Beavers Community Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

102520 Unique Reference Number 18 June 2007 Inspection date Sara Jane Frost Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1983. She lives with her adult son in Torpoint. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. Toilet facilities are upstairs as is a bedroom that is available for children who need to sleep during the day. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five on part time basis and two children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are kept healthy through the childminder's attention to every day health and hygiene routines. For example, hand washing is encouraged before eating and after nappy changes. Sick children are cared for appropriately due to the childminder's knowledge and understanding

p.2

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 of procedures to follow. The childminder is suitably qualified as she has updated her first aid training. There is a system in place to record any accidents that have taken place and parents are expected to sign against any entries made. This ensures parents are kept fully informed. Parents give consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment; however, no parental consent has been obtained to seek emergency medical advice.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder offers a range of breakfast foods for children before school. Parents provide children's packed lunches and the childminder ensures children receive a good balance of nutritional foods for example by providing a range of fresh fruit at snack times. Young children are offered frequent drinks and older children can help themselves from their individual drinking flasks. The childminder takes account of any special dietary requirements needed. Children have opportunities to develop their social skills at meals times as the childminder sits with the children and encourages conversation.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

By walking children to and from school children regularly receive a daily boost of fresh air. In addition to this children experience a range of physical activities both indoors and outdoors as they visit soft play and local play parks.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe as the childminder has good knowledge of safety issues. The provision of child size furniture enables children to feel comfortable and secure within the home. Children are always accompanied when in the garden and hazards within the home are minimised. Sleeping children are checked very frequently and a clear record system is in place for young babies' sleep routines. Fire drills are conducted on a monthly basis and the childminder ensures all children in her care are aware of the evacuation processes.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a variety of toys and resources which are suitable for the age and stage of the children's development. The childminder provides opportunities to allow children to self select from the wide range toys and activities. This gives children a degree of choice in their play and helps promote their independence.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety and welfare is promoted well by the childminder's good understanding of child protection procedures. She has a clear written procedure in place should she have any concerns about any child in her care.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's home. They are very well supported by the childminder, who shows an interest in their activities and engages children in their play. The childminder is responsive to children's interest, for example, she was able to provide a children's programmable computer when a child became very interested in the inspectors laptop. Children's independence skills are promoted well. By storing the range of resources in clear labelled boxes accessible to the children, the childminder enables children to make their own choices from the range of activities provided. Children's learning and mathematical thinking is developed through everyday experiences, such as, counting cars or looking for specific coloured items when walking to and from school. Opportunities are provided by the childminder to help children socialize with others, for example, by attending soft play or attending the local

p.3

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 The childminder plans a range of activities, such as, general play, construction, art and craft, quiet time and also incorporates time for activities outdoors weather permitting. Her approach to the planned programme is flexible and the childminder acknowledges that children's needs on any given day need to be taken into account. For example, the childminder was aware the child's routine over the weekend had been altered and therefore the child was tired. When the child asked to lie down on the settee, the childminder responded appropriately to their needs.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework and although began to incorporate in her planning has decided to wait until she has accessed a suitable training course.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children under two are helped to feel secure by the childminder's knowledge and understanding of their different needs. For example, the childminder allows children time to adjust to changes, provides opportunities to develop their independence and is aware of when the children need extra support from her.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder effectively uses the daily trips to and from school to help children learn about their local environment. For example, by talking about what they see, such as the leaves growing on the trees, she encourages children's awareness of the differing seasons. The childminder provides a good range of resources which helps promote a positive view of the wider world. For example, various books, jigsaws, dressing up clothes and small world play are provided to develop and encourage discussion through play and so increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a caring calm approach. Children's behaviour is good, they are learning to take turns and share toys. Their self-esteem is promoted well as they regularly receive praise and encouragement.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides a flexible settling in procedure which allows the children and parents opportunities to build up confidence in the care offered and to ensure the children's care is consistent. The childminder makes time with the parents to discuss daily routines. In addition to this, parents of children under one receive written daily information, recording information, such as, sleep pattern and food intake. This option is also available for all parents upon request.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has organised her home well to promote a safe environment for the children. The resources and activities are laid out before the children arrive, making it a welcoming environment for children to enter into. The childminder ensures children are protected through good supervision and ensuring they are not left alone with unvetted persons. Documentation is easily accessible and available for parents to see. Detailed records are kept which include times of children's attendance, parental agreements and children's records. Most of the required documentation is in place. The smooth running of her service is underpinned by the range of polices the childminder has developed.

p.4

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 has a good attitude towards improving her practice. By actively seeking and attending courses she shows a positive approach to developing her knowledge and childminding skills. Therefore actively strives to provide a good service to all in her care.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder improve her safety within the home and her documentation. These recommendations have been completely met as parental consent has been obtained to administer sun-cream and children's arrival and departures times are appropriately recorded. Children's safety is not compromised as the banister has been made safe and therefore does not pose a hazard to children.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice • continue to develop good practice and incorporate the Birth to three matters framework in planned programme

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5