Winshill Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 124042 Inspection date 30 June 2005 Inspector Jill Nugent

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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 1992. She lives with her husband and three children, aged twelve, fifteen and seventeen years, in a house in Hoddesdon. She uses the whole of the ground floor for childminding and also the master bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding 3 children over 8 and ten children under 8, of whom 6 are under 5 and 4 are over 5. She walks to local schools to collect children.

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and takes part in the buddy scheme in her local childminding group, offering support to other childminders.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are kept healthy through the childminder's commitment to keeping her first aid qualification up to date and her maintenance of medical records. Any accidents are logged appropriately and all first aid kits are well stocked. Children are excluded when ill in order to help prevent cross infection. The childminder seeks written permission when asked to administer prescribed medication, although she does not have prior written permission for non-prescribed medication. Children can rest according to their needs and babies are left to sleep if over-tired. Children are cared for in a clean environment. The childminder makes good use of a check list to ensure procedures for good health and hygiene are always in place. Children are aware of the need to wash their hands after going to the toilet. Nappy changing is carried out in a hygienic manner. Children play with toys that are kept

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Helping children to be healthy

clean, with particular attention being given to the sandpit. They have good opportunities for physical play. They especially like to play on the outdoor climbing frame. They also enjoy the trampoline, wheeled vehicles and basketball. They are developing skills during play activities using a wide range of equipment. They also enjoy visits to the local park. Children are well nourished. Many of them bring their own food and this promotes discussion about healthy eating. Some children have food provided by the childminder. They enjoy cooked dinners, with plenty of vegetables, and also nutritious sandwiches. Children eat well at snack time when given bowls of chopped up fruit. Any children with special dietary requirements are kept healthy through close liaison with parents.

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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 very safe environment. They do not have access to any dangerous substances, electrical sockets or household rubbish in the garden. Children do not go upstairs unless taken carefully by the childminder to have a sleep. They are protected when sleeping through the use of a baby monitor. Fire precautions are in place and the children have now practised the evacuation plan. In the event of an emergency the childminder has an arrangement with a colleague for assistance. She has taken the extra precaution of supplying her husband with children's confidential contact details in case she is incapacitated in any way. Children feel safe in the garden and are supervised at all times. They are kept secure because the back gates are always locked. On outings, children are securely

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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 strapped into a buggy or car seats. Wrist straps are available for older children. The childminder regards safety as high priority. She carries out an extensive weekly check on her home and equipment to ensure children's safety. Children are further protected through her knowledge and awareness of child protection issues. She has the necessary information and contacts if needing advice. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe. They learn to take care around those younger than themselves. They know why they must not use the climbing frame if the childminder is not in the garden. They learn about road safety when walking home from school. Toddlers learn not to touch decorative objects around the house. Children choose from a wide range of safe and attractive toys, all stored in

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

labelled boxes to assist them. Toys are replaced if old or out-of-date and are suitable for children of all ages.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children very much enjoy their play, both indoors and outdoors. They play different games and take part in a variety of creative activities. They like to paint, cut, stick and draw. They make collage pictures using different materials and create glass paintings and bead designs. They like to join in cooking activities. Children have great fun in the paddling pool and play at dressing up together. They particularly like to play in the garden and are encouraged by praise from the childminder for their achievements, for example, getting across all the monkey bars. Children are making progress and developing new skills. When playing a fishing game they count the fish and spots confidently. After painting they use language to describe their pictures well. They enjoy playing with the childminder and join in conversation with her. They ask many questions. They are beginning to show initiative, making choices when asked what they would like to do. Occasionally the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder will plan activities around a theme. Younger children are learning through their play. The childminder has found the Birth to Three framework very useful in guiding her interaction with children. They benefit from her knowledge of child development, which she uses to promote physical development and communication. Toddlers gain confidence as they learn to walk and talk. Children enjoy sharing books and watching the occasional video. Older children like to use the playstation. Children have good opportunities to go on outings. They go to toddler and childminding groups and also indoor activity centres. They recently enjoyed a teddy bears picnic at the local park. In school holidays children enjoy picnics and go on trips to the farm, zoo and seaside.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are becoming aware of a wider society and play with resources that reflect diversity, such as, cultural dolls and a variety of play people. All children are included

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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 in activities, unless choosing otherwise. They are able to use different kinds of scissors and paintbrushes according to their ability. They have a sense of belonging and feel very much at home with the childminder. Older children are confident in conversation and younger ones are very content exploring toys in floor play. They are developing close relationships with each other and enjoy a big cuddle altogether. Children are kept comfortable through their individual needs being taken into account at all times. Older ones become aware of the needs of others when watching nappies being changed or helping out at lunchtime. They enjoy the one-to-one attention of the childminder when babies sleep. They receive appropriate support when making choices regarding play. Children learn social skills when eating meals together and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

enjoy celebrating each other's birthdays. They behave very well and are aware of their boundaries. If necessary the childminder reminds them of the house rules. They are helped to understand responsible behaviour through careful explanations appropriate to their age. They respond well to requests and instructions. Children benefit from the childminder's good working partnership with parents. They receive detailed information about her practice. They in turn provide the childminder with information to help their children settle in. Parents are all highly satisfied with the care provided. They enjoy finding out about the events of the day through daily diaries and chats with the childminder. They are also able to look at numerous photographs of their children at play. The close relationship with parents also contributes to children's security as contracts are reviewed annually and all consents kept up to date.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the childminder's attention to documentation and enthusiasm for training. She has many clear written policies and procedures, all kept neatly in one file. All information on children is secure but accessible. Her attendance register clearly shows which children are present at any time. Since her last inspection she has attended various courses on business management and a course on food hygiene. She acts as a buddy to 10 other childminders and enjoys the mutual support this generates. She is about to commence a childminding practice course and wants to increase her knowledge of child development. She ensures that children over 16 in her household have been vetted and is careful regarding confidentiality. Her commitment to continual improvement contributes greatly to children's health, safety and enjoyment in her care. Children enjoy play in a large, comfortable and tidy living room. They can choose

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Organisation

toys and games from the corner of the room. This will be made easier in the future as toys will be stored in a new shed. Children have easy access to the downstairs bathroom and back garden. The garden is well kept and provides children with both hard and grass areas for different kinds of play. Children can move freely indoors and outdoors under supervision of the childminder. Her daughter is employed as an assistant and helps out at times. The available space is used effectively to promote the well-being of children. Overall, children's needs are met successfully.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to maintain all smoke alarms in working order and to obtain written permission before administering medication. All smoke alarms are now maintained in working order. The childminder ensures she obtains permission for administering any prescribed medicines.

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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): • obtain written permission for the administration of non-prescribed medicines

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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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