John Wycliffe Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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144111 Unique Reference Number 11 June 2007 Inspection date Dinah Round 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 to care for children in 2000. She lives with her seven-year-old daughter in the centre of Poole, in Dorset. Childminding is carried out in all areas of the childminder's home. Children do not have access to a garden, but the childminder takes them on regular outings to local parks and attractions. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She currently cares for one child on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the local childminding network and the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy family home. Children are taught about the importance of personal hygiene through the routines followed by the childminder and generally wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. However, the childminder does not wash the younger children's hands before they have their snack which comprises their health. There are

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 effective nappy changing procedures in place to protect the children. Clear medication records are maintained, however, written parental permission to seek emergency treatment or advice is not obtained. Children's ongoing health is suitably supported as the childminder has a current first aid qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks throughout the day to prevent them from becoming thirsty. Parents provide all children's food which is stored appropriately in the fridge to keep it fresh. The childminder makes sure parents are kept informed about which foods the children have eaten during the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are involved in a variety of outings that give them opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They go for regular walks and trips to local parks, such as Hamworthy Park. The childminder liaises with parents over the arrangements for children's individual sleep and rest times, and ensures these are complied with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety is sufficiently well maintained. Many safety measures have been put in place, such as, low level safety glass and locks on the cupboard housing cleaning materials. However, some potential hazards are still accessible to children. A varied selection of clean, age appropriate toys and play resources are provided for the children. The childminder selects the children's play equipment and ensures that all small pieces are out of the reach of younger children so they can play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the clear procedures followed by the childminder when on outings. This includes the provision of age appropriate car seats and use of wrist bands for children with emergency contact numbers. This helps to keep children safe when they are outside the home. A smoke alarm and fire blanket are fitted in the premises. The childminder has thought through emergency evacuation procedures, although this has not yet been practised with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures which helps her in her role of safeguarding children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and content in the childminder's care. They have warm relationships with the childminder and her family which makes them feel secure. Children's needs are well met as the childminder follows their individual routines and organises meal and sleep times as required within the day. Babies receive lots of cuddles and the childminder's warm and caring approach means that they feel settled and comfortable as they play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder spends time talking and playing with the children to help promote their development. For example, she encourages the younger children to hold her hand as they are learning to gain control of their body and take a few steps. Children are offered a variety of play activities during the week, with older children taking part in art and craft activities linked to topics, such as Easter and Christmas. However, the childminder has little knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' and opportunities to extend the younger children's learning experiences are not fully explored. Children enjoy a variety of visits outside the home where they can explore their local environment including trips to the beach and to Poole Quay.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They benefit from the well balanced attention from the childminder which makes them feel settled and secure. Children are helped to gain awareness of the needs of others through the childminder's positive attitude to children with differing needs. The childminder ensures there is no gender discrimination so that all children are able to join in activities and feel included.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of their age and stage of development when dealing with their behaviour. For example, the childminder joins in the children's play and stacks the different coloured tubs to help keep them interested and occupied. Children are reminded to say 'please' and 'thank you', and are helped to learn to share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are continually discussed with parents. Informal daily discussions at the beginning and end of the day ensures that parents are kept sufficiently well informed about their child's care. The childminder has provided photographs and videos of minded children taking part in activities for parents in the past.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Space is sufficiently well organised to allow children to move around freely, although, not all risks to children have been minimised. Children's individual needs are recognised, the childminder knows when a child is tired and settles her to sleep. Children are provided with a variety of play activities which include regular visits outside the home, however, the opportunities to maximise the younger children's learning experiences are not fully explored. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

Most aspects of documentation are in place. They are stored securely together in a boxed folder to ensure confidentially. Children's records of information are clearly recorded, with written parental consents to transport children in a vehicle and take them on outings maintained. However, there is no written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to make sure that potentially hazardous substances in the low kitchen cupboard were inaccessible to children. This related to a previous property, and the childminder now keeps all cleaning substances in a high level lockable kitchen cupboard. This makes sure they are not accessible to children.

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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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made to 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): • ensure consistent hygiene procedures are followed to help protect children's good health, and obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice • make sure that all potential risks to children are minimised • develop further the play experiences and activities to improve the learning outcomes for younger children, for example, by using the 'Birth to three matters'.

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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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