Beaminster School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 113884 Inspection date 07 November 2005 Inspector Joanne Lindsey Caswell

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1994. She lives with her husband and teenage sons, in a residential part of Crawley, West Sussex. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Toilet facilities are available on the first floor. A fully enclosed garden provides an outside play area. The family have pets. The childminder is registered to care for a total of five children under eight years, at any one time. She is currently caring for one child on a part time basis. The childminder is willing to collect children from local schools and regularly attends

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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 pre-school and local childminding groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are very well protected from illness and infection as the childminder provides an extremely clean and well-maintained childminding home. Children are particularly well protected from animals as the childminder takes necessary precautions and ensures that the family pets receive relevant veterinary treatment. This ensures that the animals do not pose any potential health issues to the children. The childminder teaches children the importance of personal hygiene. Children learn to wash their hands after playing with the animals, before eating and after using the toilet and manage this independently. There are effective arrangements to protect children from infection. Minded children use their own towels and wipes and parents understand that their children must not attend the setting if their children are ill. This ensures that all children are protected against illness and infection. The childminder is particularly

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Helping children to be healthy

vigilant in catering for children's individual health needs and ensures that she is fully aware of each child's personal needs. Children have many opportunities to play in the fresh air and undertake physical exercise. They walk to and from school and play in the garden. There are regular outings to the park, seaside and soft play centre. This encourages children to play outside and move in a variety of ways to encourage healthy development. Children's dietary needs are met well. The childminder obtains all necessary information from parents regarding each child's personal likes and dislikes, to enable her to cater for these accordingly. Children develop positive attitudes towards healthy eating as the childminder provides nutritious snacks, such as fresh fruit. Agreements are in place with parents regarding the provision of meals. The childminder stores all children's prepared foods in the fridge. However, at present, there are no systems in

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Helping children to be healthy

place for monitoring the fridge temperature to ensure that it meets environmental health regulations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are very clean, well-maintained and safe for children. The childminder is vigilant in identifying potential hazards to children and takes necessary precautions. For example, children's access to the kitchen is prevented with safety gates. All electrical wiring and plug sockets have been protected. The front door is secure, preventing children from leaving the premises unsupervised. This ensures that children are cared for in a safe and hazard-free environment. Children play with a very good selection of high quality play materials and toys, which are safe and appropriate for children's use. All necessary equipment and furniture is available to care for children of all ages.

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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 Children learn the importance of safety. They learn road safety as they walk to and from school and the childminder teaches children how to protect themselves from dangers. Children also learn about stranger/danger as the childminder explains how children must keep themselves safe whilst on outings. Children are very well-protected in the event of an emergency. The childminder has devised written emergency evacuation procedures and has identified a place of safety, should the premises need to be evacuated. This ensures that children's safety and welfare remains a priority at all times and protects children from potential danger. The childminder has a very good understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection. This enables her to follow all relevant procedures, should she have any

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have many opportunities to play and socialise within a very relaxed and homely setting. They develop their confidence and self esteem as they enjoy very close, loving relationships with the childminder and her family. Children regularly socialise with other children as they undertake many outings and attend local groups. They develop their understanding of the wider world as they visit the park, local farms, seaside, shops and other places of interest. This encourages children to broaden their experiences and learn about the world in which they live. Children engage in relaxed conversation with the childminder. They happily talk about their day at school and the forthcoming Christmas concert. The childminder listens attentively, responding positively at all times. This encourages children to talk openly to the childminder. Children have many opportunities to play and develop their learning. They use their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

imagination by using puppets, role play resources and dressing up clothes. They express themselves freely through art and craft and drawing. The childminder uses fun opportunities to extend children's learning. For example, children play I-Spy to encourage their understanding of letters and sounds. Children benefit from the very close interaction of the childminder. This encourages children to feel relaxed, happy and secure in the childminder's home. Children's developmental needs are stimulated as the childminder is experienced in caring for babies and children of differing age groups. Children undertake a range of play and learning activities, appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are clearly identified and very well-catered for. The childminder is committed to ensuring she meets all children's personal needs fully and adapts her daily routine and care practices to ensure that she does this. Detailed

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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 information is obtained from parents regarding each child's personal needs and care routines. As a result of this, children feel very settled, confident and valued as individuals. Children approach the childminder happily and confidently. They feel listened to, enabling them to feel part of the childminder's family and relaxed within the home. Children with special needs are supported well as the childminder is dedicated to meeting all children's needs appropriately and on an individual basis. Children behave very well. They clearly understand acceptable boundaries and respond positively to the childminder. Children receive high levels of praise and reassurance, which enables them to feel confident about themselves and proud of their achievements. As a result of this, children have very good social skills and show

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Helping children make a positive contribution

courtesy and respect for one another. The childminder is dedicated to working in partnership with parents and supporting them in the care and development of their children. All written policy statements are shared with parents to encourage consistency for children, between care routines followed at home and those implemented by the childminder. This strengthens the partnership for children between their parents and the childminder and encourages children to feel settled and secure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides an organised and professional childminding service. She is dedicated to increasing her knowledge and skills through the completion of relevant training and is committed to providing high standards of care. Children's play materials are organised very well, enabling them safe and easy access and encouraging their independence. The daily routine is organised well. Plenty of time is set aside each day, for children to enjoy outings, free play and after school activities. During school holidays, the routine is changed to accommodate outings and visits away from the setting. The childminder has a very good understanding of the national standards and the conditions of her registration. All necessary vetting procedures are implemented to ensure children's safety. The childminder maintains all necessary regulatory documentation and demonstrates her understanding of the importance of confidentiality.

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Organisation

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, one recommendation was raised. This related to sharing documentation with parents regarding child protection issues. The

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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 childminder has addressed this by ensuring that all records and documentation relating to child protection are available to parents. As a result of this, parents are now informed of the childminder's responsibilities regarding the protection and safety of children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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): • improve procedures to ensure the fridge temperature complies with environmental health regulations

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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