Barkston and Syston CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

120689 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2007 Inspection date Joanna Scott 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 1992. She lives with her husband and two older sons in West Clandon, near Guildford in Surrey. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding with sleeping facilities being provided upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time, and is currently minding four children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends a local toddler group, and regularly takes the children to the local park and for walks at National Trust properties. The family have two dogs. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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. The children benefit from regular routines which promote their good health and development. During the day they have opportunities to be active and time to rest or sleep as necessary to meet their individual requirements. The children make regular visits out of the house. The childminder organises her week to include walking in nearby horticultural gardens, visits to the park and to a toddler group. This provides opportunities for the children to improve their fitness and develop their physical skills.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy healthy snacks and mealtimes, and eat well. The childminder ensures that the children have a well balanced diet, some of which the parents provide for their children. The children sit together to eat, and this makes mealtimes sociable and interesting for them. They are not thirsty because the childminder regularly offers younger children drinks, and ensures that older children can access their own cups.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children are protected from illness caused by cross infection. The childminder has effective hygiene procedures in place which ensure that the premises and equipment are clean and ready for use; she uses an anti-bacterial spray to clean the table before the children sit down to eat, and also each time the changing mat has been used. The children are beginning to learn that personal hygiene is good for their health. Younger children use wipes, and older children are reminded to wash their hands at keys times, such as after using the toilet.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a home that is secure and very well maintained. The children have space to move and play freely, and understand the childminder's expectations from a very early age about not going upstairs or into the kitchen without her. The children play in a safe environment because the childminder takes steps to minimise hazards, for example, using stair gates, and ensuring that cleaning products and other hazardous materials are stored to be inaccessible to minded children. The children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe, they practise fire evacuation to ensure they can leave the building quickly in the event of an emergency.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children play with toys which are suitable for their age and stage of development. The childminder rotates the toys, and checks that they are clean and in good condition each time they are used. The children are able to choose what they would like to play with from a varied selection. The children play safely because the childminder is very child focused, and aware of what each is doing; she reminds children not to put toys in their mouths, and to sit down for a drink.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder has a thorough understanding of child protection issues, and clear procedures to follow should she ever have concerns about a child in her care.

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are relaxed, and play happily in this homely environment. They enjoy a very warm relationship with the childminder and they regularly approach her to sit on her lap, or show her a toy. The children are interested in the play opportunities the childminder provides. They are developing their language skills. The childminder encourages them to repeat her words, and vocalise; "giraffe" says a child proudly as she goes to fetch the correct duplo animal that matches a picture in the book they are reading together. She smiles with pleasure as she is praised by the childminder for being so clever. The children are growing in confidence.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Each child is settled. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that she has a clear understanding of their individual needs. The children are fully occupied. Children enjoy being involved with the daily routine, for example, going to check the mail box for letters.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children behave well. They understand what the childminder expects of them. She communicates very clearly with the children, and ensures that she has their attention. She is consistent, and a good role model. Her behaviour management techniques are positive and successful. The children are praised regularly, and they co-operate with each other. The childminder encourages them to share toys and take turns. The children are learning to be polite; younger children say "please" and "thank you" with little prompting.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are beginning to learn about their local community, the childminder plans her time with the children to provide trips to local parks and toddler groups where they mix and socialise with other children. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of special needs issues, liaising closely with parents regarding their child's development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's needs are met because the childminder works closely with parents and finds out about their home routines. She shares documentation and policies and procedures, and feeds back to parents through discussion and the use of diaries. This keeps parents up to date about their child's care and development.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel comfortable and at home because the childminder organises the environment very well. The children have space to move around and play freely and an interesting routine which enables them to be active and to rest. The childminder is child focused, interacts well with the children, and meets their needs.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has developed a range of documentation, policies and procedures which reflect her childminding business, and gives parents an insight into the care their children receive. However, the complaints policy does not clearly detail the current procedure or include a method

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 for recording complains if they arise. The required adult to child ratios are maintained at all times, and this ensures that the children are supported well.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has attended various training in areas such as the "Birth to three matters" framework, child protection, and preparation for inspection. This has helped to develop her skills and knowledge. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was raised to ensure the fire blanket was sited appropriately. The fire blanket is now fixed to a wall in the kitchen.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 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. 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): • develop further the complaints policy to accurately reflect the procedure in line with the "Day care and childminding: guidance to the national standards - Revisions to certain criteria October 2005" document

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