Over Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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110616 Unique Reference Number 20 August 2007 Inspection date Michele, Karen Beasley 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 since 1991. She lives with her husband and two older adult children, in a house in Leigh Park, near Portsmouth. The property is close to local schools, shops and parks. Minded children have access to the ground floor of the property. There are fully enclosed front and rear gardens 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 at any one time and is currently minding three children under eight years on a part-time basis. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene and are developing good self care skills through daily routines and discussion. For example, the children are encouraged to wash their hands before snacks and meals and after using the toilet facilities or after messy activities. The childminder has a good understanding of the procedures to record all accidents that occur on

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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 the premises and she ensures parents sign to acknowledge that they have been informed, helping to keep children healthy. Parents give written consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment and to administer medication. However, written permission has not been obtained for applying sun screen lotion. Children will receive appropriate treatment if an accident occurs because the childminder has a valid first aid certificate in place, which ensures children's well being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a nutritious diet because the childminder has a clear understanding of healthy eating. She provides fresh fruit for the children to make their own smoothies. The childminder discusses the needs of each child with the parents in detail and records the information on their registration forms. Children often choose what they would like for their snack and light lunch from a healthy selection. The childminder gently reminds the children to say 'please' and 'thank you', encouraging them to use their manners and be polite throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have ample opportunities to develop their large muscle skills during activities in the garden. They enjoy a wide range of physical activities such as riding in coupe cars. They go outside to reap the benefits of fresh air, for walks to local parks and to local attractions such as the beach and fields near Southsea sea front to play bat and ball games.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected effectively because the childminder is vigilant and has made safe potential risks to the children. However, children do not regularly practice evacuation procedures, which does not ensure their safety in the event of an emergency. The children learn to keep themselves safe through daily discussions and routines, such as holding hands with the childminder whilst crossing roads. Children receive good levels of supervision and individual attention whilst being encouraged to make choices and play independently. Children are safe because clear arrival and collection procedures are in place. Parents are required to come into the house to drop off and pick their children up. If any other person is going to collect the children the childminder asks that parents provide passwords, so she knows who they are.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder organises the space available well to enable the children to access the toys and resources independently, increasing their freedom of choice. Children are able to move freely from the lounge to other areas on the ground floor, developing their self-confidence. They have ample space to participate in a good range of activities, independently or in small groups with the childminder. The resources and toys are in good condition. The resources are stored at low level in the lounge and in an accessible cupboard underneath the stairs. This enables the children to choose their own activities and see the full range of options, developing their decision making skills effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and discusses her responsibilities with the parents before the children attend. She would recognise the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and would contact the relevant agencies to safeguard the children 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. The childminder interacts very well with the children in her care. She talks to them continually, making good eye contact and sits at the table with them playing a dice game with the children at their level. The childminder gives the children the chance to think about what they are trying to achieve, for example, sorting the animals and insects apart from one another to start the game. Children are encouraged by the childminder to begin problem solving by asking open-ended questions about the pictures they see and think about where the insects live. Children are confident and have good self-esteem, the childminder has a good understanding of children's developmental needs and she participates fully during other activities such as planting and growing cress and sunflowers, whilst encouraging the children to join in. Children have many opportunities to develop a good range of skills and progress well in all areas in a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

stimulating, exciting and interesting environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are extremely happy and self-assured in the childminder's care. They show a real sense of security and belonging and are confident and highly valued by the childminder. Children thrive as they initiate their own learning such as tapping out real phone numbers on a toy telephone. Their behaviour is good as the childminder praises and promotes their self esteem at all times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder's interaction with children is good, she has a very good knowledge of their individual needs, likes and interests, enabling each child to reach their full potential whilst in her care. Presently there are no minded children with special educational needs. Through discussion the childminder was able to demonstrate a clear understanding of her responsibilities. She would be happy to liaise with other agencies and would always work closely with the parents to meet the individual needs of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children benefit from good working relationships between the childminder and their parents. Good strong links are in place between home and the setting; for example, through the implementation of a prospectus and informal discussions at the beginning and end of the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is greatly enriched by the childminder's enthusiasm. Consistent routines and effective support ensure children feel a sense of belonging and are part of a bigger family. Children are fully occupied and engaged with ample play opportunities during their time at the setting, as the childminder organises the daily routines well. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children's health, safety and well-being is promoted because most of the required documentation is up-to-date and shared with parents. Children benefit from a well-organised, safe, secure and stimulating environment, where they are protected by most procedures. Children enjoy their time with the childminder because resources and activities are accessible, provide sufficient challenge and the days are full and run smoothly. The childminder has a clear understanding of the requirements of her registration

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Organisation

and the inspection process, keeping children safe.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that parents and children are made aware of the emergency evacuation procedures. Parents and children have not been made aware of emergency evacuation procedures, therefore this has been raised as a recommendation again.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to ensure that the surnames of children and the signature of a parent are included in the attendance register. Full names of the children and parents signatures are being recorded in the attendance register. This ensures children's safety. The childminder was also asked to obtain written permission from parents before applying sun screen lotion to children. Written permission has not been requested for applying sun screen lotion, therefore this has been raised as a recommendation again.

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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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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): • obtain written permission from parents before applying sun screen lotion to children • ensure that parents and children are made aware of the emergency evacuation procedures.

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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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