The Mayflower Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 114747 Inspection date 02 June 2005 Inspector Rosemary Musgrove

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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 was registered in 1990. She lives with her husband and family in the village of East Preston, close to the town of Worthing, West Sussex. Childminding takes place on the ground floor of the property and there is an enclosed garden to the rear of the house which is available for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part time basis. The childminder takes children to local parks and libraries.

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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 The family have 2 rabbits and 2 guinea pigs in the garden and inside there are tropical fish and the family cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a clean home where the childminder follows good hygiene practice, for example the children understand why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and handling animals. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating for young children, she takes account of the wishes of parents and encourages the children to make healthy choices, for example they select the fruit they would like to eat and decide whether they would like juice or water and help themselves when they would like a drink. The childminder is happy to look after children who are ill and is sensitive to their individual needs. She consults parents about infectious illnesses to ensure ailments are not spread. Accident and medicine records are maintained, although the medication records lack details. Children have plenty of opportunities to develop their physical skills through regular

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Helping children to be healthy

visits to the park and an adventure playground. The childminder's garden is well-equipped with a wide range of toys, this gives the children regular opportunities for play and they develop large motor skills for walking, climbing and jumping activities.

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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 welcoming home where risks have been identified and minimised. This means the children are able to move around safely and independently. Children can select freely from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment that are suitable for their age and stage of development. The childminder keeps children safe in the garden by doing a regular risk assessment and supervising the children at all times. This ensures that a range of physical development and play opportunities are enjoyed by the children in a safe and secure outdoor environment. For example wheeled toys, water and sand activities. The childminder has received training for child protection issues and is able to recognise signs and symptoms of abuse. She understands her role in protecting children in her care and is aware of the child protection procedures to follow if she is concerned about the children's safety.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and relaxed in the childminder's house. They socialise with other children through regular attendance at a mother and toddler group. Children are absorbed and motivated as they enjoy exploring a wide range of activities which contribute to all areas of learning, for example, experimenting and playing with musical instruments, number, cutting, sticking and painting experiences. They take part in planned activities, for example, naming the shape of fruits. They also have the opportunity to be spontaneous and become involved and excited about incidents that occur, for example a fire-engine coming down the road, or spotting a squirrel in the garden. Children relate well to the childminder and have plenty of opportunities to become independent learners and use their initiative and are confident to ask for toys with which they would like to play. The childminder offers appropriate support if

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

needed and the children ask for help to draw a shape by themselves or to try and write their name. Toddlers have the opportunity to explore early communication skills. The childminder interacts positively with them when playing with the wooden playhouses or talking about their own home. Children enjoy relaxing in a cosy, quiet area where they enthusiastically look at books and play with small world figures. There are plenty of opportunities for children to talk and ask questions and the childminder is an active listener and genuinely values their contribution. Children enjoy and benefit from a wide range of regular physical activities. They use the play equipment in the garden, visit the local park or explore the adventure playground.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children have access to and enjoy a reasonable range of resources that promote equality, these include dressing up clothes and multicultural play figures. Children are valued as individuals and the childminder sees their differences as positive. She uses child record forms to gather relevant information before children are left in her care. Children follow their daily routine as much as possible and the childminder provides a daily written diary for young babies and ensures daily feedback to parents for all children. Children have the opportunity to become aware of the wider world through a variety of activities and resources. For example they celebrate a range of multi-cultural festivals including those from India and Japan. The children visit the local library to find out more information. The childminder has limited experience of caring for children with special needs but

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Helping children make a positive contribution

would be happy to mind a child if she is able to provide for and meet their individual needs.

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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 Children benefit from praise and encouragement and willingly help the childminder clear up the toys. Appropriate strategies, according to age and stage of development of the child are used, for example time out and clear explanations help children understand right from wrong. Behaviour is good.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in a well-organised environment. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor space to explore and opportunities to play with good quality resources. The children receive plenty of adult support and this helps them feel secure and confident. The childminder is currently updating her first aid certificate and she has notified Ofsted of changes since her last inspection. The childminder keeps all relevant and mandatory documentation but needs to ensure that the daily record of attendance states accurate times of the arrival and departure of the children. Parents are regularly informed about their child's activities and this contributes to continuity in the child's care and routines. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that stairs were made inaccessible to babies and young children. A stair gate has been fitted and this ensures that children are kept safe and free from harm on the stairs.

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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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure records for administration of medicines are complete and accurately maintained • ensure daily records of attendance are accurately maintained

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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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