Truro School Preparatory School

Inspection report for early years provision

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112081 Unique Reference Number 07 February 2007 Inspection date Mandy Gannon 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 1993. She lives with her two children in a house in Hatch Warren, Basingstoke. She currently cares for four children under five and one child over five, all who attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The children use the ground floor of the property for play and two bedrooms upstairs for rest. An enclosed garden is available for outdoor play. The children have varied play opportunities both in the home and in the community.

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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 are aware that they must wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating snacks. The childminder reminds children to use soap and the reason why. Children are developing an understanding of the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder has an up to date first aid certificate and she ensures that the first aid kit is maintained and takes a smaller kit in her car.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children sit together and enjoy breakfast. The childminder provides healthy snacks of fruit. Children bring packed lunches from home which are appropriately stored.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a wide range of activities that contribute positively to their health. They play in an enclosed back garden and have a range of toys to develop their physical development. For example, they have a trampoline, ride on toys and footballs. They also have many opportunities to participate in activities outside the home as they visit local parks and soft play centres.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises provide sufficient space, which is well maintained and suitably risk assessed. Children are kept safe, secure and well protected as the childminder is vigilant about their safety. For example, she reminds children to sit on the chair and picks up toys from the floor to minimise hazards. Children's independence is encouraged as they select toys and take themselves to the toilet.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected as the childminder has a comprehensive understanding of child protection and her role to safeguard children. She has attended child protection training and has information available that she shares with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted by a childminder who has permission from parents in place and required documentation is maintained. The childminder holds a first aid certificate and ensures first aid kits are available and up to date.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children participate in a variety of activities both inside and outside of the home. They visit and develop their social skills through their participation at toddler groups, soft play centres and mixing with other children. The childminder encourages all children to participate and adapts activities to meet their individual needs.

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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 Children enjoy a wide range of craft activities and they concentrate well as they roll out play dough and create marble paintings. They are in the process of making masks and have covered balloons in paper mache and wait for it to dry before decorating.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop self-esteem and confidence through a childminder who offers encouragement, support and praise. Children are happy, relaxed and involved in activities, the childminder ensures she meets the needs of all the children and they all have worthwhile activities. For example, she straps a younger child into the highchair and gives the child a posting activity, whilst she prepares a painting activity for an older child. They have access to a wide range of toys that are suitable for their age and stage of development. Although, there are some limitations to their free access to toys due to storage, the childminder ensures they are rotated frequently and children make choices.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of Birth to three matters framework and has obtained the pack, although she has not fully implemented it. She has a clear understanding of the development of the children in her care and provides appropriate challenges to meet the next steps in their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder builds positive relationships with parents and is aware that this is vital in order to meet the individual needs of the children. She ensures she communicates on a regular basis through talking to the parents and daily diaries for younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are valued and they build up positive relationships with each other and the childminder. For example, children's activities are adapted as they play with play dough, a young child pokes and feels the texture, whilst an older child rolls it out and makes sandwiches. Children are polite and courteous and behave well. Children benefit as the childminder works closely with parents for implementing appropriate strategies for managing behaviour and working together. She has a clear understanding of children's developmental stages.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has some resources to reflect equal opportunities including books, although these are still limited. A complaint policy is in place which includes the telephone number of the regulator, although the address is omitted. The childminder has given a copy of the poster for parents to each set of parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The experienced childminder accesses short training courses to update her knowledge. The childminder is well-organised and children participate in regular morning activities outside of the home. Children are settled and at ease and aware of the daily routines. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 Documentation is well maintained and includes written policies and procedures that are shared with parents. Although, the address of the regulator is not included in the complaints policy. The childminder is aware of information required and maintains confidentiality.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to improve children's access to books that support equal opportunities. The childminder has increased children's access to books that support equal opportunities, although these are still minimal, with toys and resources in this area limited.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the registration visit 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): • ensure that complaints policy includes the address of the regulator • continue to increase toys and resources that reflect equality of opportunities.

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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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