Old Moat Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 105438 Inspection date 08 June 2005 Inspector Margaret Moffat

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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 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 registered in 1989. She lives with her husband and two adult sons in Cippenham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder’s registration is to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and she is currently minding four children, one full-time and three on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. The family have a cat and a dog.

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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. Children enjoy a range of activities, which help to promote their good health. They learn the importance of personal hygiene and understand the need to wash their hands after visiting toilet and before eating food. Children enjoy physical play both indoors and out. They walk to the local schools and have direct access to the garden within their daily play. The childminder takes account of children's daily routines and allows time for rest and active play when appropriate. Meal and snack times are sociable occasions; children sit at the table together and chat with each other and the childminder. Children receive a range of healthy snacks and meals including sandwiches, dried fruit, carrots and cheese, which contributes to them developing healthy eating practices. The childminder discusses children’s special dietary requirements with parents to help children remain healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment where children feel safe and secure. Children enjoy their play in safe surroundings where the childminder has taken precautions such as cupboard locks and stair gates to minimise hazards. However, some fire safety precautions need addressing further to ensure children’s safety. The childminder closely supervises children on outings to ensure they learn about road safety and develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe. Children learn independence through being able to select toys and resources from the range available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are happy and content with the childminder. They are well settled, confident and enjoy each other’s company. The childminder is involved in the children’s play and interacts well with them. She asks question to extend children’s thinking and vocabulary. Children are independent and developing self-esteem through talking about favourite activities and seeing their pictures displayed around the house. They enjoy chatting and sharing their experiences with others. The childminder offers a good range of activities to promote children’s learning, for example art and craft, puzzles and cooking, these are suitable for their age and stage of development. Children show interest in what they do as they help themselves to the activities on offer. They play well together and encourage each other to join in when playing games or completing puzzles.

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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 feel valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets their individual needs and follows their routines after discussion with their parents. Children show care and concern for others and involve each other in their play. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour this encourages the children to behave well, develop manners and respond to the childminder’s requests for example they tidy up when asked. The childminder has friendly but professional relationships with the parents; she ensures that she exchanges information daily to inform them about their children’s progress and the activities they enjoy.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel confident, and secure in their surroundings. Play space is organised well and they receive good support from the childminder who knows them well and enjoys their company. The childminder has most required documents and procedures in place to ensure children’s welfare. The childminder demonstrates knowledge of child protection procedures to keep children safe and of first aid and is able to treat children’s minor accidents effectively; however, she does not have the relevant documentation in place. Overall provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to include consents for outings and provide information for parents regarding Ofsted contact details for any concerns or complaints. She has adequate procedures in place to safeguard the children.

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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

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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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): • maintain smoke alarms on all levels of the property in working order; update knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. • ensure all records and certificates relating to childminding activities are accessible and available for inspection at all times.

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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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