Matthew Arnold Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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104557 Unique Reference Number 22 November 2007 Inspection date Sally Hall 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 has been registered for 18 years. She lives just outside of Totnes in the village of Harbertonford in Devon with her husband and three children. They live in a bungalow with a self-contained flat conversion in the roof. There are local parks, school, and shops within walking distance. Children mainly have use of the living room and there is a large back garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under the age of eight years and currently caring for three children at various times during the week including before and after school care. She has attended various childcare courses and is a member of the Devon Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have two dogs, two cats, two guinea pigs, five hens, and a cockerel.

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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 hygiene and personal care from a young age. They are reminded to go to the toilet and wash their hands. They are provided with separate flannels and towels, which limits the risk of cross infection. Children are cared for appropriately in the event of an accident or illness. The childminder keeps her first aid qualification up-to-date and has a first aid kit accessible as well as one to take on outings. Accidents are recorded and a sickness policy is shared with parents. Consent is in place to seek medical advice or treatment in an emergency. Sensible precautions are taken with the family pets and the children are reminded of the importance to wash their hands after touching them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are recorded and parent's wishes are respected. Parents provide packed lunches and the childminder provides snacks and drinks. The childminder is confident in meeting children's needs with specific diets, for example, vegetarians and vegans. She promotes healthy eating awareness with the children, has organic vegetables delivered, and talks with children about where food comes from.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a large garden in which to play and equipment such as swings, and ride on toys. Children have regular outings to local places of interest, for example, Woodlands, Occombe Farm, Buckfast Abbey and South Devon Railway. They go out each day for local walks, nature trails and to the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are supervised well at all times. They have space to play in the lounge. Overall, sensible precautions are in place to ensure a safe environment. However, there are some hazards, for example, trailing flexes and items in the garden that could pose a risk. Children are safe in an emergency, a fire blanket is in place, and a fire drill is displayed. The childminder has parent's telephone numbers easily accessible should she need to contact them in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have a broad range of toys and resources to select, which are rotated to provide variety. They are easily accessible allowing children to make their own choice. All toys are clean and in good condition. The childminder also uses the Scrap Store for equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected by the childminders secure knowledge of what to do if she had a child protection concern. She has completed training and is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have themes planned to support their learning, for example, 'Home and Family' and 'Ourselves'. The childminder uses the Birth to three matters framework to support younger children's development. She regularly refers to the information and has photographs showing children engaging in play activities. Children are encouraged to use their own ideas through role-play and they have access to materials to make marks for a variety of purposes such as

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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 shopping lists when playing shops. Children have opportunities to experiment with paint, for example, finger printing and hand paintings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's language is encouraged and they are given time to express themselves. The childminder has completed training on heuristic play. The childminder has a good understanding of children's different stages of development. Children receive praise and encouragement. They are keen to show their work, and involve the childminder in their games, and role-play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are secure and happy with the childminder and relate well to each other. They learn about their local community through outings and have the opportunities to socialise with other children at local toddler groups. Children have resources to raise their awareness of diversity. They learn to share and take turns and the childminder ensures there are sufficient resources available if children have the same favourite toys. Children talk about their family members. The childminder has completed various courses to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and has had experience of caring for children and very aware of the importance of inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are familiar with the boundaries in the home and the childminder promotes positive behaviour very well and uses rewards such as stickers and scrapbooks. Behaviour management is discussed with parents to ensure consistency of care for the children. The childminder uses different strategies depending on the age of the child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's parents are kept well informed of how their child has been through daily discussions and home link books. The childminder knows children's likes and dislikes. Parent's wishes are respected. Good arrangements are in place to obtain as much information about a new child starting to ensure the childminder is able to provide appropriate care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a confident childminder who has many years of experience of caring for children. She has completed her NVQ Level 3 and Quality Assurance to enhance her knowledge of caring for children and various workshops. She has a commitment to on going training and very aware of the importance to keep up-to-date with currently legislation. The day is organised to meet the needs of the children in her care to include rest periods and regular outings. The childminder liaises with parents to ensure their wishes are met and they are kept well informed.

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Organisation

Documentation is in place to meet the standards and regulations and children's records and consents are in place to support their placements. Contracts are completed with parents and documentation regularly reviewed to ensure all the details are kept up-to-date.

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Organisation

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, recommendations were made to carry out regular risk assessments of all areas used. Overall, appropriate safety precautions are in place, a further recommendation is

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Improvements 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 made following this inspection. To have contracts with parents, these are in place and reviewed. This ensures that parents wishes are respected and clear arrangements are agreed. To ensure children are supervised in the garden. Children are supervised at all times. A further recommendation was made to add to resources to raise children's awareness of diversity. The childminder has added to her books and toys to support children learn as they play.

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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): • develop risk assessments to ensure that all hazards continue to be identified and addressed.

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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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