Netheravon With Fittleton CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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130220 Unique Reference Number 31 July 2007 Inspection date Cheryl Langley 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 registered in September 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and nine years of age in a house in Potters Bar. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children at various times. There is a garden available for outside play. The whole of the house is used for childminding. The family have a pet guinea pig. The childminder visits local childminder and toddler groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and welcoming environment. Their health is maintained through the routines, procedures and documentation used by the childminder to protect them from infection. She is able to act in the children's best interests if they require medical attention. For example, she has parental consent to seek medical treatment and advice in an emergency and the first aid box supplies are kept up-to-date. Children's pictures are put on display.

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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 Resources are out for children to choose their play to make them feel welcome when they arrive.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the benefits of a healthy and hygienic lifestyle. They wash their hands at appropriate times to prevent the spread of germs, such as after stroking the guinea pig or before eating meals. Children have fun bathing the dolls. They are aware that exercise and fresh air are beneficial. Children walk to local parks with the childminder or to collect children from school. They share interesting books which promote health care. For example, visiting the doctor when they feel unwell. The daily routine allows for children to sleep and rest as they need to, so that they feel comfortable and do not overtire.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished. They eat a balanced diet and have regular drinking water. Healthy eating is promoted through enjoyable activities, such as, making pizza with different toppings. Colourful posters remind children of the importance of eating five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. They paint pictures of fruit and vegetables to extend their knowledge and understanding of these types of food. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and works with them closely to provide nutritious snacks and meals that appeal to the children as well as meeting their dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop and enhance their physical skills. Stimulating and brightly coloured toys encourage crawling and walking. For example, children have fun moving their bodies through the tunnel or balancing as they push the walker along to take steps. They gain confidence co-ordinating their bodies to get in and out of boxes or climbing up and down the large play equipment at the park. Children become adept at using mark-making implements, tools and utensils. They push buttons and switches on the activity toys, thread cotton reels and secure different fasteners, such as buttons and press studs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe in the childminder's care. They play in a safe environment. Risk assessments are carried out regularly to ensure potential hazards are removed. This enables the children to move around independently to chose their play without coming to harm. A good range of well maintained resources are accessible at a low level to stimulate and interest the children. Children are closely supervised in the home and garden area to prevent them coming to harm. All of the required documents and procedures are in place to support the children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to protect themselves and others. An emergency escape plan has been devised and practised. Children are aware of the route to follow to get out of danger if there is a fire. They practise looking left and right to cross the road and take turns on large play equipment to avoid accidents. The childminder uses sensitive reminders to promote awareness of safety. Older children know that small pieces may be a hazard to babies and take care not to hurt each other during physical play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands her role with regard to child protection. The children's welfare is therefore safeguarded. She has attended training in this area and is aware of the signs to look for and what information to record. The Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures are to hand for reference should she have any concerns about a child in her care. However, she does not have a copy of the government guidelines 'What to do if you're worried that a child is being abused'. This is to ensure that steps are followed in accordance with the National Standards and that the potential for a child's protection to be compromised, is avoided.

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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. Children make good developmental progress with the childminder. She has effective systems in place to observe and assess the children. This enables her to plan activities which provide the next steps in their learning. She has a sound understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and provides stimulating and enjoyable play relevant to each child's ability. Children develop the confidence and self-esteem required to rise to appropriate challenges. They are praised and complimented for their achievements. The childminder values their creations which she puts on display in her home and shares with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show an interest in what they do. They use their natural curiosity as learners to explore and investigate using their senses. For example, children feel the textures of paint and play-dough. They concentrate for long periods to put shapes into shape sorters and activate programmable toys. The childminder is affectionate and attentive. She talks and listens to the children as she joins in with their play, asking questions and encouraging them to extend their play and thinking further. This interaction helps them acquire new knowledge and skills. They learn to recognise colour and shape as they select toys. Children count in sequence as they walk up and down the stairs or while reciting nursery rhymes. They develop language and communication through discussion, sharing books and singing songs, such as 'Twinkle, twinkle, little star'. Children express their feelings and experiences through imaginary play. For example,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they care for dolls and talk to friends and relatives on the play telephone. They learn how expressions and gestures are a form of communication, such as a 'smile'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children use their ideas to be creative. They play musical instruments freely or to accompany music. Children paint to make marks or create pictures with brushes. They have fun using their hands and feet to make prints. Children make symmetrical pictures of butterflies or decorate cards for anniversaries. They construct models using connecting bricks. Children learn about the natural environment. they observe the changes to plants during the seasons, watch plants grow and help the childminder care for the pet guinea pig.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a strong partnership with parents. This ensures the children receive consistency in their care and enables the childminder to meet their needs. Clear and concise policies and procedures are shared with parents to support the childminder's provision. They review contracts annually and parents receive a record of the children's observations and assessments with accompanying photographs. A daily diary of the child's routine is provided for children under one, or over if parents request it. Parents are therefore aware of their children's achievements and the care they receive. The childminder has received positive and complimentary feedback about her provision. There are effective strategies in place to care for children with learning and or physical disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children make positive relationships. They behave well and are learning responsible behaviour. The childminder is a good role model. Children are polite, share and take turns. They have ample opportunity to socialise on outings or during group times with the childminder. Children receive appropriate support. The childminder knows them well. This gives them a sense of belonging and makes them feel secure and relaxed in her company. Settling-in periods are flexible to meet the parent and child's individual needs.

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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 Children become aware of the wider society. A good range of resources and planned activities promote positive images of difference. Children play with figures depicting people with differing abilities. They decorate their hands to celebrate Diwali and make lanterns for Chinese New Year. Children enjoy tasting food from other cultures and countries, and sharing books about people from around the world.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's needs are met through effective and efficient organisation. There are good systems in place to communicate with parents and provide consistency in the children's care. Space and equipment is prepared so that children can access resources easily and independently. This enables them to make choices about their play and gives them a sense of belonging. A balance of child-led and planned activities ensure children have a range of different enjoyable experiences whilst they are with the childminder. They benefit from routines which make them feel secure and relaxed. Children play, eat, sleep and rest as they need to.

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Organisation

Documentation is stored securely and information shared appropriately with parents to respect confidentiality. All of the required policies and procedures are in place to keep children safe and healthy. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and extensive experience. She has a clear sense of purpose and commitment to continue improvement. The childminder continues to update her knowledge and skills with relevant training. She has achieved the Herts Quality Standard and has a current first aid qualification. Overall, the needs of all the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that written permission was obtained in all cases from parents before administering medication to the children. Good systems have been devised to acquire this permission. A record of the medication given is maintained and parents are informed to make sure children have consistency in their health care and receive the correct medication.

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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): • obtain a copy of the government booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused - summary'.

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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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