Broomgrove Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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114759 Unique Reference Number 16 August 2007 Inspection date Coral Hales Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 1991 and is a qualified practitioner. She lives with her partner and her two children aged 20 and 13 on the outskirts of Middleton-on-Sea, West Sussex. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding five children under five during the day and four children over five before and after school. She walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. The family has a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home where they learn about hygiene routines and personal care. They are protected from infection and are well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill, because the childminder follows good health and hygiene practices. She has current first aid training and required records are shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs and daily routines, for example, after playing happily the baby has a sleep and wakes refreshed. Children have good opportunities to play outside in the large garden in the fresh air. They have access to a good range of equipment which helps them to develop their physical skills, such as swing ball, a small trampoline and a slide. Children also benefit from a range of activities outside the home. They go out on visits to the beach or the local park and walk to the local pre-school.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished; currently parents provide children's meals. The childminder ensures that she promotes healthy eating and encourages the children to eat fresh fruit for snack. The older children help to prepare their snack when they return from school, for example, cutting up fruit or spreading butter on the toast. Drinks are freely available at all times. Babies are encouraged to begin to feed themselves and are given regular drinks. The childminder discusses dietary needs of the children with parents and takes account of their wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept safe as a result of the childminder's good awareness of health and safety issues that help her to generally maintain children's safety. For example, socket covers are used, cupboards are kept safe and smoke alarms are in place. Fire evacuation procedures are in place and are discussed with the children, however none have been practised. They begin to learn about taking care of themselves when out because the childminder is teaching them simple road-side routines as they walk to local schools and pre-schools. In the home they are learning to put toys away when finished with, to prevent accidents. The older children are aware of the younger ones safety, for example they are careful with equipment with small pieces.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children have access to a range of quality toys, furniture and equipment which ensures that their needs are well met. Furniture and toys are well maintained and safety checked regularly. Resources are well stored in toy boxes, on shelves, on tables and around the playroom. Children can select easily from a selection suitable for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder has a working knowledge of child protection issues and is aware of her responsibilities for their welfare. She has appropriate documentation in place to support her if she has any concerns about the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children gain good levels of self-esteem as they receive praise and encouragement from the childminder to achieve tasks. For example, the baby enjoys putting shapes into the interactive shape toy and claps happily when successful and really enjoys it when it pops up. Children are

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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 happy and settled with the childminder who consistently interacts and chats to them as they play. They go to her for cuddles and are confident to approach her for support. The childminder has knowledge of the Birth to three framework.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The older children are supported with their learning and they play board games, look at books and enjoy creative activities, and are rewarded by having their pictures displayed. The after school children have opportunities for free-play with their chosen toys, to sit and relax or to play in the well resourced garden. All children enjoy a variety of learning experiences out of doors. During the holidays they go out on visits to places that interest them. This broadens their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed and valued by the childminder, including those that have a disability or learning difficulty. Any special requirements are discussed and consistent communication and information exchange takes place. Special needs of children are recognised and met sensitively. The good level of support ensures that all children are included and families supported. When out with the childminder children begin to learn about their local community and about the wider world. They use resources that are aimed at helping them to learn and value diversity, such as books, puppets and foods from around the world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are aware of the routines and rules and the older ones understand what is expected of them. The childminder has a positive approach to the management of their behaviour. Children enjoy good relationships with her and respond to regular praise and encouragement. They are treated as family members and are helped to understand why they should behave in an acceptable way.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good working relationship the childminder builds with parents. A daily diary is used for the younger children to ensure information about the children's wellbeing is regularly exchanged. A complaints system is in place, however the childminder does not have a secure understanding of the new guidance issued. Written agreements are in place and required consents are maintained. Parents have confirmed in writing that the childminder's good practice benefits their children significantly.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The premises are well organised to meet the needs of the children and they benefit from the good use of space within the home and garden, which enables them to play happily. This includes a separate playroom which is well stocked with toys and resources to support and develop their learning.

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Organisation

The childminder has a generally organised approach to maintaining required records. All documentation is effectively managed including records of children's progress and achievement. The childminder is a qualified and experienced practitioner and has completed all required childminding training. Good relationships with parents ensure that information is shared and the childminder and the parents work together to promote the children's safety, good health, progress and development. Records of attendance are in place and maintained daily and the childminder's registration certificate is clearly displayed for parents along with other information. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that her documentation was organised appropriately and regularly maintained. She was required to complete an appropriate first aid course and make safe plug sockets. These recommendations have been met and effectively promote children's safety and welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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): • practise a fire evacuation to ensure all children are aware of the procedures to follow in an emergency • update knowledge and understanding of new complaint procedures and make parents aware of the system to follow if they have any concerns.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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