South Normanton Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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112484 Unique Reference Number 12 December 2007 Inspection date Jacqueline Munden 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 1994. She lives with her husband and their three children in Aldershot, Hampshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

All areas of the childminder’s home are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden 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 under eight years at any one time and is currently minding five children. She also provides care for children over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a current certificate in first aid.

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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. The childminder promotes a healthy lifestyle by encouraging regular physical exercise and fresh air as they have daily walks to and from school and to the park. When weather permits they use the garden. Children benefit from the wide range of play equipment that promotes physical development in and outdoors.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s good health is promoted by the childminder who has a good understanding of health, hygiene and nutrition. She takes measures to avoid cross infection through her regular routines. For example, children use disposable towels and even young children learn about good personal hygiene as they know they need to wash their hands after toileting and before eating. Children's health records are suitably maintained, including accidents and the administration of medication although these do not all maintain confidentiality. The childminder is well-prepared to respond to emergencies as she has a current first aid certificate, has parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment and carries a first aid kit on outings. Children's dietary needs are met as they enjoy the meals and snacks parents provide. Some older children arriving after school are provided with nutritious snacks of fruit by the childminder. She ensures drinks are always

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have suitable space to play and move around safely and can reach the toilet independently. Children can freely access a wide range of play equipment and books, all of which are clean, safe, in good condition and promotes diversity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder generally promotes children's safety well. For example, safety gates are used to prevent children's access to the stairs and cleaning materials are inaccessible. However, the premises are not secure as the front door can be opened from outside and the handle is accessible to children on the inside. Children learn about keeping themselves safe when playing as the childminder reminds them not to carry chairs. Fire safety is generally well promoted as smoke detectors are fitted throughout the house and older children practise the emergency evacuation procedure. However, the fire blanket is not fitted to the wall to enable it's easy access.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has appropriate parental consent in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded, such as permission to take photographs. She recognises her role and responsibilities in keeping children safe from harm; has written a child protection policy which is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home, and happily explore the activities on offer. They are familiar with the daily routine and relate well to the childminder who offers a nurturing environment. Their immediate needs regarding feeding and sleeping are met well. Young children reach for a cuddle and comfort and babies are held as they are bottle fed. The childminder is familiar with the Birth to three matters framework. The childminder plans visits

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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 to toddler groups and the library where children develop confidence and social skills. Children benefit from the wide range of resources provided that meet their interests and developmental needs. They happily co-operate in tidying away the farm set to have a snack. Her verbal intervention ensures that young children become skilful communicators. They are becoming confident speakers that are happy to name the animals they play with. She helps develop their language as she gives names to vehicles and who might drive them. Children are introduced to numbers and counting as the childminder counts their hands, '1,2', as they wash them before eating their snack.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and play a full part in their day because the childminder respects each child's individuality. Children learn about other religions and culture by using toys and books that promote positive images of diversity. The childminder has a positive attitude to supporting children with learning difficulties or disabilities. She works with other professionals to ensure they are appropriately supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder knows the children well and ensures their needs are met. Children develop independence and confidence and have high self-esteem as the childminder praises and values their achievements; they enjoy placing their art work in their folder ready to show parents. Children respond well to the childminder's calm and consistent approach to behaviour management. Children learn to share, take turns with toys and say thank you when given something.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. Effective communication takes place between the childminder and parents; they work together to meet the children's individual needs. This includes regular discussions upon collection and on the telephone if necessary and collection procedures are planned to minimise disruption for children. Parents are provided with a good range of information written and verbal to support the care of children. They are informed of how to make a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a good knowledge of the National Standards and child development. She is suitably trained and has updated her first aid qualification. The childminder keeps up to date with current regulation and guidance. Most documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place although the record of attendance is not consistent and lacks some detail and some medical records do not maintain confidentiality.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the welcoming environment which allows children to move around and select play materials. Most areas are safe although security of the home needs improving. Children get a wide range of play experiences and are well stimulated. 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 Children Act inspection recommendations were made to record children's names and the dates they are cared for and to obtain parents signatures on consent, accident and medication records.

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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 Children's health and wellbeing is improved as parents sign to acknowledge the administration of medication and accidents that occur; their consent is sought to allow the childminder to apply sun-cream, take photographs and to seek emergency medical treatment.

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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): • ensure the premises are secure, that the fire blanket is easily accessible in the kitchen and that hazardous objects are not accessible in the garden • ensure a clear and consistent system for recording children's attendance is used and that records of accidents and the administration of medication are maintained in a confidential manner.

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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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