The Park First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 129873 Inspection date 15 September 2005 Inspector Hilary Preece

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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 was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband, adult son and daughter aged 13. They live in a house in Bushey within walking distance of local shops, schools and a park. Childminding takes place in a large playroom converted from the garage, with access to a dining area and kitchen. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part-time basis and three further children after school. The childminder takes and collects children from the local

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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 school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends the local childminding group. She has completed Hertfordshire Quality Standards quality assurance scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are very well nourished. They take an active part in preparing their meals which helps develop their interest in good nutrition. They spread their sandwiches and choose from a range of healthy fillings, including home-grown tomatoes. They learn about healthy eating by making posters and tasting unusual tropical fruits. Children always have access to a drink. Children's health and physical development is further promoted by regular opportunities for exercise and fresh air. They walk to school, run about in the garden and use a range of outdoor equipment. They manipulate salt dough with their hands which helps develop fine motor control. Children can rest in the playroom whenever they are tired. Children stay healthy because there are strict hygiene procedures to protect them. They are protected from the spread of infection as the childminder keeps the premises clean, wears gloves to change nappies and is careful to handle and store

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Helping children to be healthy

food correctly. Children are helped to understand that washing their hands after using the toilet helps keep them healthy. They benefit from a very clear sickness policy which ensures their welfare is paramount.

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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 very secure and safe environment. They are not exposed to danger as risks have been identified and minimised. Children move around freely in an effectively organised play room. They can easily access an excellent range of safe and stimulating equipment. They also understand what equipment is not suitable. For instance, that babies and younger children may choke on small beads. They are learning how to keep safe in other ways. They understand not to put their knife in their mouth when eating and know not to open the door to anyone. They are kept safe on outings because the childminder teaches road safety and closely supervises them so they stay close. Children's safety is reinforced by effective policies and procedures. Risk assessments are carried out in some instances, for example in the garden, to ensure that safety remains a high priority at all times. They practise an emergency drill each

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

month and older children are taught how to telephone for help. Their welfare is further protected because the childminder has secure knowledge of child protection issues. She would follow the appropriate course of action if she had concerns about a child.

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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 outstanding. Children are extremely confident and secure. They enjoy a broad range of stimulating activities and outings. Younger children learn to socialise at toddler groups and all children enjoy outings to the park and farm. Children choose what they want to play with and receive excellent support that helps maintain their interest. They learn new skills and knowledge through their play because the childminder seizes every learning opportunity. They proudly count to ten and recognise numbers when playing hopscotch games. They learn about shapes when cutting sandwiches into squares and triangles, and count slices of cucumber. They respond well to challenge and keenly ask lots of questions when sharing books together. Children have wonderful opportunities to express their creativity through art, music and drama. They explore musical instruments and love to dance using a disco dance

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

mat. They relish opportunities to role play and make up their own stories. They develop confidence through performing fairy tales to an invited audience with each child taking an active part appropriate to their stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely polite and co-operative, and thrive on praise. They understand the clear boundaries for behaviour and know what is expected of them. They play an active part in the setting and share responsibilities. For instance, they eagerly help clear the table and wash up their lunch plates. Children exercise choice in their play and the childminder ensures that all have equal chances. They have high self-esteem because everything they do and say is valued. Their pictures are attractively displayed on the play room walls and they enjoy looking at photos of themselves taking part in activities at the setting. Children are becoming aware of the differing needs of other people. Regular visits to the childminder's parents help children understand that older people have differing needs to their own. Children also learn about the wider world through planned activity

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Helping children make a positive contribution

days. They celebrate French, Italian and Chinese lifestyles by dressing up in national costume and tasting foods. Their awareness of diversity is further promoted by some excellent resources. Children have their individual needs met because the childminder is flexible and works effectively with parents. Children quickly settle and feel secure as she is particular about finding out how she can provide for their specific needs and routines. There is an honest and trusting relationship with the parents. They receive clear information about the setting and their children's progress through robust policies and delightful daily diaries. Feedback from parents is welcomed and their views respected.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's high regard for the well-being of all children. She continually evaluates her practice and responds appropriately in order to improve. She generally keeps up to date with training and succeeds particularly well in putting into practice what she has learned. She plans a wealth of play and learning opportunities and uses her space and resources thoughtfully to provide welcoming play space for children of all ages. She is beginning to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to provide further opportunities for the younger children. The childminder has implemented robust policies and procedures that promote children's welfare, care and learning. Documentation is thorough and managed well. Information is shared readily with parents so they are kept well informed. The childminder has developed an efficient colour coded chart to ensure she always

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Organisation

meets the appropriate adult to child ratio. The provision effectively meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder improve methods of sharing information with parents and ensure they are informed who will provide cover in an emergency. Children's progress is now effectively shared through the use of an informative daily diary. Older children are encouraged to write their own entries in the diary and this gives them a sense of responsibility and belonging to the setting. Parents are also provided with a list of the names and contact details of those people who may cover the childminder in an emergency. This ensures children's safety in an emergency.

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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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • extend your knowledge and understanding of special needs, and further enhance the outcomes for children from birth to three years, by using an approach in line with Birth to three matters.

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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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