Shalbourne CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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126354 Unique Reference Number 28 June 2007 Inspection date Clare Stone 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 1994.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her husband and four sons, all of whom are over eight years old.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

They live in a modern, detached house in Ashford, close to local amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. At the time of the inspection there were two children on roll. Both attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children benefit from having healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. Parents can provide their own meals and work in partnership with the childminder to cater for their children's

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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 individual needs. Children can help themselves to drinks whenever they are thirsty. This promotes independence and teaches children about healthy eating options. The childminder also plays games with the children to reinforce what foods are good for you and why the children should eat a varied diet. Children learn about hygiene practices and how to incorporate these into their daily routines, assisting in a healthy lifestyle. This includes washing their hands after going to the toilet and playing. Children have the opportunity to expand on their physical skills with regular visits to the park and the local playlink club. This encourages children to enjoy physical play and learn the value of healthy living. The childminder ensures the welfare of the children in her care by clear procedures not to mind children if they are unwell.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a spacious and child-friendly environment. The childminder takes positive steps to promote safety at all times. A visual risk assessment of all areas ensures that children use the space freely and safely. There is plenty of room for children to move around and they negotiate space well, manoeuvring round obstacles. The garden is secure and the childminder regularly checks the play equipment to ensure that it is safe. There is an evacuation plan in place and available for parents. This helps protect children in the event of a fire. Children have access to a range of good quality toys and resources that are suitable for their age and development. If toys or equipment are broken they are thrown away to prevent children from being injured. Although the childminder has a good knowledge of the possible signs of abuse, she is unclear on the correct procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. Children play happily with each other and are learning to socialise with other children with regular visits to the local toddler group and park. Activities are well organised, and the children are involved in a good range of activities. This helps promote children's all round development. At the inspection children played with dolls, mini computers and they enjoyed fixing things with their screwdrivers. The childminder supports children's language by talking and encouraging new words. She praises and encourages the children. This helps build on the children's self esteem and confidence. The childminder is aware of Birth to three matters framework and how to incorporate this into her daily routine.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are well behaved, happy and settled because the childminder manages the children's behaviour consistently, according to the child's level of understanding. A behaviour management policy is in place and shared with parents. The childminder provides a good range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. For example, she has books, dressing up clothes and computer games. Children find out about the local community through outings to the shops, toddler groups, the park and other local amenities, such as playlink. Children's needs are met because the childminder works in partnership with parents. Daily discussion and daily contact books between the childminder and the parents ensure that information is shared so that the children are cared for appropriately.

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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. The childminder has a good knowledge of the National Standards. All regulation documentation is in place and well maintained. The childminder is aware of confidentiality and stores her records appropriately. The childminder is keen to update her knowledge in this area and attends regular childcare training. This helps the childminder to provide good quality care. The children benefit from clear systems in place for working with parents and sharing information. The childminder plans her time effectively to ensure the children have her support and guidance if they needed it. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The following recommendation was made at a previous inspection:

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Improvements since the last inspection

Ensure that all persons living in the household are vetted. The childminder ensures that all persons living in the house are vetted.

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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 action in order to meet the National Standards. 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): • increase knowledge of the procedure to follow in child protection incidents

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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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