Seagrave Village Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 143249 Inspection date 05 October 2005 Inspector Alison Jane Williams

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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 registered in 1992. She lives with her teenage son in a 3-bedroomed, terraced property, in the Copnor area of Portsmouth. The property is close to local shops, schools and park and has wheelchair access. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children at any one time. She is currently minding 6 children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. Registration includes overnight care for 2 children. The childminder does not employ an assistant. Children have access to the ground floor of the property, and part of the upstairs floor

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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 is also used for minding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has 3 dogs. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler groups and takes children to the local library and the park. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association Quality First Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a well balanced, healthy and nutritional diet. They enjoy eating fresh meals, such as sausage hot pot with mashed potato, carrots, cabbage, sweet corn and peas. They also enjoy healthy snacks, such as pears, bananas and grapes. They have at least 5 portions of fresh fruit and vegetables daily and are able to access drinking water freely and independently from named sports bottles. Children enjoy a good range of energetic and physical activities, which contribute to their good health and physical development. They have daily opportunities to exercise and play outside. This helps them gain knowledge and awareness of their bodies and to build up self-confidence. Children benefit from a wide variety of physical play opportunities. They have access to an enclosed garden, where they can find a range of equipment to help them develop coordination and large motor skills. The children enjoy regular visits to the

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Helping children to be healthy

park, toddler group and indoor soft-play areas. They also enjoy outings to local places of interest. The childminder cares for the children in a warm, comfortable, and clean home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and physical care. They wash their hands after using the toilet, after messy play and before eating. They know that germs can make them ill. The childminder promotes a healthy lifestyle. She teaches the children the benefits of eating healthily and exercising regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel safe and settle extremely well because of the high levels of supervision and support they receive. The childminder's vigilance and sound awareness of potential hazards enables them to enjoy a secure environment, in which they are always safe. The childminder teaches the children how to stay safe. They know that they must not touch the cooker as they could get burnt, and that they should keep toys with small parts out of reach of younger children, as they may put them in their mouth. They are

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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 able to access all toys and play materials freely and safely. The childminder also teaches road safety to the children. She teaches them to find a safe place from where to cross a road, and to stop, look and listen for any cars before they do so. She also tells them to hold hands when crossing. The childminder protects the children well from harm or neglect. She has a clear understanding of child protection issues and procedures, and she recognises the possible signs of abuse. Children learn that their body belongs to them and that they have the right to privacy. They also learn to express their feelings and know that the childminder is always ready to listen to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children move around freely and make themselves at home. They confidently help themselves to toys and play materials in a well-organised playroom. They have opportunities to develop a range of skills and are happy, settled and well cared for. They are all interested and involved in the wide range of stimulating and fun activities provided. The childminder encourages the children to share ideas and express feelings, as they snuggle up with her to read a special book about a newborn baby. Children are confident to communicate with adults and other children. They develop understanding of others and learn to socialise with peers through regularly visiting local children's groups. The childminder plans activities and outings to interest each child, which helps them obtain good self-esteem and feel special and important. She searches for resources, such as puzzles and books, for children who are enthusiastic

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

about horses, wheels and cogs. She even takes them to horse shows and to working machinery exhibitions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit greatly from the childminder's strong links with their home. The childminder shares information, which she writes in communication books, with parents. She discusses with them the children's activities and achievements on a daily basis. This enables parents to contribute towards the experiences that the children have with the childminder. Children with special needs are supported well. The childminder works closely with parents in order to promote their welfare and development. She has attended relevant training and workshops to improve her knowledge and understanding. She adapts the physical environment and the daily routines in a way that allows all children to participate. The childminder stores toys and resources within the children's reach to make them

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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 easily accessible. She regularly conducts physiotherapy sessions, which she has adapted into fun workouts with music. All the children enjoy participating in these sessions and are enthusiastic about them. Children play together well, share what they have and take turns. They respond positively to praise and encouragement, and their behaviour is good. The childminder provides a varied range of resources so that the children develop a positive view of the wider world and of diversity. Daily visits to local children's groups give the children frequent opportunities to develop an understanding of others and to learn how to socialise with peers. Outings to places of interest, such as Longmoore and Queen Elizabeth County Parks, Alice in Wonderland and Paulton's Park, enable children to learn about the local

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children make their own choices from the broad range of toys and play materials stored in transparent boxes and clearly labelled with a picture. They, therefore, can see where things belong and return them there for safety. Children have sole use of a bright, attractive playroom with examples of their work, and posters, on display. Space and resources are organised well, thus enabling the children to move freely, and confidently, around the range of resources available, both inside the house and outside in the garden. The childminder has a clear understanding of the 14 national standards, and meets them well. Her commitment to further training helps to ensure her knowledge and understanding is kept up to date. However, her current first aid certificate has expired. The required records and documentation, for the management of the service and the care of the children, are in place. The childminder, however, is unable to provide

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Organisation

evidence of suitability for all members of the household. The partnership between parents and the childminder promotes continuity of care and ensures that the children's needs are meet.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last Children Act inspection made recommendations to devise and implement emergency evacuation procedures, and make sure that parents and children are made aware of them. The childminder has put in place a written emergency evacuation procedure and this is on display. She practises fire drills with the children, and fire exits are marked with words and pictures. She regularly carries out safety checks of smoke alarms. She

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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 has improved the fire safety precautions. Children know what to do in the event of an emergency evacuation.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure all members of the household over 16 have been vetted

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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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