Whitley and Eggborough Community Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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121423 Unique Reference Number 12 January 2007 Inspection date Catherine Greenwood 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her four children aged 12,10, seven and four years in Worcester Park, near Stoneleigh in Surrey. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time. There are currently no children on roll. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is an enclosed secure garden available for outside play. The family have two cats. The childminder collects children from local schools and takes them to toddler groups, the library and 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 satisfactory. From discussion, the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of healthy eating, including the need to have drinking water accessible at all times. She currently asks parents to provide food for children which is stored and re-heated appropriately. The childminder has systems in place to gather information from parents regarding children's medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. She demonstrates a clear understanding of how children’s good health is promoted. This includes a written sick child policy which is shared with parents to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder describes how children would learn about their personal hygiene through normal daily routines, for example, by making use of easily accessible anti-bacterial wipes and ensuring that children wash their hands at appropriate times. There are systems in place to record details of accidents and medication administration, including

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Helping children to be healthy

parental consent for children to receive medicine and emergency medical treatment. Documentation shows that the childminder holds a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good understanding of the opportunities she needs to provide for children to develop physical skills, through games such as swing ball and using the small slide and wheeled toys in the accessible garden. In addition, she would take children to local parks where they could use resources such as the swings, climbing frame and see saw. The childminder is committed to taking children out every day and visiting toddler groups on a regular basis. During these outings, younger children would have the opportunity to move around freely and develop control when using the wide range of wheeled toys. In addition, children would use a large soft play area when they go on visits to a local farm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has taken most necessary action to ensure that risks in and outside her home have been minimised, so that children can play safely. She has completed her own risk assessment of the premises and has safety gates available for use on the stairs and at the kitchen doorway. In addition, safety glass has been fitted in the sitting room French doors leading to the garden. There are smoke alarms on each level of the home and a fire blanket is available in the kitchen. However, not all electrical sockets are fitted with safety covers and the first floor window keys are not easily accessible at all times. This would put children's safety at risk. Children would be kept safe when travelling in the childminder's car, because she has appropriate safety seating that meets current regulations, would ensure children are strapped in appropriately and has systems in place to obtain written consent from parents. There is a range of safe well maintained

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder can clearly say how she would keep children safe when walking on local outings and how she would help children to learn about their own safety, for example, by ensuring that all children stay close to her and cross the road where there are no parked cars. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder understands the procedures for recording and reporting any child protection concerns and has all current documentation available.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder talks about encouraging children’s language through reading stories and their creative skills. For example, children would have the opportunity to paint, draw and do cutting and gluing activities using different shaped pasta and cotton to make pictures. The childminder can clearly explain how she supports children’s learning through a range of play experiences, both inside and outside her home, for example, reading using textured books, helping children learn nursery rhymes, counting during play and encouraging them to notice things in the environment when they are on outings. Children would have the opportunity to explore the garden and discover mini beasts, such as worms. Play equipment is made accessible in the garden at all times for children to use. Toys are organised in a manner which helps to promote children’s free choice. They are of good quality and easily accessible in well organised boxes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder showed a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving good examples of how she would approach a variety of situations for children of different ages. She has a positive approach to managing any potentially difficult behaviour which includes giving children clear explanations about right and wrong and what is expected. Children are encouraged to help tidy up as part of the daily routine. They would have good opportunities to develop independence, because the childminder encourages them to choose their own toys, put on their own coats and shoes and look for things they want. The childminder has a good understanding of how children would benefit from the friendly relationships that she would form with parents. Her aim is for them to be happy and have continuity of care through the exchange of information about children's progress and individual needs. The childminder has

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Helping children make a positive contribution

systems in place, such as a daily diary, to record information about younger children's individual progress. This includes information about any changes in their development and other general information such as learning to crawl, what books and toys they like, daily outings during the day, sleep times, and food. The childminder has a range of books and some dolls which reflect people from different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, although she does not currently have any resources which enable children to develop a positive attitude towards different religions, gender and disability. The childminder is happy to look after children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have lots of space to play in the sitting room. This means they would be able to move around freely and find their own play equipment which the childminder makes easily accessible. In addition, children would benefit from being able to make regular use of the garden and the opportunity to choose to play inside or outside. The childminder is not currently caring for children, however, there are systems in place to record the hours of children's attendance and a range of policies and procedures. These would be shared regularly with parents to keep them informed about the service and their child's activities. However, there are no systems in place

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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 to record existing injuries to children, significant incidents of children's behaviour and child protection concerns. Evidence suggests the needs of all children would be met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that systems are in place to record existing injuries and any areas of concern. This has not been met.

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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. 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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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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 all electrical sockets are fitted with safety covers and make the first floor window keys easily accessible at all times • provide a wide range of resources and opportunities for children to develop a positive view of differences in relation to religion, gender, and disability • devise systems to record existing injuries, significant incidents of children's behaviour and child protection concerns

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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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