Meadowhead Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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119121 Unique Reference Number 25 September 2007 Inspection date Hazel Farrant 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 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged 17 and 12 years old in Bracknell, Berkshire. The whole of the ground floor of childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently caring for six children, two of which are aged under five years old. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library and the local park. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

They have a dog, goldfish, a rabbit and a chinchilla as family pets.

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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's health is promoted through the childminder maintaining a good level of cleanliness throughout her home, which means that children are able to play in a hygienic environment. Children are learning about personal hygiene because they are taught to wash their hands at appropriate times. Individual flannels and towels are used to prevent the risk of cross contamination. Accidents are dealt with appropriately, as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has emergency telephone numbers close to hand. Suitable policies and procedures are in place to manage children's sickness, accidents and the administration of medication. However, there is no written parental consent in place for children to receive emergency treatment or advice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children sit securely in a highchair at meal times, they are accompanied by the childminder who talks to them and gives the required help and encouragement. This helps to promote social skills and good manners. The childminder works in partnership with parents when feeding the children. Some parents provide food for their own child which is stored appropriately until needed. Drinks are readily available for children to help themselves to throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise when they participate with the childminder on the school run. The children have access to a well-resourced secure garden and enjoy trips to the park and toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are confident and happy in the childminder's home. The premises are warm, welcoming, clean and comfortable. There is sufficient space for the children to move about freely. They make independent choices of their preferred activity and make suggestions to the childminder of what they would like to do.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has plenty of activities and play materials available for the children to use both inside and outside of the home. Toys are plentiful, interesting and provide challenges, children enjoy playing with them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken effective steps to ensure that her home and garden are free from potential hazards. Cleaning materials and medicines are stored out of the reach of children. Smoke alarms are fitted and are tested regularly. A fire blanket is available in the kitchen but it is not secured appropriately. The childminder has a written procedure for emergency evacuation of the premises, which is practised regularly with the children. This promotes children’s safety, as they know what to do should they ever need to evacuate the premises in an emergency. Children are learning to take responsibility when crossing the road under the close supervision of the childminder. Most documentation to promote safety is in place, however parental consent for outings has not been gained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well safeguarded due to the childminder's clear knowledge and understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and the reporting procedures to follow, should she have concerns about a child in her care.

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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 settle well and have confident and trusting relationships with the childminder. They move freely around as they develop their own play and select from a wide range of worthwhile resources. Toddlers concentrate well as they construct using building blocks and a wooden train track. They develop their communication skills as the childminder reflects back what they say or describes what they are doing. Children love playing with musical toys; they choose from a selection of small electronic musical instruments and enjoy the different sounds, bouncing up and down giggling to the music. Toddlers develop spatial awareness as they build railway layouts and walk the toy pushchair through small gaps. These activities support children's care and development well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans activities around children’s interests and daily routines. They enjoy regular visits to toddler groups and the local library. This gives children opportunities to socialise in different environments and to make new friends. Children benefit from going on outings to various parks when they access larger apparatus such as swings and climbing frames. All children take part in a wide selection of art activities. Older children enjoy making cakes and using computerised games. The childminder makes good use of ‘tracker books’, which provides useful information regarding young children’s development which is shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated fairly and with respect. Children access a large range toys and equipment. The range includes resources that reflect diversity which are all easily accessible for children to play with. The childminder has a good awareness of children's development and pitches activities at their level. Children benefit from the childminder's clear guidelines for behaviour. Children are well behaved; they receive lots of praise and encouragement and are safe and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has built very positive relationships with parents. She discusses children's needs thoroughly to ensure individual needs are met and continuity of care is offered. Comprehensive, written policies are fully shared with parents. The childminder uses a scrapbook to display photographs and children’s artwork. Parents complete a questionnaire to access the quality of care. The childminder has received very positive feedback from parents, who all are extremely happy with the care that she provides. These measures promote good partnerships with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a child friendly, accessible environment. They are happy, relaxed and very settled and benefit from a well-organised and stimulating home. Children receive appropriate levels of support and good relationships are fostered. Children benefit from a wide range of stimulating and creative resources that promote their development in all areas. All resources are easily accessible and allow children to select independently.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to constantly improving and developing her childminding practice and is keen to attend courses and workshops to enhance her knowledge and understanding. All documentation is well maintained and parents sign to acknowledge their understanding of

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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 all policies and procedures. Further information is obtained from parents that supports good practice. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has promoted children's care and welfare. She now keeps a signed written record of all incidents and accidents. The toy box no longer poses a hazard to children because the lid is now removed. The childminder spends quality time talking and playing with children to help to develop their language and imagination. Children now benefit from a range of resources that promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Therefore children are learning about diversity and the wider world we live in.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • ensure the fire blanket is fitted in accordance with manufacturer's instructions • ensure all required parental consents are in place for all children.

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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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