Tilston Parochial CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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111284 Unique Reference Number 22 May 2007 Inspection date Marie Thompson 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 1998. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and 10 years old, in Lychpit, Basingstoke. The whole of the childminder's house 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 are currently seven children on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local library and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family does not have any pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children keep healthy because the childminder takes good steps to prevent the spread of germs through the daily cleaning routines in place. Children play in a warm clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder supervises the 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 washing their hands and using the toilet. She reminds them to wash their hands with the soap and water. However the children use the same towel which does not positively control the spread of germs. The childminder takes appropriate measures when changing nappies to ensure children are kept clean and comfortable and the spread of infection is minimised. For example, when she is changing nappies, she wears gloves, uses wet wipes, cleans the mat thoroughly afterwards and puts the nappy in the outside bin. Nose blowing is encouraged, and she uses antibacterial spray on all surfaces and general cleaning of the house is done at the weekends and in the afternoons. Sometimes the children help to dust using a duster to wipe low level surfaces.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide the snacks and meals for the children which the childminder stores in the fridge and warms thoroughly before serving to the children. The childminders respects the parents’ wishes to encourage children to eat the fruit and vegetables first. Children are offered plenty of drinks throughout the day which prevents them from becoming dehydrated. Suitable information is gathered from the parents regarding allergies and health needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to develop their physical abilities as they play in the garden on wheeled toys, pogo sticks or play basket ball. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise everyday as they walk to and from school. They enjoy going to Barton's Mill to feed the ducks. Children develop fine motor skills. They manipulate jigsaws and construction toys with increasing skill.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children stay safe because the childminder has a good awareness of hazards and takes steps to minimise them. The childminder has a fire blanket in the kitchen, exits are not blocked and a fire evacuation procedure is in place. The premises are secure. Both the front and back doors are kept locked and the keys are available in case of emergency or fire. Children develop their knowledge and understanding of how to keep themselves safe as they undertake daily activities. For example, as the children walk with the childminder to and from school and the childminder encourages them to look and listen out for cars and to hold onto the buggy or hold hands.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children choose from a wide range of good quality toys to enable them to make good progress in all areas of development. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises their use to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder routinely checks the toys to make sure that none of them are broken or damaged. Children freely explore as they have sufficient space both inside and outside the home, using the living room, the front room, kitchen and the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has required procedures and documentation in place and she is aware of the recent information regarding seat belts and booster seats which makes sure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. Children keep safe as the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm relaxed and caring environment for children's learning and play. Children are happy, content and secure in their relationships as the childminder has very good interactive skills. She is kind and attentive. She encourages children's play and maintaining

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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 their interest in activities or allows them to choose freely from the toys available. She sits with the children watching them, playing with them and talking to them about what they are doing. Together they set up the train track and the Duplo family. The childminder helps the children count and recognise colours.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a wide range of activities that cover all areas of development. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development which has developed over the many years she has been childminding. Children enjoy outings in the local area to the shops or the library. The children enjoy messy play in the garden for example, they really like making mud pies with the utensils provided. The childminder has just purchased an allotment and when the ground is prepared the children will be able to go there and dig or plant some vegetables. They have great fun playing with the skateboards or riding the bikes. Older children are able to use the front room which has a TV and games for them to play on. This gives them their own space and quiet area. Children benefit from the range of toys both indoors and outside which contribute to their development and provide appropriate challenges.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children feel at home and secure in the well-organised environment. The childminder is a good role model; she is calm and well-mannered in her interactions with the children. The childminder talks to the parents daily so the children's individual needs are known and met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children become aware of diversity and learn about the wider world as the childminder provides some good activities and resources, including books, games such as 'Ring a Ring of Roses' and puzzles. The childminder believe in explaining issues to children at an appropriate level as conversation or situations dictate. She addresses festivals when they occur and makes sure the children learn about them at a level which is appropriate for the age and levels of understanding. The childminder talks to the children about things which are important to them such as birthdays or holidays. The childminder prompts the children's memory of a recent holiday to Butlins where they saw 'Bob the Builder'. This is remembered with great delight.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses good age-appropriate strategies for managing their behaviour. The childminder uses positive comments and distraction to promote good behaviour. She talks to the parents to make sure there is a consistent approach to managing children's behaviour and uses sticker charts to reward good behaviour and progress. For example, when the children are potty training the reward of a sticker is a good incentive for using the potty or toilet.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shows a good awareness of the information she would need to care for a child with learning difficulties or disabilities. She feels communication is paramount between the parents and herself for meeting the children's needs. She has implemented a strategy to help a child in her care with mild spectrum special needs which will enable the child to master and negotiate road safety and crossing roads on the way to school. This will increase independence and self esteem as the child will be able to walk to school with children the same age.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a long standing and friendly relationship with the parents. Children's needs are discussed thoroughly before the children start to ensure their entire individual needs can be met. The childminder gives parents useful information and some written policies about her business. Parents receive daily verbal feedback on their children's progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play safely as the childminder organises toys and the environment well. Toys are rotated to maintain children's interest and are presented well. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning whilst safely exploring their personal boundaries. The space is used effectively to ensure children have plenty of room to play. The front lounge is used for older children to play in, whilst younger children use the living room and kitchen and enjoy playing outdoors in the secure garden.

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Organisation

The childminder has some good policies and procedures in place. She keeps up to date with most current childcare issues and information through publications from Ofsted and the National Childminding Association and by regularly visiting the websites. The childminder has all documentation available, which includes a daily record of the children's attendance. Most documentation is in place and well maintained. However, the complaints procedure and record is not in place. The childminder has been unable to attend any child care training or workshops since her registration. However, she does have a sound knowledge and understanding of her role and responsibilities.

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Organisation

The childminder has a long standing and friendly relationship with the parents. Discussions with the parents to exchange information ensure all information is shared. The parents are aware the registration certificate is in the childminders portfolio. However, it is not displayed where it can be easily seen by all parents and visitors. 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 devise a written procedure of a process to follow should an allegation be made against yourself or a family member.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A procedure has been devised which details a process to follow should an allegation be made against yourself or a family member.

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Improvements since the last inspection

These measures contribute to ensuring children's continued health, safety and wellbeing.

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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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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 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): • improve hygiene practices when children dry their hands • make sure the certificate of registration is displayed for parents and visitors to see • devise a complaints procedure which contains the name and contact details of the regulator, Ofsted and a record of complaints made by parents is in place which they can see on request

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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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