Hedon Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 151160 Inspection date 01 August 2005 Inspector Jane Plested

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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 registered in January 1998. She lives with her husband, adult daughter, and two teenage sons. They live on a residential estate on the outskirts of Aylesbury. The house is within walking distance of the local shops and pre-school. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years. She is currently minding nine children at present, of those two are over eight years. Children attend on a full and part time basis. The childminder is registered to work with an assistant.

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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 Childminding takes place primarily on the ground floor; upstairs is only used to access the toilet and for older children's play. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the house. The family have a pet guinea pig which lives outside. The childminder is a member of National Childminding Association and regularly attends a gym group with the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s health benefits from a variety of outdoor activities. They have regular access to the garden and enjoy games such as, swing ball. This helps them to develop control of their bodies and strengthen their large muscles. Children stay healthy because they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. For example, they are encouraged to wash their hands after messy play, such as modelling with clay. Children know that washing hands before meals prevents germs spreading. Children’s good health is supported well. As packed meals provided by parents for lunches are stored in the fridge, with good food hygiene in mind. This minimises the risk of contamination of food eaten by children. Children have good access to drinks. The childminder offers these to them at regular intervals. They are offered a choice from water, milk or juice. Additionally, older children can access drinks independently, whilst younger ones know they can ask.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children understand how to be safe when outside the home. The childminder gives priority to helping children to learn the rules for crossing the road safely. She is effective in doing this, as children are encouraged to take the lead in identifying when it is safe to cross. Therefore they become confident pedestrians. Children are aware of the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. The childminder ensures they know the drill to follow. She does this by having the written drill displayed and making sure, they know what the smoke alarms sound like. In addition, they practise the evacuation plan. As a result, children are clear about how to leave the premises, and know where they go if such a situation arises. Children benefit from the childminder's secure understanding of her responsibility to protect them. This knowledge helps ensure the safety and welfare of all children in

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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 her care. However, she does not have the up-to-date information to make appropriate referrals if children are at risk. As a result, she will not have all the relevant contact details available, to refer concerns about children to the correct authority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident. They relate well to their peers and to the adults they meet. As a result, they are able to ask for resources to further their activities, for example by requesting additional crayons when drawing. This allows children to complete their colouring activities so that they are proud of their work. All children experience a range of activities inside and the home. They enjoy messy play and benefit from opportunities to use their imaginations as they model figures with clay. Younger children model with dough and Magic Maize. As a result, they are busy and well occupied. Children benefit from opportunities to participate in activities outside of the home. Younger children visit a gym group, to promote their fitness and to socialise. Whilst older children enjoy fishing trips with the childminder and special outings such as go-carting and bowling. In addition, the childminder organises a summer sports day

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with another minder during the school holidays so that children have fun and enjoy fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals. The childminder gives assistance to younger children so that they can enjoy games such as swing ball. She makes suggestions and helps them to develop ideas when modelling with clay. As a result, they feel valued and can participate fully in the activities available. Children behave well and are aware of the childminder’s expectations. They respond to her requests to get ready when it is time to go out. Children know the house rules and can explain them to the inspector. As a result, children are confident, and are aware of the boundaries set by they childminder. Parents are very positive about the quality of care their child is receiving. They state on written references that their children enjoy strong relationships with the childminder and are happy during their time in the setting. In addition, they comment that the children enjoy the varied range of activities. Therefore, both children and

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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 relaxed in the setting. The childminder provides a welcoming family home within which children move around with confidence and develop their play freely. Children’s day-to-day care is set out in agreements, which parents sign. However, the consent for when the assistant is left in sole charge of children does not clearly set out the circumstances when this will take place. As a result, parents are not fully aware when the assistant will have sole care of their child. Children’s care is enhanced by the thought given to some short but clear written policies. There are effective systems for sharing these with parents. They all receive copies and as a result, are aware of the procedures to promote the health, safety and welfare of their children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to keep an accurate record of attendance, and to make sure records of incidents are retained. She also agreed to obtain written consent to transport children in the car, which is now in place. A detailed record of attendance is in place that shows the times of children’s arrival and departure, as a result it is clear when they are in the childminder’s care. The childminder now has a clear understanding of responsibility to keep a record of any incidents involving children. These records form part of the procedures to protect children. The childminder now has written consent from parents to transport children in the car within her terms of agreement. As a result, arrangements for children’s care is understood by parents.

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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): • clarify further the consent form parents regarding the circumstances when the assistant will be left in sole charge of children and obtain a copy of the Area Child Protection Committee's (ACPC) leaflet.

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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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