Orrets Meadow School

Inspection report for early years provision

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105140 Unique Reference Number 11 July 2007 Inspection date Susan Ennis 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 1996. She lives with her husband and four children aged 19, 16,14 and nine in Luton, Bedfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day and one child over five before school on a part-time basis. The childminder drives or walks to local schools to take children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder can support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and comfortable home environment. Their health is effectively promoted as the childminder follows consistent procedures such as wiping the surfaces with

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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 antibacterial cleaner and ensuring that all areas used by the children remain clean and suitable for use. The written sick children's policy also protects children as it helps prevent cross-infection. Procedures regarding emergency medical treatment and medication are comprehensively maintained ensuring the children's immediate welfare and safety. Children understand simple, good health and hygiene practices because they are encouraged by the childminder to; for example, wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Their understanding is further encouraged as they imitate the childminder by wiping the surfaces and using their toy hoover to clean up the crumbs. Children are also given clear reasons and explanations why, for example, personal items such as dummies are not to be shared.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a broad range of physical activities, contributing to their good health. They participate in daily opportunities such as playing in the local park on the swings or with the bats and balls provided. They enjoy the weekly visits to parent and toddler groups where their large physical skills are developing by having a go on the sit and ride toys and their finer physical skills encouraged by, for example, mixing the ingredients when making cakes. Visits further afield to places such as Woodside Farm increase their knowledge of the living world. They also enjoy dancing and singing to nursery rhyme tapes. Younger children are supported in their physical development by the childminder encouraging them both physically and verbally. When children pull themselves up against a toy buggy they are supported in walking a few steps and given encouraging words of 'look how clever you are. Well done.' All these activities

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Helping children to be healthy

promote the children's spatial awareness and coordination. Children's rest and sleep patterns are accommodated because the childminder is very aware of each child's individual needs. When children become tired they are caringly cuddled and then put down for a sleep in a nearby room so that they can be regularly monitored.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and their health is promoted due to the childminder's good understanding of healthy eating. Children are developing their knowledge of healthy eating as the childminder encourages their sense of taste and touch, for example, offering a variety of fruits and vegetables for snack including strawberries, grapes and carrots. Children sit together at the table which encourages their social skills and interaction with others. They are also developing their independence skills as they practise cutting up the fruit for themselves. When they cannot quite manage they are encouraged by the childminder saying 'we can do it together. Well done.' All dietary requirements are fully discussed with the parents and an accurate record maintained.

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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 welcoming, safe environment in which they are able to move around freely and independently. Their safety is promoted because the childminder has a good understanding of this area and takes steps to minimise the hazards. Ongoing visual risk assessments are carried out checking that, for example, electric sockets are covered and that safety gates are in place. This ensures that all areas used by the children are safe and suitable for use. Smoke alarms are tested regularly and an emergency evacuation procedure is in place. However, as this is not regularly practised by the childminder children's safety is potentially affected. Children learn about keeping themselves safe as they are encouraged to, for example, look left and right before crossing the road. They are also given reminders about household hazards such as ensuring that they sit on their chairs properly in case they fall. Children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

awareness of others is also encouraged as the childminder asks them to help clear away the bricks so that younger children do not stand on them and hurt their feet.

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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 independently select activities from a good range of quality toys and equipment. The childminder sensitively supervises the children's choices ensuring that they are both safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Resources are regularly rotated providing further interest and stimulation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is effectively promoted because the childminder has an accurate understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and of the procedures to follow. The relevant contact numbers for reporting concerns are in place enabling accurate and prompt action to be taken should any concerns arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, settled and interested in their play. They relate well to the childminder who extends their play and learning experiences by, for example, making good use of open ended questions such as 'what's your favourite animal?' when doing an animal puzzle. Children's thought processes are extended by the childminder asking 'can you see the chicken?' and 'can you find the O for owl?' encouraging the children to look for the correct pieces. When they do they are told to 'well done. Give yourselves a clap.' Children can participate in all the activities because the childminder uses her broad knowledge of child development to adapt activities encouraging all to participate and achieve. For example, once children manage to complete a simple puzzle competently they are further stretched by the harder ones that follow. Whilst supporting the younger children more physically, the childminder verbally encourages the older

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children ensuring that all get her attention and input.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's development in all areas is actively promoted because the childminder uses her effective understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and areas of learning in planning activities to meet the children's individual developmental needs. The childminder has a routine in her head but this remains very flexible meeting the needs of all the children on the day. Children are offered a varied and stimulating range of activities including construction activities such as building bricks, small world resources including cars and a dolls house and role play activities such as a toy work bench. Children make positive relationships with each other and the childminder. They cheerfully copy each other, for example, when one starts to saying 'Da Da' they all join in making them laugh and smile. They respond well to the childminder snuggling into her for a cuddle when they start to feel tired and enjoying the hugs and kisses

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder ensures that she is aware of each child's individual needs and meets them positively. Daily conversations with parents ensure that they are well informed about their child's development and care. Behaviour is good and is reinforced by the childminder's sound understanding of the importance of consistent and appropriate boundaries for all children. For example, younger children learn not to touch the plants through consistent reminders and use of the childminder's tone of voice. Strategies include distraction, reasoning and positive praise. Reminders about being gentle with each other teach the children respect and being encouraged to share and take turns develops their understanding of cooperation with others. When children both want to play with the same toy they are sensitively reminded that 'you're going to share aren't you?'

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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's understanding of the community they live in is soundly promoted by the childminder who provides some resources that promote our society, however, this range is limited. Children's understanding of the wider world is promoted through celebrations of world festivals such as Eid and Easter when the children make cards to take home for their parents. Although the childminder has no experience in caring for children with behaviour difficulties and/or disabilities she is able to soundly care for all children. However, she needs to increase her knowledge to ensure that appropriate action can be taken if a child is identified as having learning difficulties or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's needs and welfare are positively met because the childminder has a secure relationship with parents. Settling-in processes are in place ensuring that both the children and parents have time to get used to the new setting and that any relevant information is exchanged. This helps make the transition from home to the childminder as smooth as possible. Parents are also informed regarding the childminder's policies and procedures, including the complaints procedure, ensuring that the expectations of both parties are known and agreed upon.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well-organised, helping the children feel comfortable, relaxed and secure. They are supported by the childminder, often initiating their own play and learning with confidence and enthusiasm. The individual needs of all children are consistently met by the childminder through her procedures and policies, ensuring that all relevant information is in place. The children's daily attendance is correctly maintained minimising potential disagreements with the parents.

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Organisation

The childminder uses her varied childcare knowledge to assist her in planning a safe, stimulating and caring environment for the children. She is proactive in updating her knowledge relating to childcare issues enabling her to provide better care for the children. She ensures that the children are offered a broad and interesting range of activities that all are encouraged to participate in. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve her documentation by obtaining parental consent for medical treatment, maintaining an accurate record of children's attendance and confidentially recording any concerns. She was also asked to ensure that appropriate car insurance cover was provided. All these are now in place protecting the children's well-being.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to ensure that certain household and garden hazards were made safe and to provide sufficient equipment. No hazards were identified during inspection and equipment, including a travel cot and double buggy, is in place meeting the individual needs of all the children.

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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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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): • ensure that the emergency evacuation procedure is regularly practised • increase the range of resources positively promoting those from other cultures and with disabilities • ensure that appropriate action can be taken if a child is identified as having learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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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