoted well because the childminder has a clear understanding of health, nutrition and physical well-being. A daily menu is planned to provide well-balanced, healthy and nutritious meals. Some children bring their own food which is stored in the fridge to make sure it stays fresh. They are encouraged to try a variety of foods, such as different fruits at snack time. All foods comply with children's individual health and dietary requirements. Children enjoy opportunities to play outside in the fresh air. They have access to a good range of equipment to develop their physical skills, both indoors and outdoors.

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Helping children to be healthy

Clear policies are shared with parents so they are fully aware of the childminder's health and hygiene procedures. Particular care is taken to prevent the spread of infection through effective and consistent daily routines. All children who require a sleep have their own individual cosy sleeping bags or bedding which is kept clean and ready for use. Children begin to understand about the importance of personal hygiene, such as washing their hands, when preparing for mealtimes. Children do not attend if they are ill and if the childminder has any concerns about their health she takes action immediately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming home environment where safety is given a strong emphasis. Potential hazards are minimised through effective risk assessments. Appropriate safety equipment is in place throughout the home according to children's age and stage of development. Arrangements for collecting children from school and walking home are reinforced so that they know where to meet and how to behave.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and shares her responsibilities with parents. Thorough emergency arrangements are in place to safeguard children at all times. Fire safety equipment is fitted and evacuation procedures are practised so they know what to do in the event of a fire. The premises are secured so children are unable to leave unaccompanied.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from an excellent range of toys, resources and play equipment which are suitable for their needs. Resources are clean, safe and in good condition. Toys are rotated and regularly renewed. Children have ample space to play and rest. They are supervised well whether in the home or on outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the stimulating and challenging environment that the childminder provides. They experience a broad range of activities which engage their interest and extend their development. The childminder naturally promotes their language, mathematical concepts and understanding of the world around them as they play together. The Birth to three matters framework is used to focus activities for younger children to support their learning. There is an excellent range of resources available and organised daily rotation ensures a variety

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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 of experiences. Activities are planned in the holidays and after-school so that all ages have fun and enjoyment. Daily routines ensure they have time for rest as well as active play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enthusiastically explore a new toy. They match and sort an unusual range of objects according to size and begin to work out which is the biggest and the smallest. They set up the kitchen and search out the playfood and utensils from the self-selection storage, then make cups of tea and cut up the pizza. They build with duplo and create a scene with the animals. Children form positive relationships with the childminder and each other as they play co-operatively together. They learn to take turns as they play on the slide and share the crayons when colouring.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children demonstrate a strong sense of belonging in the confident and relaxed manner in which they play and respond to the childminder. They are familiar with the environment and what is expected of them. They receive frequent praise and encouragement as well as clear guidance to help them understand the rules. They are encouraged to use please and thank you, and praised when they are kind to each other. Appropriate procedures are in place to support and include children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children benefit from resources and activities which help them value diversity and respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective partnerships are developed with parents through exchanging information and working closely together to promote children's well-being. Individual needs and parent's wishes are discussed, and arrangements for managing children's care agreed. Parents receive a comprehensive range of written information about the service provided, although the complaints policy is not fully up-to-date with current guidance. Thorough settling-in procedures help parents and children feel comfortable and secure with the childminder's care. Ongoing discussions ensure this continues.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for by a well-organised, efficient and effective childminder who is qualified and experienced in childcare. She is aware of the importance of maintaining current qualifications, such as in first aid, and seeks appropriate training. Parents are provided with an extensive range of information about the provision and arrangements for children's care. A friendly prospectus introduces the childminder and is followed up with copies of policies and procedures, most of which are up-to-date. Parents are well-informed about children's progress and well-being, and their involvement welcomed. Space, time and resources are used well to promote positive outcomes for children helping them to grow in confidence and self-esteem. 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 ensure that children have an appropriate range of resources reflecting the diversity of society, ensure parents regularly update children's records and ensure the premises are secure. The childminder has fulfilled all of these recommendations, thereby improving children's safety and care. Additional resources have been obtained reflecting positive images of the diversity of society to encourage children's awareness and respect for others. Documentation is updated twice yearly to ensure all written

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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 information is accurate and sufficient to enable the childminder to meet children's needs. A high secure fastening has been added to the front door to prevent children from leaving unaccompanied and there is a padlock on the garden gate.

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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.

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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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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): • update the written complaints procedure in line with current regulations to ensure parents are provided with accurate information.

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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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