Matlock Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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112683 Unique Reference Number 03 August 2005 Inspection date Michelle Ann Parham 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 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 1998. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for five children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and one teenage child. They live in a house in a residential area of Peel Common, Gosport, Hampshire. Local shops, community parks are within walking distance of the home. Currently the childminder collect children from Elson Infant & Junior schools and Badgers Preschool. Childminding occurs on the ground floor of the home with the first floor accessed for toileting purposes only. There is a fully enclosed rear garden area available for outside play. The family have a pet dog which is kept separate from the minded children.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's dietary needs are well met and they are gaining a good understanding of healthy eating. The childminder has the required documentation and effective working practices to identify children's individual conditions and special requirements. General practice is that parents supply meals; however, the childminder provides the children with healthy snacks and regular drinks such as carrot sticks, raisons and fruits, sweet biscuits, fresh water and juice. Therefore, children receive nourishing food and a regular drink, which ensures they do not become hungry, tired, or de-hydrated during their time at the setting.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are encouraged to follow good hygiene procedures. They are required to wash hands after toileting and before meals; this develops their understanding of good health and hygiene. Most areas of the home are clean and very well maintained. However, nappies are changed on the rug in the playroom without the use of disposable gloves or a changing mat. This does not fully ensure a hygienic environment for children's play and prevent cross contamination, which could lead to children's ill health. Accidents are appropriately recorded and information shared with parents as required. Currently the childminder does not have a valid first aid qualification. This does not evidence that children’s accidents and ill health will be dealt with correctly, therefore ensuring their well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular visits to Bridgemary Community Park, the beach, bus trips, feeding ducks, marina and daily walks to Badgers Preschool and Elson Infant and Junior Schools. They also have access to the rear garden area, which can be used in most weather. Subsequently the children receive regular outside activity, which effectively promotes their co-ordination, general physical health and knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's welfare is maintained because the childminder has a good knowledge of child protection and a precise understanding of the different types of abuse and possible signs and symptoms that may indicate a child were at risk. Clear action would be taken and the relevant agency contacted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Most safety issues have been addressed in the home. Although, some electric sockets on the ground floor and a chemical cleanser in the bathroom are accessible to children. The front door has a key in the lock, which can also be accessed by the children. These issues do not fully ensure children's safety and security in the home and could be hazardous. The family have a pet dog. The childminder has effective procedures in place to ensure that children’s health and safety is always maintained with regard to pets. For example, the dog is always in another area of the home, which is cordoned off from the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Play resources are in very good condition and stored safely and attractively for the children's use and enjoyment. The children enjoy regular access to the community and the childminder

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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 ensures they are well supervised and safe when out of the home. She uses a single or double buggy with correct harnessing, children are expected to walk with childminder at all times and they have road safety rules. As a result, children gain an increased understanding of road safety and traffic awareness when out of the home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the setting and have fun. They are becoming competent learners because they are able to explore the resources and discover things for themselves. Children enjoy the good selection of toys and resources, which offer stimulation and interest. They are able to choose their own play and make decisions as the resources are stored extremely well, low level in the conservatory playroom. This helps the children develop responsibility and independence. Children are confident and well settled in the home. They enjoy the company of others and older children support the younger children very well helping them with their play and care. For example older children help others to keep safe in the sun by putting their hats back on when they play in the garden. Subsequently, children develop confidence and emerging social skills through play with their peers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are becoming skilful communicators because the childminder has good interpersonal skills. They relate well to her because she is interested in what they do, is involved at all times and has a warm and loving nature towards the children. Children enjoy her company and will approach her for a cuddle or to sit on her knee.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are comfortable, happy and relaxed in the setting because the childminder welcomes them into the home and forms secure, warm, loving relationships with them. She offers plenty of opportunity for information sharing and works closely with parents, which ensures children’s individual needs are addressed. For example, parents will often stay and have a drink when they arrive to pick up their children. Children receive an appropriate care package because the childminder uses child information records; this ensures she is aware of their personal conditions and individual needs. Contracts however are not currently in place for all children attending, which does not fully clarify the conditions of service the family are to expect.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well in the setting because the childminder promotes good manners and uses positive techniques such as discussion, distraction, praise and encouragement. This helps children learn about acceptable behaviour and right from wrong. All techniques are appropriate for the understanding of the child. For example, a very young child became upset because he wanted a toy another child had and was trying to pull it off him. The childminder distracted the young child and used simple discussion to engage him in play with another toy. Child happy with new activity and dispute overcome without further upset.

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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 begin to develop a healthy attitude towards others and learn about the wider world and community because the childminder provides them with dollies, a variety of small world figures and books that portray positive images of all members of society.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel happy and relaxed in an environment where the childminder has positioned resources well for them to explore and initiate their own choices of play and learning. Furniture is organised effectively to provide enough space for their comfort and ease.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation is in place and overall working practices support children's care, most aspects of safety, learning and play. The childminder has a knowledge of first aid, however does not hold a valid formal qualification, this does not ensure all accidents and emergencies are dealt with effectively and appropriately. She is aware of the requirements of registration and generally maintains satisfactory standards. The needs of all the children are met within the setting.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Previously the childminder was asked to make a number of improvements to her documentation and recording of information. To also ensure that children can easily access a wide range of toys to encourage their independence and have opportunity to develop creative skills and use their imagination. Aspects of safety and security were also highlighted for improvement.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since inspection, the childminder has moved house and now provides a conservatory playroom that has all resources stored low level, organised extremely well in boxes and drawers that the children can access easily. She has also extended her resources. For example, children enjoy creative and imaginative play through use of crayons, pencils, play dough, felt tips, gluing and craft equipment, an easel, acrylic paints, colouring books, small world play figures, playhouses, cars and garage, kitchen, play food, tools and workbench, dollies, buggy and dressing up clothes.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Documentation is now place to record accidents, incidents and existing injuries and attendance of children. Written consent for emergency medical treatment and for taking children out of the home has now been obtained. Improvement to documentation and recording ensures that children's individual needs are clearly addressed and evidence ratio's are maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Fire safety for children has improved as smoke detectors are in place on both levels of the home. The front door is locked and rear garden secure, although the key is currently kept in the lock of the front door and does not fully ensure children will not independently exit the home.

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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 satisfactory. 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 • improve health and hygiene practice in regard to nappy changing routine • ensure children cannot access electric sockets or chemicals and improve security measures • ensure that a written agreement is in place for the care of children

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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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