Longtown Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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133387 Unique Reference Number 17 April 2007 Inspection date Tracy Bartholomew 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 was registered in 1997. She lives with her husband and two children in the outskirts of Abingdon. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends toddler group, goes for walks, visits to the park and school pick-ups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for six children at any one time and is currently minding a number of children who attend on a part and full time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The childminder is fully committed to maintaining children's good health and physical well-being. She follows excellent procedures to maintain high standards of hygiene and prevent the spread of cross-infection. She keeps accurate information about health risks and a list of notifiable diseases, to ensure she is up to date in regards to possible risks to children's health. Children

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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 are motivated to wash their hands thoroughly using individual soaps kept in their own bag. They dry their hands using individually named towels. Younger children develop awareness with encouragement from the childminder and use wipes to clean their hands and faces after nappy changes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Medication is administered thoughtfully and correctly. The childminder has detailed authorisation by parents in place, including a signed declaration which enables the childminder to seek medical treatment or advice as necessary, to prevent the delay of care. Accident records are accurate and the childminder keeps her paediatric first aid training in date, to maintain the children’s well being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children bring packed lunches from home. Children benefit from the childminder’s extensive knowledge of nutrition. She provides children with a wide selection of fresh fruit to ensure that the children have their appropriate vitamins and minerals. Children learn about the foods that are good for their health through topics and discussions with the childminder. They hear stories from other cultures, such as ‘Handa’s Surprise’ and learn that some foods come from other countries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have independent access to fresh drinking water at all times. They are able to identify their own drink as they have their own specific cups.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children lead a healthy lifestyle whilst in the childminder's care. They have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Children use an excellent range of apparatus in the garden, which helps them to develop their all round physical skills. Regular outings to toddler groups and the local park provide more challenges, which strengthens and extends their physical control and coordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play comfortably in a child-friendly environment, as the home is welcoming with appropriate facilities. Children readily access a good and age-appropriate range of toys and resources within the home. They are able to explore and play in a very well maintained and safe dwelling, as the childminder assesses potential risks effectively, through daily risk assessments and providing such items as stair gates and child locks. This enables the children to make independent choices safely where all potential hazards have been minimised. The children play happily under the supervision of the childminder with a varied range of planned and child-led activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the clear understanding and knowledge the childminder has concerning child protection. All the required procedures and documents are in place to ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time with this childminder, having lots of fun learning through play. They are very well settled and confident. Relationships are excellent. Children approach the childminder readily if they need assistance with dressing up and playing ‘hairdressers’. Their self-esteem is promoted through the childminder's excellent practice and her extensive knowledge and understanding of children's development.

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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 Children benefit from the childminder’s creative imagination and the exceptional variety of themed and planned activities she offers. She has a unique and adventurous way of making activities interesting and stimulating children’s imaginations. For example, she helps children act out, ‘The wheels on the bus’ song by pretending to be the driver and encouraging children to bump up and down as they travel along the ‘road’ and stop to collect a ‘giraffe’ passenger. The childminder promotes the children's mathematical and language development highly effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a balanced day with opportunities for quiet or active play. They receive much one to one attention with lots of cuddles because the childminder manages her time extremely well. For example, one child has the undivided attention of the childminder when the other rests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s experiences are broadened further through regular interesting outings into the village, nearby woods and to local parks. They also meet up with other childminders regularly, socialising with other children and use a different variety of outdoor play and resources. These enjoyable outings provide further interest for the children and often stimulate their creative play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Boys and girls have equal access to all resources and toys. They become aware of wider society through using an appropriate range of suitable toys and posters, which reflect positive images of diversity. They visit a local ‘drop-in’ group where they can access play materials for children with additional needs, such as a sensory room. They begin to learn about the needs of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about responsible behaviour as the childminder uses effective methods, such as time out, discussion and explanations. They benefit from her positive and consistent approach to behaviour management, which helps them to learn about her expectations and act accordingly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the professional partnership the childminder has developed with parents. The children are settled because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure she meets the individual needs of the children. She is sensitive and considerate towards the children and their parents and endeavours to build good relationships that promote the children’s well being and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are able to make good progress as the childminder has a strong sense of purpose and focuses on children’s individual needs. She has the ability to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere, where children are able to feel confident and secure. Children are supervised at all times, and the childminder knows she must protect children from people who have not been police checked, to ensure their safety when both indoors and when on outings.

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Organisation

The childminder has detailed records both to assist other childminders and to further her own practice. All mandatory documentation is in place, to ensure the safe and efficient management of the provision. However, further details are required on the attendance register and complaints log.

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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 The childminder meets the required adult child ratio, which enables her to provide an extensive range of play, and support to the children. The space is organised extremely well, to allow children to move around comfortably and safely. Children have access to a dedicated playroom, where they access resources at their leisure, a good amount is stored within their reach, helping to enhance their independence.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to address two recommendations for documentation. Both of these recommendations have been addressed, as a result the care for children has improved.

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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.

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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.

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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): • ensure that the complaints procedure and daily attendance record contains all required details

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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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