Marlborough Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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142561 Unique Reference Number 28 September 2007 Inspection date Elaine Douglas 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 2000. She works in partnership with her husband who is also a registered childminder. They live with their two daughters in a large farmhouse in the small village of Ham, near Wellington. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding and comprises of a large playroom, a sitting room, a dinning room, study, kitchen and toilet/shower room. The farmyard, fields and a large garden are used regularly for outside play. The family own one cat and a puppy, as well as horses, donkeys and ducks, to which the children have supervised access.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may provide care for a maximum of six children when working alone, and a maximum of 18 children when working with her husband and more than one assistant. There are currently 39 children on role.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder employs a maximum of six assistants, three of whom hold an early years qualification. The childminder holds a level 3 early years qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 outstanding. Children thrive in the healthy environment. Excellent procedures ensure that children play in clean premises and high standards of hygiene are maintained. Each child has their own clean bedding to sleep on and all equipment is kept meticulously clean. Excellent procedures are followed when changing nappies, and children are provided with liquid soap and paper towels to prevent cross contamination. Children's health is protected by the childminder and her co-minder having a first aid qualification and a good supply of first aid equipment easily assessable. An extensive sick child policy provides parents with exclusion times to protect the children from infection. All necessary documentation is in place and many written procedures ensure consistently high standards from all assistants.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development and well-being is enhanced by the childminder maximising the use of the space both inside and outside. For example, the bouncy castle and ball pool can be set up in the main room if the weather does not permit outside use. Children play outside in areas not used by the animals. In good weather all the children have lunch outside in the shade. Parents are asked to provide appropriate clothing to allow children to go outside all year while protecting them from the elements. Children sleep according to their individual needs and all children have excellent opportunities to be active or rest.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children of all ages develop a superb awareness of healthy practices. They wash their hands prior to eating, after being outside and after using the toilet. Older children grow their own vegetables, fruit and herbs which are used for their meals. Children know to wash their hands after touching the animals and can help themselves to tissues when needed. They drink fresh water throughout the day so they do not get thirsty and their teeth are not at risk from sugary drinks. Children are provided with a good range of nutritional home cooked meals, which include a range of cultural foods. They enjoy their meals and well documented information ensures children's dietary requirements are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children use a vast range of excellent resources which are well maintained and stored safely while allowing them some independent access. The exemplary organisation of the premises gives children excellent space and ensures that they can access resources which are appropriate for their ages and stages of development. For example, non-mobile children are cared for in a separate room so small pieces are not available and do not pose a risk to them. The childminder has installed all necessary equipment to keep children safe, for example, socket covers, stairgates and fire guards. There are also harnesses on highchairs, child size tables and chairs, cots and low beds. The premises and garden are secure, and children are kept safe through vigilant supervision.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues. She ensures her assistants are also aware of the signs and symptoms, and the systems for recording concerns and existing injuries. A written policy and appropriate documentation are available for further guidance. The childminder is aware of her responsibility in the event of an allegation against herself or her assistants.

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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 Children develop a very good understanding of keeping themselves safe through sensible rules and practising the emergency evacuation procedures. Fire equipment is maintained in working order and the written procedures are displayed. A travel cot is kept in the hall for evacuating non mobile children. There are excellent written procedures to keep children safe, which are shared with parents and the assistants; these include, security and the collection of children. Children sleep safely because thorough procedures are followed to monitor and regularly check them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children make outstanding progress as they have many stimulating first hand experiences which promote all areas of their development. Children confidently ask questions during the course of their play and receive excellent support to challenge and extend their knowledge and skills. There is an excellent mixture of free play, adult-led activities, group activities and individual interaction. For example, the older children sit together to look at their herbs they have previously planted, to see which have grown and examine their appearance. Their development is significantly enhanced by the excellent space to choose from a range of activities and make independent choices. Children's self-esteem and confidence are expertly nurtured as they build warm relationships with the childminder, co-minder and the assistants.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children under three years greatly benefit from the childminder using the Birth to three matters framework to inform her practice and ensure the younger children engage in exciting activities, which promote all aspects of their development. Younger children become independent and develop their skills as they are supported in feeding themselves. The childminder and her assistants use their knowledge of the children to decide on which activities and resources will benefit the children and interest them the most. Children enjoy excellent interaction while looking at books as they answer the good open-ended questions, which encourage them to demonstrate what they know. Children engage in a variety of activities to promote their creativity, for example, feet painting, cooking, role-play and music.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very happy and confident in the childminder's home. They quickly settle into the setting as they enjoy individual induction with their parents. Their care is enhanced by the extensive information provided for their parents, many of the policies and procedures are in writing and each parent receives their own copy. Very good information is obtained on children's routines and the ongoing exchange of information ensures individual needs are met. For example, when children are ready to be 'potty trained' this is done consistently in conjunction with their parents. Assistants complete records of children's day at the setting and parents can access these. Children with disabilities are appropriately cared for as the childminder works closely with parents to ensure the child's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a good awareness of people's differences through accessing some resources which provide positive images and taking part in activities where they learn about other cultures. Children are well behaved and develop a clear awareness of expectations through consistent, appropriate behaviour management.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care and welfare is enhanced by the good organisation. The childminder has developed substantial policies, procedures and documentation which support her in providing good quality childcare. However, the system for recording children's attendance does not clearly state the exact times of they are on the premises or the adults responsible for their care. The children's records are stored confidentially and well organised for easy access in an emergency. The premises and daily routine are extremely well organised to meet each child's individual needs.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder, her co-minder and their assistants working well as a team to ensure consistent care. The childminder holds a level 3 qualification and ensures her assistants are qualified and/or experienced to care for children. They all work directly with the children ensuring they benefit from their time at the setting and all receive good one to one interaction. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the assistants' knowledge of child protection, consider supplying parents with menus and use a monitor to check sleeping children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since that inspection the childminder holds regular meetings with her assistants where issues such as child protection are discussed. This ensures that assistants are aware of signs and symptoms to protect children's welfare. Written menus are available and rotated every three weeks to enable parents to be aware of the diet provided for their children. A camera has been installed in the room used for children to sleep, the childminder and assistants also make regular checks in the room to ensure that children sleep safely.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted received one complaint relating to National Standard 7: Health. This involved a concern about the standard of hygiene with relation to protecting children from illness. Ofsted investigated the concern and found the provider to be meeting the standards for hygiene. An action was raised to obtain parental consent for administering Calpol. The provider confirmed that suitable measures had been taken. Ofsted was satisfied that by taking these steps the provider met the National Standards and remained qualified for registration.

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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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Complaints 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

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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 accurate times of children's attendance is recorded along with the adults responsible for their care

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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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