South Wootton Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 121197 Inspection date 06 July 2005 Inspector Hazel Stuart-Buddery

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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 as a childminder in 1995. She lives with her husband and three children in Frimley. Local shops, parks and pre-schools are all in walking distance. The childminder currently has five children on the register on a part-time basis. Most areas of the ground floor of the property are used for childminding with sleep facilities provided upstairs. There is access to an enclosed garden.

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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 no pets. The childminder regularly attends a local childminding group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a varied range of outdoor activities and regular trips to the park which help promote their good health and physical development. Children have plenty of space to play inside and out, they happily crawl, roll and walk. Children are well protected from the spread of infection. The childminder has hygienic procedures in place for nappy changes and good personal hygiene procedures. Children enjoy healthy, balanced, home-cooked meals and all dietary requirements are taken into account. Children learn about healthy lifestyles as they can independently help themselves to water and the childminder encourages them to make healthy eating choices for their snacks during the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming and child-friendly home where children feel safe and secure. Children enjoy their play in a safe environment. Babies and toddlers are able to move freely and independently as the floors are free from obstacles. Children can access the available toys easily which are safe and clean. Children's welfare is promoted through the childminder's sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures. Children are not fully protected from fire hazards as the fire blanket is not appropriately sited to enable it to be used effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. They enjoy a small range of activities that keep them occupied. The childminder interacts with the children and enhances their play opportunities with direct involvement and appropriate questioning. Children are not always fully engaged in purposeful play. The resources readily available to them do not keep their interest for long or offer sufficient challenge. Babies are happy and have a few toys, however, they have limited opportunity to explore, investigate and build on their natural curiosity. The childminder is warm and affectionate towards the children, making them feel

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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 valued and special. She knows the children well and responds to their demands. Outings are taken on most days and include visits to local toddler groups and parks providing children with opportunities to socialise with a wider group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children make their own choices and are respected by the childminder. They have a good sense of well-being and are confident. The childminder understands about equality of opportunity, she helps children learn and respect all differences. Children enjoy each others' company. One child excitedly explains that she is going to play with another child when he arrives and help the childminder look after him. Children learn to share and take turns because the childminder has a consistent approach to positive behaviour management. Children respond well to praise and encouragement and are safe and secure. The childminder has a professional approach with parents. She shares a comprehensive set of policies and procedures. Information is exchanged daily and a written diary is used for younger children. Parents are provided with information about the childminder and the service she offers. These measures help promote

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Helping children make a positive contribution

good partnership with parents and the welfare and care of children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and settled. They receive good support from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well, helping them to feel safe, secure and valued. The childminder has a business-like approach to her childminding and all records are well-maintained and reflect children's individual needs. Parents are kept informed of their child's progress and achievements. The childminder has a positive attitude towards her on-going development and has identified that the children in her care will benefit from the training she receives for Birth to three matters. Overall the needs of the children are met well.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to; provide a range of resources to reflect diversity; obtain emergency medical consent; organise resources to allow children to self-select and have a variety of choices. The childminder has provided a range of resources that reflect diversity and has obtained emergency medical consent. These improvements promote the welfare and learning of the children.

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Improvements 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 Since the last inspection children have access to a newly-built play room, a small range of resources are readily available, however, resources are not organised fully to allow children to make independent choices and have a variety that keep their interest. Therefore, a recommendation has been raised to organise resources to promote children's independence and development.

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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): • ensure a varied range of age appropriate resources are readily accessible to allow children to self-select and build on their natural curiosity as learners

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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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