Thursby Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 112123 Inspection date 17 June 2005 Inspector Tonia Chilcott

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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 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, both aged over eight years in Portchester, Fareham. All areas of the property, are used for childminding however, this normally occurs downstairs and there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 4 children on a part time basis. The childminder lives within walking distance to local schools shops and parks.

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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 The family has no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home, where they learn about personal hygiene by the childminders effective encouragement. For instance younger children learn the importance of shielding their mouths when coughing and sneezing to prevent germs being spread. Children regularly take physical exercise whilst taking walks and trips to the park with the childminder. Children enjoy a wide range of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals. Their needs are met by the childminders procedures to gather information from parents about their individual needs and personal preferences. Consequently the childminder is able to provide meals that the children enjoy. Children confidently ask the childminder for a drink when they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are secure in the warm and welcoming environment. Children access outside play without risk of over exposure to the sun, through the childminder's thoughtful use of a canopy. Children learn good practices to keep themselves safe, for instance whilst the childminder discusses road safety with them. Children access a wide range of toys and materials that are stored well, allowing them to make independent choices. All children take part in regular fire practices, that ensure they are fully aware of the procedures to follow. Children are protected by the childminder's good awareness and understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure and confident in the care of the childminder. They happily talk and play with the childminder, requesting help with activities when they need it. Younger children become immersed in stories and confidently ask the childminder to read to them. They access further books and activities with regular trips to the library. Children's learning about colour and number is extended well by the childminder, who spends time talking to and playing with the children. Children take part in a good variety of arts and crafts activities and regularly participate in cooking activities.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave well in response to praise and encouragement from the childminder. Their behaviour is managed consistently and positively by the childminder, who has effective procedures in place to record and share information with parents. The childminder provides a range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, increasing children's awareness of others. For instance whilst discussing lady train drivers with children. Children's needs are well met by the childminders procedures to share information with parents on a regular basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the well thought out environment. Indoor space is well laid out, allowing children room to play comfortably and freely. Children are confident in the environment and consequently are able to initiate play and make their own choices. The childminder has sensible policies and procedures in place which are used to promote the welfare and care of the children. The childminder has a good awareness of the documentation that needs to be maintained, although some entries are not recorded in ink. 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 accident and incident recording was completed fully and that parents sign all the required parts of the register of attendance. Details of accidents and incidents are now clearly completed in full and parents regularly sign the register of attendance as required.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • Ensure that all entries in the register of attendance are recorded in ink

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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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