Wincham Community Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 111160 Inspection date 09 June 2005 Inspector Elly Bik-Kuen Wong

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1992. She lives with her three teenage children in a house in Romsey, close to local amenities like shops, schools and parks. All areas of the property are available for childminding, although the main base is downstairs. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The family have a few rabbits. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years, and is currently minding four under-fives and seven over-fives during the week, all of whom are part-time. The childminder attends the local carer-and-toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National

p.2

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 Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy regular drinks and meals that appeal to them and form part of their balanced diet. The childminder provides quick snacks, cold lunches and cooked meals, which often include healthy options such as fruits and vegetables, to promote children's good health and growth. She also respects the wishes of those parents who prefer to bring their own foods. Children are cared for in a hygienic manner as the childminder pays attention to cleaning and disinfecting surfaces used by children. Babies' hands are wiped clean, while older toddlers and children learn about good personal hygiene through hand washing during the daily routine. Children have plenty of opportunities for fresh air and exercise to develop their physical co-ordination and balance. Apart from regular garden games including ride-on toys, they enjoy outings such as picnics in parks and sports sessions, where they practise their movement and skills in climbing, sliding, and swinging.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can enjoy safe play in the house and garden as the childminder has reduced risks and offers them good attention and supervision. There is suitable space for babies and toddlers because the childminder re-arranges furniture and equipment to suit their needs for safe exploration and movement. Children learn about clear boundaries for safe play, for example, that they can use the dining area but not the operational area of the kitchen. Children are familiar with the childminder's rules about safety, for example, when leaving a parked car, young children stay still on the pavement while waiting for her, and always hold her hands or are led with reins when walking. The childminder has a sound working knowledge of child protection procedures, and knows how to look out for changes either physical or emotional in children to safeguard their well-being.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well cared for and their individual needs met effectively because the childminder is familiar with their intimate routines. She relates well to children of all ages. Babies are held and cuddled, and feel happy and secure in her care. Young

p.3

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 such as babies and toddlers have good opportunities to learn to communicate when she gives them one-to-one attention and talks to them individually. They learn to play socially through expressions, gestures, babbling sounds and gradually, speech. Children's play and development is promoted well through activities both on the premises and in parks, play centres, as well as during weekly toddler group and sport sessions. Children can play with toys that appeal to them as the childminder is familiar with their preference, and provides necessary resources for them. They acquire valuable physical, emotional, communicative, and other skills through social playing with their peers.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel at ease to explore and learn as they have bonded well with the childminder. They develop their emerging confidence due to her praises and encouragement. The childminder models good behaviour, and children learn by imitating her. They also learn about respect for differences as she treats everyone with equal concern. They learn about good manners during the daily routine, for example by saying 'please' and 'thank you'. They thrive on her simple yet consistent boundaries for social playing, such as sharing and taking turns, and play harmoniously with their peers. Children's well-being is promoted by the childminder's close communication with parents, usually verbally, but also through simple daily records for babies and toddlers. Children with a wide range of needs and abilities are valued and cared for effectively due to her close partnership with parents. She is familiar with their routines

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

and interests. Any special preference with care and play activities, and dietary requirements including food allergies are noted and catered for accordingly.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is skilled with recognising and meeting children's needs due to her good experience. She also has a qualification in first aid. Children's development is promoted by the organisation of a suitable range of care and play activities, including active and quiet; indoor and outdoor; home based as well as on outings. However, older children cannot always play spontaneously and independently, because they do not have easy access to the full range of toys themselves. The childminder keeps required documentation except prior written consent for medicines. Young children's welfare is promoted through verbal feedback and the sharing of simple diary sheets with parents. However, there are no formalised policies and procedures to record clearly about how care will be provided. Overall, the needs of children are met.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure that all accessible garden plants are safe for children. She enlisted the help of a garden expert who has since confirmed that all plants are safe for children, though any over-grown bushes may impact on the space available for safe play in the garden. The childminder was also asked to update her knowledge of child protection. She now has a sound knowledge of procedures for referring concerns to safeguard children's welfare. There was also a recommendation about the provision of resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability. The childminder has started to develop such resources, including books on other countries, though more are needed.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There was a complaint about regular visitors to the household having unvetted access to the children (Standard 1). The childminder was asked to conduct an internal investigation, the result of which was submitted to Ofsted. The childminder has satisfied Ofsted about her procedures in place for ensuring that children are always supervised and safe in the presence of unvetted visitors. Ofsted has found that the childminder continues to meet Standard 1, and is therefore suitable to care for children.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • Consider formalising policies and procedures so that all parties have a record of how care will be provided. Ensure written consent is obtained prior to the administration of any medicines. • Improve organisation and accessibility of toys and books to encourage children to play spontaneously and independently.

p.5

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 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

p.5

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

p.6