Malmesbury First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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102637 Unique Reference Number 01 August 2007 Inspection date Anne-Marie Moyse 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 1999. She lives with her three school age children. The family have one cat and live on a residential estate in Bodmin. The children have access to the lounge and dining room on the ground floor, with bathroom and rest areas available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for children to play outside.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Currently the childminder cares for six children, aged from one year to nine years, at different times.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder can walk or drive to local shops, schools, playgroups and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a level three qualification in childcare and is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local Bodmin Childminding Group.

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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 learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and being healthy. The childminder is a good role model, and gently prompts children to clean their hands regularly to prevent cross contamination. Wet wipes are used after meals to ensure that children's faces and hands are clean. The childminder has her own high standards of hygiene, and keeps her home fresh and spotlessly clean. Babies have their own cots for sleeping, with fresh bedding provided. Their individual sleep routines are respected. Nappies are changed using hygienic procedures, including the use of gloves, to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Sick children are cared for appropriately, and any children with infectious illnesses are excluded to prevent others being contaminated. Procedures are in place for the safe administration of any medication. However, the childminder has not obtained consent from all parents to be able to seek emergency medical treatment or advice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play enthusiastically in the outside area and benefit from the fresh air and exercise. The childminder organises regular trips to the local parks and playing fields to ensure children have excellent opportunities to be active and develop their physical ability. Young children are well supported in learning new skills, such as walking, riding a tricycle or playing ball games.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy foods, which is provided by the parents. The childminder has a good understanding of nutrition and encourages children to eat savoury and fruit first. Snacks are prepared and served on an individual basis, meeting children's differing needs. At meal times everyone sits together to eat in a social and relaxed group.

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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 safe and well maintained environment. The premises are secure and well organised to ensure that children have a spacious area to play safely. The childminder has a sound understanding of assessing risks and adapts her safety arrangements depending on the ages and abilities of the children attending. For example, a stair gate is used to prevent babies accessing the stairs, but this is removed when only older children are present, allowing them easier and safer access to the bathroom facilities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When playing in the enclosed outdoor area the childminder supervises the children closely. She ensures that children are protected from the sun by encouraging them to play in the shaded area or applies sun cream and hats, giving children a clear explanation of why they need to protect themselves from the sun. Children are encouraged to be aware of each other and safety issues are discussed to ensure that each child can play safely without fear of being knocked or hurt by the others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children have access to a wide range of safe and suitable toys and resources, which are clean and in good condition. The childminder considers the age and ability of the children attending to ensure that toys do not pose a hazard to babies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility to follow child protection procedures if she has any concerns about children's well-being.

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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. The children arrive and settle quickly to play with the range of toys and resources out and on offer. Older children play with computer games but soon put them away to play with the younger children, building models and developing their imagination with small world toys. All children play well together and support each other in their play, with the older children including the younger children in their games. Children are free to make choices from the exciting range of resources available, with the childminder skilfully supporting the children when necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children agree and work together well. In the outdoor area the childminder organises the area to provide different activities for the two age groups. This ensures that they can play football safely and enthusiastically without hurting the younger children. Younger children play with a variety of bikes, pushchairs and cars and small equipment. The childminder offers a selection of drawing and cutting materials as an option which the children relish. The childminder sits with the children and has a calm and relaxed approach. They negotiate and discuss the plan for the afternoon, with the children contributing and eagerly agreeing on a trip to the park. This contributes to children feeling valued and included.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children benefit from regularly socialising with other children at the local childminding group. Recently, the children have been involved in a sponsored 'Toddle' to raise money for the group, so that other activities can be organised. The children have recently attended workshops such as making music, parachute play, craft workshops and baking activities. The childminder also attends training workshops, such as Birth to three matters, organised by the group, to develop and extend her knowledge of helping children to learn and develop.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the good relationship developed between the parents and the childminder, as this promotes consistent care. Children's needs are fully met as the childminder finds out about their home routines and how their parents wish them to be cared for. Children are treated as individuals and their differing needs respected, such as sleep and eating patterns. The childminder ensures that each child feels secure and happy during their time at her home, and has an excellent understanding of each child's preferences and routines. Children's developmental needs are supported and the childminder discusses all aspects with the parents, so appropriate care is offered. The childminder uses activities to support children's understanding of their own local customs and heritage. However, she does not provide resources which promote positive images of the wider social groups within modern Britain, such as disability, religion or

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are very well behaved and have a clear understanding of right and wrong. The childminder has simple and consistent boundaries, which are discussed with parents and children. This is positively reinforced by the childminder praising and appreciating children's good behaviour, promoting children's self-esteem and confidence.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her home and time well to support the wide age range of children attending. Activities and toys are varied and adapted to meet the developmental needs of the

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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 different ages of children she cares for. Children are relaxed and feel secure in the childminders care. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and is continuing to develop this knowledge by attending further training.

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Organisation

All mandatory records and documents are in place, although some are not comprehensive enough to fully comply with the requirements, such as consents from parents and detailed times of children's attendance. Some of the written policies, such as the complaints and uncollected child policy have not been reviewed in line with changes in the National Standards. The childminder is aware of ensuring all adults in the home are suitable to be in contact with minded children. She is in the process of having checks completed on new adults in the home.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop an evacuation plan and to obtain consent from parents for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice. The childminder has developed an evacuation plan and has practised it with some of the children, although she has not included all children attending in the procedure.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has not obtained consent from all parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice, which compromises children well-being in the event of an emergency. This continues to be an issue at this inspection

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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): • review all documentation to ensure it complies with the requirements, (including consents, procedures and policies) and ensure times of children's arrival and departure are recorded accurately • provide resources that promote positive images of all aspects of society including disability and multicultural

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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 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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