Boldon Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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108665 Unique Reference Number 20 August 2007 Inspection date Charlotte Jenkin 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 satisfactory. 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 since 1991. She lives with her partner and four children in a terraced house in the Toothill district of West Swindon. She is a member of the local childminding group. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder and her partner take an active role in local organisations for children and attend training courses.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under the age of eight years and currently cares for two children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She attends the local play and toddlers group on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in warm, clean premises. They learn about the importance of hand washing routines, being encouraged to do so prior to eating and after using the toilet. The childminder

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 demonstrates a good awareness of the need to implement hygienic routines in her daily practice, including role modelling good hand washing routines to the children. She also keeps updated with current food hygiene legislation through updating her certificate. Children are not, therefore, at risk from cross infection. Children's health is promoted by a childminder who keeps accurate records of all accidents occurring to children, as well as medication administered to them. She has an up to date first aid certificate and a fully stocked first aid kit accessible. The sickness policy is formally shared with parents and this means children are not exposed to unnecessary illness.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder liaises with parents regarding children's dietary needs and any needs and preferences are catered for. Children bring their own lunches to the childminder's house and these are stored appropriately in the fridge to protect the children's health. Children develop their awareness of healthy eating through the nutritious snacks they enjoy whilst in the setting. A weekly menu is shared with parents to ensure foods offered are in agreement with them, and that children's likes and dislikes are catered for. Children have drinks available at all times and this means they have enough fluids throughout the day. Children's dietary needs are, therefore, well met

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to daily fresh air and exercise, with daily walks to school. They frequently visit the local play park, stopping to play on the large apparatus. Children are able to go on the buses, to visit large parks and walk along the canal. They play in the garden, and have access to some equipment they can take to the park with them, including bats and balls and stilts.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in suitable premises where space has been well utilised to meet the needs of the children. They have a table and chairs for eating and for engaging in art and craft activities and plenty of floor space for play. The environment has been made welcoming, with some toys available for the children's arrival, to help them settle in the childminder's care. Children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment that help support their development in all areas. They are encouraged to make choices in their play, helping to promote their confidence and independence. The childminder is aware of the need to maintain toys, and this ensures children play with toys that are safe, suitable and age appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in safe premises, free from hazards, as the childminder has identified potential risks in her home and minimised these effectively to prevent accidents. For example, low level glass has safety film on it, cleaning materials are in locked cupboards and the premises and garden are all secure. Hence, children move around the premises confidently and play in safety. All fire precautions are in place and the evacuation plan is practised with the minded children to monitor its effectiveness. The childminder has a clear plan in place to promote the children's safety in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by a childminder who has a sound knowledge of child protection concerns and the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. She actively promotes children's well-being through recording children's existing injuries as well as sharing her child protection duties with parents.

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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 are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They sit and chat together, discussing their recent holiday and the trips they have been on with their family. The childminder interacts well with the children, showing interest in them and what they have to say. Children were observed talking to the childminder about their favourite activity and how much they enjoy playing on the swings at the park. This helps promote the children's self-confidence. Children confidently request activities and make choices in their play, for example, they choose to play with the 'Mushroom' house and then request drawing. Children enjoy coming to the childminder's house, and talk about the activities they enjoy. They frequently engage in role play activities, getting out the dolls and medical set to play hospitals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans a good range of activities that help promote the children's development in all areas. She often plans activities according to 'Topics' that interest the children. Children have recently been engaging in activities that help them learn about 'Mini-beasts'. They have made Butterfly masks, 'Worm' bookmarks and decorated their folder that contains their pictures and art work. Children visit local Toddler groups weekly, where they are able to socialise with other children, as well as become familiar with their local environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for by a childminder who treats each child with respect and meets their individual needs well. She ensures she has background information on children, ensuring she is aware of any specific needs or fears they have. All children are encouraged to join in all activities, and these are tailored to suit individual children's stage of development. Children's self-esteem is well supported. Children have access to a range of resources that promote positive images of diversity in their daily play, and become aware of the lives of others through celebrating the festivals of other cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of the appropriate methods to use for managing children's behaviour, including the use of praise and encouragement. She is a good role model to the children, and is committed to working in partnership with parents to ensure children receive consistent messages with regard to behavioural expectations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the sound partnership with parents as children have their routines respected and are cared for in line with parents' wishes. She ensures she communicates effectively with parents, enabling childcare issues to be discussed. This means the childminder is able to offer the children continuity of care. Parents are able to view the childminder's policies and procedures and this ensures they know how their children will be cared for. However, she has omitted to update her complaints policy, hence, parents do not have the current contact details to enable them to make a formal complaint. Children take home items they have made to share with their parents, helping keep them informed of their child's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by a suitable and experienced childminder. She has attended training to support her professional development, including updating her knowledge of child protection, and is currently attending a 'Makaton' sign language training course. Hence she keeps up to

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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 date with changes in the early years and this helps her implement new ideas into her practice. However, the childminder is in breach of a regulation as she failed to notify Ofsted of a significant event that impacts on her conditions of registration. However, children's needs are met as she has maintained the required adult to child ratios at all times.

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Organisation

All required documentation is kept on premises and is readily available for inspection. The childminder implements her policies and procedures and this promotes the children's welfare, care and learning. All necessary consents have been gained from parents regarding their child participating in routines and activities. This protects their well-being.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has gained written permission for seeking emergency medical treatment and this protects the children's welfare in the event of an emergency.

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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 satisfactory. 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 parents have up to date contact details for the regulator on the complaints procedure • ensure Ofsted is informed of all significant changes that impact on the childminder's conditions of registration

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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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