Colyton Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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113067 Unique Reference Number 05 September 2007 Inspection date Jacqueline Munden 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 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 1995. She lives with her husband and their two children in Totton, Hampshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

All areas of the childminder’s home are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives within walking distance of local shops, schools and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a certificate in first aid.

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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 good. Children’s good health is effectively promoted by the childminder who has a good understanding of health, hygiene and nutrition. Children's good health is promoted as they learn the importance of washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. She provides disposable towels to prevent cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a diet that is healthy and nutritious and in line with their parents' wishes. Children enjoy healthy snacks, such as dried and fresh fruit, and drinks are always available. The childminder encourages children to eat healthily as she displays posters and gives information to parents to promote this further. Children's health records are kept up to date, including accidents and the administration of medication. The childminder is well-prepared to respond to emergencies; she is trained in first aid, carries a first aid kit and children's emergency contact details on outings and has relevant parental consent.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder recognises the benefits of daily exercise for children. They learn about the environment as they have regular walks in the local community, for example, they collect leaves to make a collage. Children develop large muscles as they use the wide range of play equipment in the garden. Children develop large muscle skills as they use the slide, balls and hoops.

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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 clean, safe and secure environment. They have ample space to play and move around safely. Children can freely access a wide range of play equipment, all of which is clean, safe and in good condition and promotes diversity. They benefit from seeing their work displayed in the child centred playroom.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues. She gives high priority to ensuring risks and hazards are minimised and that children's safety is promoted in and outside the home. This is done by conducting risk assessments of the home and of planned outings. Fire safety is well promoted; a fire blanket is available in the kitchen, smoke detectors are fitted throughout the house and the emergency evacuation plan is practised regularly with children. Children's safety is protected in an emergency as the childminder has an effective contingency plan in place that parents are informed of.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children. She has attended training and recognises her role and responsibilities in keeping children safe from harm. However, her written policy does not reflect the procedure she will follow if she has a concern. The childminder has obtained parental consent to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded, for example, permission to take photographs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well at the childminder's home, and happily explore the activities on offer. They are familiar with the daily routine and relate well to the childminder who offers a nurturing environment. The childminder uses the Birth to three matters framework to plan activities and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 assess young children's progress. Her verbal intervention ensures that young children become skilful communicators. They enjoy listening to stories and taking part in the actions of well known ones, such as 'Going on a Bear Hunt'. Children have many opportunities to express themselves and use their imaginations through role play and creative play. This helps develop their self confidence. They relish in taking turns to sing rhymes. The childminder plans activities around topics for all ages of children she cares for; this recently included a visit to the beach. This was extended as all children created a large wall collage of a sea-side scene, each adding their own ideas. Children benefit from the wide range of resources provided that meet their interests and developmental needs. The childminder is skilled in ensuring all children are included

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

in activities. Children are involved in making and using instruments. These include shakers and drums from food containers. Tapping sticks have been brightly painted and varnished by the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children flourish in the childminder's care. They are welcomed and play a full part in their day because the childminder respects each child's individuality. The childminder knows the children well and ensures their immediate needs are met regarding eating and sleeping. Children develop independence as they learn to manage themselves when using the toilet and put their shoes in the correct place. They increase in confidence and have high self-esteem as the childminder praises and values their achievements. They feel valued as their art work is displayed. Children are regularly offered choices of what and when to eat and what to play with. The childminder has a very calm and consistent approach to behaviour management. Children learn to share and take turns with the toys. They learn good manners as they are reminded to say please and thank you. She praises and encourages them at every opportunity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about other religions and cultures through planned activities and the wide range of resources that promote positive images of race, disability and gender. The childminder has a positive attitude to supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She works closely with parents and other professionals ensuring they are supported appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. Effective communication takes place between the childminder and parents and they work together to meet the children's individual needs. This includes written records of events in daily diaries and regular discussions. Parents are provided with a good range of information written and verbal to support the care of children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's good organisation skills. The environment is welcoming and well planned so that children can move around freely and independently. Children get a wide range of play experiences and are well stimulated. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The childminder is well qualified and committed to improving her skills by attending training. She is nearing completion of the Quality First accreditation scheme. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the National Standards and child development. She keeps up to date with current regulation and guidance. All of the required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and stored confidentially.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection a recommendation was made to request written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Children's health is now better protected as the required parental consent has been obtained allowing the childminder to act appropriately in a medical emergency.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • ensure the written child protection policy reflects practice.

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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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