Spring Cottage Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 117814 Inspection date 15 July 2005 Inspector Zelda Fay Parker

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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 satisfactory. 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 1993. She lives with her husband, two adult sons and a teenage son. The whole of the ground floor and one upstairs bedroom is used for childminding. There is no access to an outdoor area but children are regularly taken to the local park The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day and one child over five before

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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 and after school. The childminder is not registered to provide overnight care. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and is a member of a local childminder support group. The family has no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health within the home is supported well by the childminder. She ensures the home is very clean as good hygiene procedures are followed which helps keep children free from infection. Children learn about being healthy through discussions with the childminder. Young children have the opportunity of taking care of their own personal needs with guidance from the childminder. Children are protected from ill health because the childminder has as an exclusion policy for children who have contagious illnesses and only administers medication to children with written parental consent. They are well cared for in an emergency, as the childminder has adequate procedure in place for accidents. However, the childminder is required to update her First Aid training. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They are offered well-presented and nutritious meals and snacks, which comply with individual dietary requirements to ensure they

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Helping children to be healthy

remain healthy. Children have access to drinks throughout the day to which they can help themselves, this helps promote independence and ensures their individual needs are always met. Children enjoy the walk to and from school and have regular opportunities for outdoor activities, such as trips to the local park. They are developing their self-confidence and physical skills through regularly playing with large toys and equipment in the park and at playgroup.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move around freely to explore the environment at ease. They are able to feel relaxed and at home as space has been organised to meet their individual needs. For example, they eat, rest and play comfortably. Children have access to safe and suitable toys and equipment which are checked regularly by the childminder. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised in a well organised home which has good safety measures in place. The childminder ensures necessary fire safety measures are in place for example smoke alarms on all levels and a fire blanket in place. Effective arrangements are in place to ensure children's safety by checking the toys and equipment regularly.

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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 are taught how to keep themselves safe by following the road safety rules and holding hands when walking to school. This enables them to learn confidence when outside the home. The childminder is vigilant over toddlers when at playgroups which keeps them free from harm. The welfare of children is safe guarded at all times because the childminder has a clear understanding of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child. She has good knowledge of signs of abuse which ensures the protection of the child from harm or neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very relaxed and comfortable in the care of the childminder. The interaction is warm and affectionate and children are able to express their needs confidently. They receive lots of attention from the childminder and she is very aware of their individual needs. As a result, the children are very happy and confident in their environment. They play enthusiastically with a good range of toys and activities such as books, play people, dolls, the pushchair and pop up toys. Toys and equipment are well placed so allowing children to help themselves and make independent choices. Children involve the childminder in their play and they receive lots of warm, individual attention. This enables them to successfully extend their learning and experiences. Children are developing their vocabulary through conversations with the childminder; they lift the flap curiously to see the pictures in a story book, as the childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

questions them on what they see. Children express themselves and communicate confidently using gesture, expression and language. Children are using their imagination as they have access to handbags and the pushchair, which they use to role play familiar experiences. Children benefit from established routines which enable them to feel secure. They are able to access a variety of additional resources and develop their social skills through a range of group activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They have a close relationship with the childminder and clearly enjoy the time they spend together. The daily routine ensures that children have a familiar and consistent environment which enhances their feeling of security. The childminder uses age appropriate techniques with the children and encourages them to share and take turns; as a result children are developing a sense of right from wrong.

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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 have access to an adequate range of toys and resources, which promote a positive view of the wider world. However, the resources would further be enhanced with play materials, which promote positive images of people with a disability. Children enjoy outings to the local parent and toddler groups, where they are able to socialise with other children and widen their play experiences; this helps them to understand the needs of others. Good relationships with parents contribute to the children’s well-being. Parent’s views about their child’s needs and interest are actively sought before the childminder starts caring for children. This ensures she provides appropriate care while they are with her.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder’s home. The premises are well organised. All available space is laid out to increase play opportunities for children. The childminder is well organised to ensure that children are given her undivided time and attention throughout the day. Children’s welfare, care and learning are supported well because the childminder has devised a range of suitable activities for them with appropriate time set aside for young children to have their meals and a rest. All documents are in place according to regulation. They are stored securely and made available for inspection. She regularly shares them with parents, which keeps them well informed about the care that is provided. The setting is meeting the needs of all the children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved children's safety by removing hazardous liquids from the bathroom. An emergency evacuation procedure has been devised and partially practised with children. The childminder plans to vacate the home with the children, therefore ensuring children are prepared in case an emergency situation were to arise.

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets

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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 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): • attend an appropriate first aid course which covers infants and young children. • ensure children have access to a range of resources that reflect people who have a disability.

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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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