Castle Newnham School

Inspection report for early years provision

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151042 Unique Reference Number 18 April 2007 Inspection date Deborah Page 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 1995. She lives in Ringwood with her husband and two children who are over the age of eight. The childminder currently uses the ground floor only for childminding. There is access to an outdoor play area. The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children, some on a part time basis. The family have a pet cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's overall health is well promoted through the childminder's good practice. Routine activities are in place to promote good hygiene and prevent cross infection. For example, children regularly wash their hands before they eat and after using the toilet with anti-bacterial soap. Children know to dry their hands on their own individual towels. The childminder stated she will make sure they do not hang together to minimise risk of infection. The childminder wears disposable gloves when changing nappies and makes sure the mat is thoroughly cleaned

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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 in between changes. Children are well protected as the childminder washes her hands after she wipes noses. She is a good role model. Children learn how to prevent the spread of germs as they are reminded to cover their coughs. They are protected from the sun as the childminder makes good use of shade and applies sun cream. At times they do not wear sun hats and the childminder stated she will make sure hats are worn to ensure full protection. Children are well cared for if there is an accident as the childminder makes sure she is up to date with first aid training and, accidents are dealt with appropriately. Children's growth and development is nurtured with excellent encouragement and support from the childminder at meal times. Fruit and bread sticks are provided at snack time and children are encouraged to eat a nutritious

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Helping children to be healthy

meal at lunch time. Drinks are accessible at all times and regularly replenished. Children have numerous opportunities to get fresh air and exercise including eating their lunch out doors, regular outings to nearby parks and using the good variety of garden equipment, such as trikes, tractor, see-saw, balls, swing, slide and scooters. One child announces as they ride the tractor, 'I am sowing seeds'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are safe and secure. The environment is well organised to meet the needs of the children including sleeping arrangements and access to the toilet. Children are able to access play equipment on low level storage shelves. Other equipment is rotated by the childminder. Children delight in the variety of safe and appropriate resources available to them. The children are well protected as most of the time the childminder is very safety conscious. Safety precautions include a safety gate on the stairs and cupboard locks. The childminder regularly risk assesses the environment such as the storage of skis. However, at times children are put at risk as their shoes are changed whilst they sit on the kitchen counter. The children learn to keep themselves and others safe, they know not to put marbles in their mouths. They count the marbles to make sure none are lost. Excellent fire precautions are in place that include a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

recent visit from fire officers to discuss fire safety and the displayed escape plan. Children are safe on outings as there are good procedures in case of emergencies. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues which contributes to the safeguarding of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy and settled in the care of the childminder. The childminder supports the children extremely well and is close by at all times to support them. Children are engrossed in an excellent variety of exceedingly enjoyable activities resulting in squeals of joy, fun and laughter. Children benefit from the superb interaction from the childminder who enthuses with the children and effectively promotes their learning as they play. The children delight in the challenges set them and the excellent use of resources. The children respond enthusiastically and their behaviour is exemplary. For example, the children are excited as they play with the marble run. They build towers and are appropriately supported by the childminder. They take their time and engross themselves in the activity as they make connections. Children are encouraged to communicate and talk about the activity. They recognise colours, count

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

marbles and compare size. One child constructs a tube that is used to represent a telescope. They smile as they look through the tube and say, 'hello'. 'I've built a big tower', says another child. The child is able to count the pieces and is supported well by the childminder. Marbles are included on a marble run and the children laugh together, the tower falls, they laugh again 'that was funny'. They want to do it all again. The activity is extended as the childminder

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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 suggests they make skittles. She demonstrates how to roll the marbles and knock down the skittles. The children are very proud of their achievements and they cheer. Children then request a craft activity and a huge box of resources is produced and again children lose themselves in their imagination and, the extensive variety of resources provided to stimulate their creativity. For example, sticky back material, different shapes, textured materials and ribbon, straws and sequins all contribute to a highly successful activity. 'I love doing this', announces one child. One child chooses a puzzle from a shelf and they lay on the floor with it. 'Did it', announces the child as they finish. The childminder claps and the child rolls on the floor with excitement. They then get up and return to the puzzle, tip it out ready to start again.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has an exceptional understanding of the needs of the children in her care. The childminder knows the children extremely well. For example, she reassures children as a visitor arrives. Children's comforters are accessible at all times especially as children get tired. The children benefit extremely well from the childminder's excellent understanding of equal opportunities. Children's understanding of the wider world is promoted as positive images of different cultures are reflected in resources such as dolls, books and play people. Children have equal access to play equipment. They are reminded that it is okay to be different as they talk about different clothing and why some people wear glasses. Learning is supported by books such as, 'The skin I'm in'. The childminder works very closely with parents to make sure individual needs are respected. They celebrate achievement together. The childminder has an excellent

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Helping children make a positive contribution

understanding of how to promote children's self esteem as she continually praises and encourages children. The children relate well with each other and are happy to share. They have excellent manners. For example, one child gives the childminder a marble, 'thank you', says the childminder, 'you're welcome', is the response. Children are co-operative as they tidy up and are keen to help the childminder. Good behaviour is supported by resources such as books titled, 'How should I share' and 'We don't talk when eating'. The childminder has an exceptional partnership with parents and carers. Numerous ways are used to keep parents and carers informed about activities and the provision of care. Diaries of activities are shared with parents and carers and, copies of policies and procedures are provided to ensure parents and carers know how their child is cared for. Children's progress and observations are recorded and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

regularly discussed. Parents and carers comments are recorded and include, 'fantastic' and 'children are very happy'.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a good understanding of how to protect children as she closely supervises them at all times. The childminder is pro-active in developing her skills and is currently training in childcare. She has an extremely positive approach to evaluating the provision and keeping up to date with child care issues. Systems in place ensure children are safe most of the time. However, a review of procedure is required when preparing children for outdoor play to make sure safe practice is maintained. Most activities take place in the play room with the lounge available for quieter activities. Sleeping facilities are available in a nearby bedroom and a safety gate prevents children's access to the first floor. The kitchen is a thoroughfare in to the garden. All required documentation is in place and Ofsted are informed of any significant changes or events. The childminder 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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. Written consent is now available which contributes to children being well cared for at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has 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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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 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): • make sure safe practices are maintained when preparing children for outdoor play

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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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