Croftlands Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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112198 Unique Reference Number 28 August 2007 Inspection date Alison Jane Kaplonek 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 childminding for 22 years. She lives with her husband and school age daughter in the Chineham area of Basingstoke, in Hampshire. She is registered to provide care for six children under the age of eight. At present she cares for four children. Children have access to the whole of the downstairs of the house with the main bedroom used for children to rest or sleep. The childminder has a fully enclosed back garden that she uses for outdoor play and she also takes children for walks each day, to local groups, shops and the library. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming family environment in which they are beginning to develop an understanding of simple good health and hygiene routines. Older children independently access the bathroom and are encouraged to wash hands and take care of their personal needs themselves, although they are not fully protected from the spread of infection as they dry their hands on the communal towel. Children know that they must clean the germs

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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 off their hands after coming in from the garden and before they eat their snack. They have access to a fully enclosed, safe garden, where they can practise their physical skills on a good range of equipment, such as the seesaw, push along toys and the trampoline. They go for walks in the local area almost everyday and enjoy their visits to the park.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with healthy snacks such as fruit or dried raisins and have regular access to drinking water in their individual trainer cups or bottles. Parents are effectively consulted about their child’s health and dietary needs and provide lunch boxes, or meals to be re-heated each day. The childminder ensures that any perishable food is safely stored in the fridge. Parents are well informed about the childminder's policies and procedures in the event of a medical emergency or accident.

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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 environment where equipment and resources are in a good condition and are easily accessible. They are provided with equipment such as small tables and chairs, toilet seats and travel cots which are suitable for their age and stage of development and encourage them to become independent. Children can safely access the downstairs area of the house and the fully enclosed garden. They are protected from any harmful substances, medicines or equipment by careful supervision on the part of the childminder, who carries out visual checks on the premises and equipment each day. Good records are kept of any accidents or medication administered and these are shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and knows who to contact for support or to report any issues which may arise. She has a clear written policy, which states that she has a duty to report any concerns she may have about the children in her care, and she shares this with parents. However, she does not have the latest information regarding procedures to follow if abuse of a child is suspected, and consequently is unable to share this with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with a broad range of resources and activities, such as books, outside play, board games, craft activities and construction. Some activities are planned, such as visits to the local park or to the cinema on a wet day. At other times children have free choice and can access from the range of resources provided each day, both indoors and in the garden. They show an interest in what they are doing and interact well with each other. They play imaginatively together and co-operate as they take turns while completing a puzzle. The childminder makes good use of the local area, and children enjoy trips on buses and trains or talk about the helicopters and planes flying over the house. Children's particular interests are taken into account and activities are arranged to stimulate their learning, for example trips to view a building site, where they can watch the cranes and diggers at work. Children relate well

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to the childminder with whom there is a close relationship. She offers a nurturing, caring environment that ensures children feel secure and confident.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are all treated with respect and their individual needs well met. They are often praised and are gaining in confidence and self-esteem. They all settle well and are developing their sense of belonging. Children respond well to the childminder's calm and consistent approach to behaviour management. They learn good manners from a young age as the childminder encourages them to say please and thank you. They talk in a relaxed way, with the childminder and each other, about their families and events in their lives. They regularly meet and interact with other children and adults. The childminder has a positive approach to supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are provided with a comprehensive pack of information regarding policies and procedures when their children start at the childminders. Effective communication when they collect their children ensures that they are updated about each child's daily routine. Parents are very happy with the care and attention their children receive and feel they can freely discuss any issues with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled and happy in the family environment provided. They are well protected and cared for and their health and safety is assured. They are never left alone with unvetted adults and in the case of an emergency arrangements are in place for children to be cared for by another registered childminder. The childminder is able to identify her training needs and has applied for a course to further increase her knowledge and understanding of childminding practice.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps comprehensive records, such as a daily register and details of any religious or dietary needs the children may have. Every child has a wallet containing their personal information and contacts. These are well labelled and easily accessible. This provides children with good continuity of care, ensures that they feel settled and secure and that their individual needs are well met. Overall, 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 ensure that consent is obtained in the event of a medical emergency. This has been obtained for all children and signed by their parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to secure her fire blanket to the wall in the kitchen. This has also been completed. Lastly, she was asked to obtain local child protection procedures including relevant contact numbers. She has read the local child protection procedures on the internet and obtained the required telephone numbers. However, she does not have the latest information to share with parents.

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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

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 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): • ensure that children are protected from the spread of infection when they dry their hands • up-date understanding of latest child protection procedures by seeking a copy of 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused - Summary', and ensure that this information is shared with parents.

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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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