Lodge Farm County Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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129518 Unique Reference Number 28 June 2007 Inspection date Sarah Catherine Munn 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 satisfactory. 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 1993. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 19 years in a village near Redbourn in Hertfordshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor 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 childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding six children, all of whom attend on various days throughout the week. The childminder walks to school to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has a pet dog, a cat and birds of prey housed in an aviary.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder has routines and practices in place to enable the children to learn the importance of personal hygiene. Children are able to wash their hands and develop an understanding as to why this is important after using the toilet and before eating. They are protected from infection because the childminder is informed about any health care matters and has clear procedures if children are unwell. In addition to this, the premises, toys and equipment are kept clean and well maintained. Additional information is gained at the onset of the arrangement with regard to any health care the children may need. For example, if they have any allergies or conditions. Sound procedures are in place for recording children's accidents or administering medication and parents countersign the entry, this impacts positively on the children's health and well-being. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is confident she can

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Parents supply the children’s meals and the childminder takes care when reheating food or preparing them to ensure she can meet each child's dietary needs. The childminder provides snacks for the children which are varied and nutritious such as various fruits. The children confidently ask for a drink and the childminder ensures they have drinks out at all times to ensure they remain hydrated during the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to experience physical activities, which contribute to a healthy lifestyle. An appropriate range of resources ensures they have access to equipment to develop their physical skills and promote exercise. For example, children have access to a range of outdoor equipment such as a slide, sit and ride cars and a trampoline to extend their skills and coordination. They also participate in a variety of physical activities, such as walking to drop off and pick up other children from the local school, trips to the park to play on the larger static equipment and walks in the local area, to learn about nature and feed the ducks. Children’s dexterity and hand to eye coordination is developed as they use one-handed tools and enjoy using jigsaws and manipulating small figures and objects. They are able to play, rest, sleep and be active according to their needs. All children are able to fully participate in the activities

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Helping children to be healthy

because the childminder uses her experience and knowledge of child development to adapt these to a suitable level.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for within a safe, secure home environment. The childminder uses the space appropriately, providing play areas for children to move freely around. The children present are very much at home and relaxed within this environment. The garden is fully enclosed and is well maintained to provide children with an area to explore. Toys and equipment are in a good state of repair and are age and developmentally appropriate. Children are able to ask for favourite toys and can choose items from the toy boxes themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has a good awareness of safety. An informal risk assessment is carried out on the premises, toys and activities to ensure potential risks are identified and minimised. Space and resources are organised so children are able to explore and take risks in a safe, controlled environment. Fire safety equipment such as smoke alarms

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 and a fire blanket are within easy reach in the kitchen and enable the childminder to ensure the children's welfare is protected in the event of a fire. The children know how to leave the home in an emergency through discussions and with regular practise. Children are kept safe due to the childminder's vigilance to safety when in and out of the home. For example, when going for a walk children know they must hold hands, stay together and within sight of the childminder, and they practise the 'Green Cross Code' when crossing roads. Children are very well supervised as they play, giving them opportunities to gain an understanding of the boundaries that are there to protect them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm as the childminder understands her duty to protect children in her care. She has an awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect. However, the childminder has a limited understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and this therefore potentially compromises children’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children acquire knowledge and new skills through various play opportunities and interaction with the childminder. Children make independent choices in their play and are able to choose from a variety of toys and equipment, which are stored within easy reach. The childminder develops the children's knowledge and understanding through discussions and play, as she introduces them to language and simple mathematical skills. For example, children learn to recognise different colours and count in sequence as they play the board game 'Frustration'. They become adept at using crayons and pencils to make marks, such as drawing around different shaped stencils and writing letters to spell their name. They learn matching and sequencing with card games, jigsaws and puzzles for all abilities. Regular nature walks, feeding and observing the ducks teaches the children about the natural environment. Children are vocal

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and can easily communicate their needs. They are confident to chat and join in discussions about what they are doing or would like to do

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop confidence and self-esteem as they play happily alone or with each other. The children's achievements are acknowledged by the childminder, through praise and encouragement, as she values what they do and helps them feel pride in their attempts and successes. The childminder talks to the children and joins in with their play to extend their thinking. For example, when playing ‘Guess Who?’ she actively encourages them to ask questions about colour or facial features. The childminder is attentive to the needs of the children and ensures they have a balance of activities throughout the day. The children actively contribute to their activities and choose from a wide range of resources. However, the childminder has not yet started to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to further promote children's overall development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are accepted and valued and activities can be adapted to meet the needs of all children. The childminder demonstrates a genuine concern for children and is a happy role model. This contributes to children's feelings of security within her care. Children have access to some play materials which show positive images of diversity through books, puzzles, dressing up and play figures. They learn about their local community as they walk to and from school and visit local parks and places of interest. The childminder is willing to care for any child

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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 following careful discussion with their parents to ensure that the child's individual needs can be effectively met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children generally behave well because the childminder demonstrates a calm and patient attitude with them. She has developed secure boundaries to help children gain an understanding of what is expected of them. They are encouraged to share, take turns and be polite to each other by asking for toys and saying 'please' and 'thank you'. Children are relaxed and secure, and able to make independent choices about what they want to do and about their behaviour. By using positive language and age-appropriate strategies the childminder enables children to develop self-control and an understanding of what is acceptable behaviour. She has realistic expectations of the children and encourages good behaviour using praise and distraction. This impacts on children's sense of security, confidence and well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An open and honest relationship with parents has been developed over the years which has been built between both parties and impacts on the children's feelings of belonging and security. Parents are encouraged to participate, sharing information and any events which may impact on their child. They understand the childminder's procedures if they wish to make any comments or have any concerns about her practice and there is a system in place to record these if any parent wishes to make a complaint. Contracts, policies and procedures are reviewed to make sure important information regarding individual children is kept up to date. The childminder shares the procedures and the children's achievements with their parents. This helps keep parents well informed of how their child's needs are being met, their developmental progress and her child care practice. Overall, this benefits both children and parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are relaxed and at ease in an organised and child-friendly environment. The space, resources and routine impact on the children's play and learning because it is flexible, yet organised around the children's needs. Children are able to explore within this environment knowing they are supported and cared for. A balance of child-led activities and organised play ensure children have a range of different enjoyable experiences whilst they are with the childminder. She draws on her experience and parenting skills as a mother and grandmother. This is evident in the calm, patient and caring manner she portrays. The childminder has an organised system for most records and documentation and these are used appropriately to promote the care, welfare and learning of each child. The time she spends with the children is organised so she can provide individual time and attention for each child.

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Organisation

The childminder is aware of maintaining ratios and keeps secure records and documents. Records are kept in a confidential manner to underpin her childminding practice. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to complete the following actions and recommendations; to establish a procedure to record all medicines administered to children, ensure that risks are minimised in the setting and establish a procedure to record any existing injuries to children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has implemented a procedure outlining the administration of medicines and to record any existing injuries for children that she cares for.

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Improvements 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 An informal risk assessment is carried out to ensure that hazards are minimised. These impact positively on the children’s overall well-being and ensures the welfare of the children is not compromised.

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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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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 satisfactory. 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): • develop a knowledge and understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures • improve outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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