The Orchards School

Inspection report for early years provision

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148386 Unique Reference Number 02 August 2007 Inspection date Jenny Scarlett 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 1989. She lives with her family in Lower Earley near Reading Berks. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. 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 at any one time and is currently minding seven children aged under eight years on a full and part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a B Ed honours degree in Education. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. The childminder has a good understanding of and implements good hygiene practices, such as providing individual flannels

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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 for each child and wearing protective gloves at nappy changes. This reduces the risk of cross-infection. She makes sure children learn about their own personal hygiene by setting a good example, such as, promoting hand washing before and after meals. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. This ensures minor bumps and scrapes are dealt with quickly and effectively. A comprehensive record of accidents are held and countersigned by parents. There is a clear system in place for obtaining consent from parents for emergencies and all medication records are accurately recorded. This ensures the children's safety and welfare at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder understands that young children's physical health is important. Children enjoy outings within the community and enjoy regular access to the garden. Younger children have good opportunities to practise skills such as crawling and walking. They are provided with space to manoeuvre and receive good one to one support as the childminder holds them whilst they develop the strength in their legs when attempting to stand.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good understanding of promoting healthy eating for children. She is happy to accommodate parents' wishes and stores foods they provide for their children appropriately. Children remain hydrated because they have regular access to drinks. Meal and snack times are a social occasion. Children enjoy snacks such as blueberries and fresh pineapple and are given time to eat and enjoy their food.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a safe and secure environment. They have access to a dedicated playroom which provides good play space for the needs of the children attending. This is brightly decorated with children's work and colourful posters that depict current projects and topics being covered. Children are able to independently select from a varied range of toys and resources that are in good condition and well presented. This provides them with freedom of choice. The indoor and outdoor equipment meets the required safety standards and the childminder maintains and cleans the toys and resources on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risks of accidental injuries to children are minimised because the childminder has good procedures in place to ensure their safety. For example, a secure barrier is in place in the garden preventing the children from tumbling down the patio step. A mesh safety gate is in place in the playroom door allowing fresh air to circulate from outside whilst children can play safely on the inside. Children are able to play freely, as the childminder is vigilant. She demonstrates a good recognition of the need to balance safe limits and freedom. An example of this is by allowing crawling babies to access the hallway where it easier to crawl on the laminate floor but being aware of the step down into the playroom. Fire safety precautions are in place such as smoke detectors and a fire blanket. However, the childminder does not routinely practise her emergency evacuation with the children to raise their awareness of fire safety. Therefore,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

they are not aware of what to do in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are good procedures in place to protect the children on outings. An emergency pack is held with all relevant emergency details for the children and the childminder. This provides relevant information about the children in the care of the childminder in the event of an accident. Children are beginning to learn about some aspects of managing their own safety, for example, when out walking they walk holding hands with each other and the childminder. The childminder has a sound knowledge of safeguarding the children. This includes recognising signs and symptoms and the procedures to follow if there are concerns. This helps to protect the children from harm.

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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 outstanding. The children are very confident and extremely happy. They have excellent relationships with the childminder. They decide which activities they would like to do and direct their own play, with support from the childminder. The childminder provides excellent opportunities for the younger children to make choices without overwhelming them. This is evident as the children explore the ball and try to make it squeak. A giraffe shape sorter is introduced but this was not successful so the musical caterpillar is presented instead. This mesmerised the children as they watched the different lights flash when the childminder pressed the button. They smile and move to the music and gradually gain confidence in exploring the caterpillar's buttons themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of the individual needs of the children. This is particularly evident with the younger children present who are relatively new to the setting. Their needs are carefully considered as they crave close attachments with the childminder. They watch as the childminder moves to get things ready for snack and she quickly responds with soothing words as they whimper because they want to be with her. She responds positively to their murmurs and gestures encouraging their early communication skills as they begin the sounds of words such as "mama and dada." The childminder talks to the children continually. She follows their individual routines and recognises the signs of fractiousness when they need a sleep. After their sleep the children enjoy a cuddle time. The childminder acknowledges they want to be physically close and this enables the children to be self assured

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children enjoy assorted and exciting activities. The childminder plans the days loosely around the school holidays and individual needs of the children. The theme for the summer holiday is "circus". The childminder has planned varied and inspiring activities for the children to take part in. This includes a circus pack hired from the toy library. Children have excellent opportunities to practise their skills in juggling and balancing using a variety of resources including stilts, balls and balancing equipment to develop their coordination skills. The playroom walls are adorned with varied arts and craft the children have enjoyed taking part in. This includes a large sunshine made of yellow and orange hand prints to make the rain go away. Children have excellent opportunities to explore the outdoor environment with outings to local places of interest. The childminder plans these activities well using them effectively to extend

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the children's learning. Children take part in developmentally active and quiet activities, planned and unplanned, which allows for variety and interest in their day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and treated as individuals. They are cared for in a nurturing environment where they feel confident and happy in the absence of their parents and carers. The childminder is attentive and caring ensuring the individual needs of the children are met. Children's needs are met because the childminder ensures she talks to parents about their home routines and those of the child so that she is able to match them. Children's knowledge and appreciation of the world around them is developing as the childminder provides resources such as dolls, books and puzzles that promote the wider world. Children behave well as they are occupied and stimulated and the childminder supports them to co-operate with each other. They benefit from her consistent, positive approach, good modelling and clear guidelines that help them feel secure and settled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 childminder develops good relationships with the families to foster continuity of the children's care. Parents are very well informed about the provision as the childminder liaises closely about their child's day in school / pre-school and in daily conversations. They receive detailed information about the child's day to day care needs and routines and this is confirmed by the use of the two-way diaries. This allows parents to be fully included in the child's day building on the positive partnership. Parents feel confident to discuss all aspects of the children's care as personal details are effectively kept confidential.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children receive skilful support as the caring childminder is experienced and well qualified. They are relaxed and at ease in the well organised environment. This means children are confident to initiate their own play and learning. The childminder makes good use of the space and available resources, so children enjoy and effectively develop through their play. The younger children have good one to one support as the adult child ratios are maintained at all times. This is shown in the daily record that provides an accurate record of children's attendance. The childminder manages her time well planning purposeful play opportunities for the children. All children are welcomed and valued in the home. As a result, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to updating her childcare knowledge and skills through training and development. These include Child Protection First and an introduction to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She positively supports children's care, learning and play through the good interaction and varied activities she offers. All relevant business information and certificates are displayed to show parents that she complies with the requirements of registration.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection recommended to the provider to ensure the register is an accurate record of children's attendance. A detailed record of children's attendance is recorded. This means children have good one to one support as the adult child ratios are maintained at all times.

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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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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

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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): • help to raise children's awareness of their own safety by practising the fire evacuation plan.

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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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