Geoffrey Field Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 109782 Inspection date 14 June 2005 Inspector Brenda Joan Flewitt

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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 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and four years in the residential area of Creekmoor in Poole, Dorset. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with sleeping and toilet facilities provided on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under the age of four years on a part time basis. The family have one pet cat to which the children have supervised access.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the 'Children Come First' childminding network. She is also the group leader for the local childminding support group. The childminder has gained a certificate in Extending Childminding Practice and is currently studying towards an NVQ 3 certificate in child care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well-maintained family home, where they are beginning to learn good procedures for their own personal hygiene, through discussion and example provided by the childminder. Through the daily routine, and activities like books and puzzles, young children learn that their hands must be clean before eating and after using the toilet. The children are protected from cross infection through the childminder's clear policies and procedures. For example, parents receive clear information to inform them that children must not attend if they have an infectious illness. Children's healthy lifestyle is well promoted, they have nutritious snacks and can regularly access drinks. Children make choices at lunch time from the food provided by parents. The childminder discusses food requirements with parents so that all children benefit from healthy eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children respond well to a semi-structured routine which includes a good balance of physical activity, times to be outside and opportunities to rest and sleep. They regularly enjoy a variety of activities which help their physical development. These include playing in the garden and visits to the play park, where they use large equipment like slides, swings and tunnels. Outings to 'Baby Bounce' means that the very youngest children are involved in physical play which helps them develop skills in moving around.

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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 safe and secure family home where hazards and risks are identified and minimised. They safely move around choosing toys and activities with increasing confidence. For instance young children enjoy finding a book to look at with their childminder from the low level display in the conservatory, and babies choose from developmentally appropriate toys which are arranged within their reach. Children are kept safe on outings through the childminder's effective procedures, which include using appropriate car seats and restraints, and taking first aid equipment with her. Children learn what must happen in an emergency situation in the home as they are involved in regular fire practices. The childminder provides activities like books and puzzles which encourages the children to extend their understanding through pictures and discussion.

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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 The childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues and the Area Child Protection Committee procedures contributes to safeguarding the children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and secure in their childminder's care. They form positive relationships with her and each other. For example, lunch time provides a good social opportunity for the older children to share experiences and events in their lives. All children develop confidence in making choices and asking for help when they need it, as they can be sure of a friendly response from the childminder. Most children are involved in a broad range of activities and experiences that promotes learning in all areas of development. These include books, puzzles, construction and listening to stories. The older children independently find books for the childminder to read so everyone enjoys stories all together. They enjoy using their imagination in role play, for instance, dressing up as a tiger or making a 'cup of tea' for their childminder. The childminder plans in advance using themes to link

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities, such as exploring Greece, which includes opportunities for children to taste different foods, and learn new words through discussion about pictures and stories. The childrens' days include a variety of visits outside the home where they explore their local environment, meet other people and have opportunities to use a wider range of play equipment. They enjoy going for a walk to feed the ducks and choosing their own books at the library. Children reap the benefits of joint outings with other childminders to venues like 'Farmer Palmers', where they learn about the natural world while enjoying the company of their friends. As a result, the children practice social skills as they develop a positive attitude to the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder knows each child well through positive interaction while supporting their activities, and effective communication with parents. Children join in activities appropriate to their age and stage of development. The older children feel important as they help care for younger babies. For instance, the childminder shows her appreciation as she thanks a two-year old child for helping feed the baby her milk. Because there is a good selection of resources that show positive images of diversity, all children develop a sense of belonging as they regularly see pictures of children like themselves in puzzles and books. Children behave very well. They respond positively to the childminder's calm approach. They understand reasons for requests, or what is going to happen, as the childminder takes time to explain clearly in advance.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children gain from the childminder's friendly, yet professional partnership with

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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 parents. The childminder promotes good communication between herself and parents. This includes clear written information about the setting, daily opportunities for discussion and a review meeting every six months. This all contributes to the children's individual needs being met effectively.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to developing her role. She has gained the Extending Childminding Practice Certificate and is now studying towards a further qualification which includes exploring and developing various aspects of caring for children. The good organisation of the premises and structure of the day leads to children being active in a safe environment, resting as individual needs require and their independence skills being promoted. The regular activities organised with other childminders means that children gain confidence with other familiar adults. Therefore, in the event of the childminder being unavailable, such as for holiday or sickness, the children settle more easily with an alternative childminder they already know. Records and documentation are well organised and up to date. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the

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Organisation

children. This means that the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved the system for recording medication and documenting existing injuries. These are now individual sheets, dated and signed by parents. The storage of toys and resources has been improved which means that children independently select activities for themselves according to their age and stage of development. The childminder has gained further knowledge of the Area Child Protection Committee procedures, which contributes to the children's safety and welfare.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop the range of activities and experiences further for the youngest children, for example by using the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework

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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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