East Park Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 104306 Inspection date 04 May 2005 Inspector Anne Legge

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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 has been registered since 1999. She may care for up to five children under eight years at any one time, and currently has nine children on roll, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder lives with her husband and two children, aged 11 and 7 years, in a semi-detached house in a residential area, on the outskirts of Axminster. She uses the ground floor of her home and the garden for childminding, as well as sleeping and toilet facilities upstairs. Older children also play upstairs. The childminder offers children a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including art and crafts and trips to

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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 local shops, parks and toddler groups. The family have a dog and a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and physical development are promoted very well by their many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, such as playing in the garden, walking to feed the ducks or visiting the park. They learn about healthy foods, choosing fruit for snacks and eating the most nutritious parts of their packed lunch first. Children learn good hygiene routines, washing their hands appropriately. The childminder safeguards children's health by ensuring that her home is kept clean and that pets are treated regularly for infestation. Her recently renewed first aid qualification enables her to treat children appropriately, if they are injured. Carefully completed documentation ensures that parents are fully informed and that care is consistent.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. They choose from a wide range of toys and resources, which are all clean and in good condition. The childminder is rigorous in her efforts to keep children safe, by regularly risk assessing her home and garden, and by the use of buggies, harnesses and reins for very young children. She supervises children closely and they learn how to reduce hazards for themselves, such as by taking care when climbing or crossing roads safely. Locked doors and secure gates help to safeguard children effectively. The childminder has a good understanding of all child protection issues and procedures, so is able to protect children appropriately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder, who provides a very good range of activities to keep them purposefully occupied, throughout their time with her. Children have opportunities to be creative and imaginative, through role play and small world play, as well as art and craft activities. They develop good social skills through playing together and meeting with another childminder and her minded children. They enjoy books, games and puzzles, and gradually become independent in organising their own play. Children make good progress because the childminder spends her time playing and talking with them, often asking questions or making suggestions, which help to

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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 develop their language, imagination and skills. She reads books with them and helps them to count or recognise and name colours, effectively promoting learning, and taking into account their stage of development. She has a good understanding of children's development and ways to help them make progress, but is aware that this could be even further extended.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from continuity of care, which results from the excellent partnership which the childminder has with parents. The childminder is flexible and supportive in meeting the needs of parents and children. She keeps records of children's activities and achievements, and samples of their work, to share with parents. She spends time with parents, exchanging information and ensuring that she follows children's routines and parents' wishes. Children behave very well and learn to understand each other's needs, as the childminder explains why they should share and co-operate. Her positive and consistent management of behaviour helps children feel secure and valued. They learn to respect individual and cultural differences by playing with multi-cultural resources and enjoying a variety of social contacts.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive good quality care, in a well organised environment, where space and resources are used effectively, to provide them with a wide variety of play opportunities. They have plenty of individual attention, so that their needs are thoughtfully met and they are very well supported in their development. The childminder has all the required documentation to underpin her good practice, although her daily register is not sufficiently detailed. She uses children's individual records successfully, to communicate with parents and help them become fully involved in their child's care. She effectively meets the needs of all the children in her care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to improve hygiene practices concerning hand-washing, and to keep a record of significant incidents, to share with parents. She now ensures that all hygiene practices are exemplary, and that children learn appropriate hand-washing routines. Communication with parents is now excellent, including shared records of significant issues, so that children experience very good continuity in their care.

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Complaints 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 There are no complaints to report.

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • detail attendance records, to show exact times of children's arrival and departure • further develop the already good care of young children, for example by becoming familiar with the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework.

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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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