St Margaret's CofE Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 111300 Inspection date 09 June 2005 Inspector Alison Jane Kaplonek

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 outstanding. 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 a registered childminder since 1999. She lives with her husband and two school aged daughters in a house in Bishopstoke, Hampshire. Local schools, preschool, shops and play parks are nearby. All areas of the house are used for childminding and there is a garden for outside play. At the time of inspection there are no pets. The childminder is a member of Southampton Childminders' Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's good health is assured in the warm, clean and welcoming family environment. They play an active part in keeping themselves healthy, for example when taking care of their own personal needs, selecting healthy snacks, or discussing the type of clothing they will need to put on when going out. Excellent adult support enables all children to be involved in a range of simple hygiene routines, such as cleaning the table after meals. Children develop physical control, experiment with movement and improve their manipulative skills during a stimulating range of activities, both indoors and outside. Walking to school is encouraged and children enjoy their games of football and visits to the park. They have numerous opportunities to practice their control of tools and materials during daily planned activities linked to the Birth to three framework and the Foundation Stage curriculum.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are given a very good choice of nutritious snacks and have regular access to drinking water. Older children can help themselves to the water dispenser whilst younger children have their own drinks within reach. Parents are very effectively involved. They are consulted on a regular basis about their child’s health and dietary needs and encouraged to provide healthy lunch boxes each day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an environment where an excellent balance between freedom of activity and safety is effectively achieved. Their safety is ensured through daily risk assessments on furniture, toys and equipment, and through discussion about taking care and keeping safe. They regularly practice the fire evacuation procedure. Efficiently kept records keep parents informed of any accidents or medication administered. Children use high quality toys and equipment which are appropriate for their age and stage of development. They all have easy access to these, enabling them to make choices within an exceedingly safe environment. They learn to take care of resources and are often involved in washing toys in the garden. The childminder has a very clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures, and ensures that children's care and welfare are of paramount

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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 are interested and involved in their learning and play. They achieve well because the childminder uses her developing skills and knowledge of early years guidance, such as the Birth to three framework and the Curriculum guidance for the Foundation Stage, to provide high quality care and education. Children are provided with a wide range of activities which support learning in all areas. They ask questions as they play and the childminder responds well, encouraging new vocabulary or helping them to count or recognise colours. Frequent encouragement and praise promotes confidence and self-esteem enabling children to take a very positive role in their own learning. There is a good balance between planned and child initiated learning. Activities planned cover all areas of learning whilst allowing time for children to make choices

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and stimulate their own learning, for example requesting a walk in the park or completing a puzzle. Children are encouraged to recall their learning and discuss their observations, for example looking at how far a snail will have moved when they next walk to school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are all looked after in a caring, family environment where their needs are very well met. They are all fully involved in the life and routines of the provision and settle well. Younger children complete a chart on arrival, with photographs of the children to be cared for that day, while older children are often consulted about snacks or activities. They are provided with an excellent range of resources and activities which help them understand their own needs and those of others. For example, they have collected postcards from a child who travelled around the world, following his movements on the map and talking about how children live in different countries. They visit local places of interest and regularly meet other children and adults. Children behave extremely well. They are effectively supported by clear house rules and consistent boundaries, all of which are shared with parents. Good behaviour is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

promoted by the sensitive use of praise and encouragement. Younger children learn to share and take turns and the older ones are encouraged to play an active role in the routines of the setting. An excellent partnership with parents has an important influence on children's wellbeing. Parents are provided with a huge range of information regarding policies and procedures when their children start at the childminders. Excellent communication ensures that they are continually updated about planning and routines. They are given regular scrap books of their children's work.

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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 Children are very settled and happy in the family environment provided. Excellent organisation ensures that they are well protected and cared for. They are never left alone with unvetted adults and in the case of an emergency, arrangements are in place for children to be cared for my another registered childminder. Children are able to effectively initiate and develop their own learning and play within the well organised space provided. They benefit from the extensive range of policies and procedures which are skilfully and consistently applied. The childminder keeps comprehensive records, such as a record of accidents, a register and details of any religious or dietary needs. This provides children with very good continuity of care, ensures that they feel settled and secure and that their

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Organisation

individual needs are well met. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure that the banisters on the stairs were safe and to increase her knowledge of child protection procedures.Since the last inspection, the banisters have been made safe. Information regarding child protection has been obtained including local contact telephone numbers.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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