Lincroft Middle School

Inspection report for early years provision

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109708 Unique Reference Number 18 April 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 registered to care for children in 1995. She lives with her husband and six year old daughter. The childminder has an assistant who may at agreed times be left in sole charge. They live in a house on a main road close to the centre of Poole, in Dorset. Childminding is carried out in all areas of the premises, with toilet facilities on both levels. Sleep provision is provided on the first floor. Children have access to a rear garden for outdoor play activities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years, and currently cares for five children all on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and a local childminding group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from the spread of germs through the daily routines effectively followed by the childminder. This includes provision of liquid soap and coloured towels on individual hooks with a picture for each child. Children learn the importance of washing their hands before

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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 eating and after using the toilet, and a child's step helps to promote their independence. Accident records are satisfactorily maintained, although, medication records are not sufficiently detailed. First aid resources are easily accessible with additional resources provided to take on outings, however, the childminder does not have a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to eat healthy and nutritional snacks as the childminder offers them a variety of fresh fruit during the week. They are provided with drinks of water at snack time, but are not able to freely access drinks throughout the day to prevent them from becoming thirsty. Parents provide children's food for their lunch. Children's dietary requirements are discussed with parents and recorded to ensure their individual needs are followed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to outdoor play activities through use of the garden and regular trips to the local parks. For example, children experience use of larger play equipment when visiting Whitecliff Park. This provides them with a variety of physical play opportunities to help promote their development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety is satisfactorily maintained. Many safety measures have been put in place, such as a secure fireguard and locks on the cupboard housing cleaning materials. However, some potential hazards are still accessible to children and the garden gate is not sufficiently secure. For example, heavy ladders are leaning against the wall on the first floor landing and the stair gate at the top of the stairs is held in place with a bungee hook. Smoke alarms are fitted on both levels of the house and children have taken part in evacuation procedures. This helps them to understand what to do in an emergency situation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from clear procedures followed by the childminder when on outings which helps to keep them safe. This includes use of age appropriate car seats, buggies and reins for younger children, and checking play areas are suitable for children's stage of development. Children have access to a varied range of toys and play resources, which are rotated by the childminder to offer them greater choice. However, the seats on the outdoor swing are split and are hazardous to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has completed a child protection course since her last inspection and is aware of the importance of continuing to update her knowledge. She has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and procedures which helps her in her role of ensuring children are safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content in the childminder's care. They have good relationships with the childminder which makes them feel settled and secure. Children are confident, their independence is promoted well through the activities and the provision of equipment, such as the small step by the sink for hand washing. Children are encouraged to try and learn to do things for themselves, for example, the childminder supports a child in using the toy 'tin-opener' and praises her when she successfully opens the can. This helps to build children's confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children get involved enthusiastically in the various play activities and use their imagination well with the role play resources. For example, a child carefully sets the table and happily makes

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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 'cheese on toast' for her doll 'Katie' and the childminder. Children benefit from the childminder's positive involvement with their play, as she talks and listens to them, asking questions to help promote their learning and development. For example, she asks them to count the different play people and to identify particular colours. Children have opportunities to take part in a range of creative activities, such as painting, modelling with play dough, colouring and cutting. These are adapted by the childminder so the younger children are able to join in.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy regular trips to places of interest outside the home, such as a recent visit to 'Honeybrook farm'. Children explained how they saw lots of different animals, such as 'pigs', 'horses' and 'baby sheep'. This helps to extend their experiences. Children attend local parent and toddler groups which offers opportunities to develop their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's positive strategies to manage behaviour which are appropriate to their age and level of understanding. For example, she explains clearly to a child that it is time to clear away the toys, and the child responds and happily helps to tidy up. Children are kept well occupied and receive frequent praise and encouragement from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are given consideration. The childminder makes sure that all children are included and given opportunities to make their own choices during the activities. This helps them feel secure and promotes a sense of belonging. Children gain awareness of the needs of others through the childminder's positive attitude to children with differing needs and the provision of some resources reflecting diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are kept informed about their child's care during the day through ongoing discussions and daily notes sent home with the children. The childminder obtains information from parents about their child's particular needs, which contributes towards ensuring continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home in the relaxed and welcoming environment. Space is reasonably well organised to allow children to move around freely, although, not all risks to children have been minimised. Children benefit from access to both indoor and outdoor play opportunities within the day. However, drinks of water to quench their thirst are not easily accessible during their play. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

In general, documentation is well organised and stored securely. However, medication records are not fully clear to show the required information. Individual contracts and written parental consents are in place for all children. Policies and procedures have been developed, these are shared with parents to make sure they are clear of the childminder's practices. The childminder has attended training to continue to develop her role, however, her first aid certificate has expired.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop her knowledge of child protection, obtain the revised guidance to the National Standards and practise an emergency escape plan.

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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 The childminder has now attended a child protection course which has helped to further develop her understanding, and supports her in protecting children from harm. An emergency evacuation procedure has been devised and is now practised with the children so they know what to do in an emergency. A copy of the revised guidance has been obtained by the childminder.

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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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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 that drinks are easily accessible to children throughout the day • make sure that play equipment is in good repair, the garden gate is sufficiently secure, and that all potential hazards are made inaccessible to children • obtain a first aid certificate, and make sure that the medication records have the full details clearly recorded.

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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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