Spring Vale Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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104330 Unique Reference Number 06 August 2007 Inspection date Jan Healy 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 registered in 1996. She lives with her partner and three children aged 12, 15 and 17 years on the outskirts of Salcombe Regis village, Devon. The children have the use of a sitting room, conservatory, kitchen and bathroom. The first floor is accessed for children to sleep in the two back bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden at the front of the house. The family own a pet dog and two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and currently cares for five children from one to five years of age.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder ensures the children in her care remain clean and free from cross-infection, as she encourages them to wash their hands after touching the pets and before mealtimes, making use of anti-bacterial soap. They have the further advantage of effective hand drying facilities, as each has their own flannel and towel. Children who are sick, are not permitted into

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Helping children to be healthy

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 care of the childminder, for the protection of the other children in the group, and if a child becomes ill during their stay, they are swiftly reunited with their parents, to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is confident to deal with an accident should one occur and the parents are kept informed about any injury to their child. Written parental permission is requested, for the seeking of emergency medical treatment or advice, to prevent the delay in the children from receiving appropriate medical care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children have the advantage of being provided a healthy and nutritious snack mid-morning and afternoon, consisting of fresh and dried fruit with a drink. The older children independently access fresh drinking water, whilst the childminder ensures the younger children have regular drinks, to prevent them from becoming dehydrated, particularly after physical play. The children enjoy their packed lunch provided by their parents, whilst sitting at a dining room table, where they chat to each other about events that are important to them, making for a sociable occasion.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder is well organised, therefore, she arranges the available space to the benefit of the children, as they have the opportunity for both floor activities, for instance, coupling trains and setting up a train track, as well as table top activities, such as board games and the interlocking of jigsaws. The premises remain at a comfortable temperature, so the children are able to play and rest in contentment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The toys and resources are stored within easy reach of the children, aiding their independence in being able to self select the activity of their choice. A child sized table and chairs, further the children's comfort when engaging in pretend play in the outdoor play area. All furniture and equipment are checked for their safety and are in good condition, ensuring they do not pose a hazard to the children. The younger children have the advantage of using a highchair when joining the older children at the dining room table, so they are able to interact easily with each other.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Precautions are taken to ensure the children remain safe at all times, as the childminder takes appropriate steps to eliminate any hazards, for example, she stores dangerous items and sharp objects out of their reach. Electrical sockets are covered to prevent any injury. Safety catches are fitted to the kitchen units, so they are unable to reach inside. Smoke alarms remain in good working order and the children practise an emergency evacuation procedure, so they are familiar with the procedure to leave the premises swiftly in the event of a fire. The children are taught to keep themselves safe, as they are encouraged to pick up their toys off the floor, to prevent them from falling and during outings, they are taught about the importance of road safety. There is a large trampoline in the garden, which the children have use of, however, a risk assessment has not been completed, to ensure all possible safety hazards have been eliminated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder believes that the safety, welfare and protection of the children in her care is paramount, therefore, she attends training courses in child protection issues, to keep herself up to date about current legislation and about the procedure to follow in the event of having a concern about a child. She has strong knowledge and understanding about the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and has a written statement for the parents perusal, so they are kept informed about her responsibility to inform the appropriate authorities should this be necessary.

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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 good. The children have great fun with the childminder, who clearly enjoys their company, as they share a warm and affectionate relationship. They engage in pretend play, dressing up in outfits, pretending to be characters of their choice. They have a wide range of story and resource books, which they look at, turning the pages one at a time. They are taken to the local library, where they select a range of books, which they enjoy listening to, whilst cuddled up with the childminder. The children are taken on outings around their local community, such as, to the local donkey sanctuary, where they learn about the care of the donkeys and about what they eat and drink. They go to the beach, where they collect pebbles and shells, which they make into collages on their return. Crealy Adventure Park is a favourite place for the children, where they learn about nature and the changing seasons. They enjoy picnics in the garden, being

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

accompanied by their teddy. The children are successfully cared for by a friendly and approachable childminder, whom the children look to for comfort and security.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has accurate knowledge with regard to equal opportunities, treating all the children in her care fairly and with respect. Both the boys and the girls are encouraged to make use of all the activities on offer and they have resources that reflect diversity, such as a range of books and dolls. Stereotypical language is avoided. The children are taught, that although everyone is different, all are just as important and to care for the feelings of one another during play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is very aware that there are many learning difficulties children may suffer with. Therefore, she is proactive, in seeking a range of training courses that extend her understanding about many of them, and how to promote the children's progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides a happy and stimulating environment, where the children are treated with kindness and affection. The children respond well to this and enjoy being in her company and want to please her, therefore, they display desirable behaviour. The childminder is consistent in her messages and sets realistic age appropriate boundaries for the safety of the children, for example, they are prevented from sitting on the arms of chairs, to prevent falls. The children are taught social graces and to give consideration to the effect their behaviour has on the other children in the group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder and the parents work in partnership for the benefit of the children. The parents are provided with a written leaflet containing details about the provision offered, so the parents are able to make an informed judgement about whether the care is suitable for their child. Visits are made to acquaint the children with the childminder and with the other children in the group, to ease the transition from home. Written policies and statements keep the parents up to date about any changes in legislation and about the childminder's responsibilities. The parents are made aware about the procedure to follow should they wish to make a complaint, to prevent any delay in resolving a problem. Discussions take place about the progress the children are making and about any concerns noted.

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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. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has many years experience of caring for young children and has precise knowledge about child development and about how children learn. Therefore, she is able to provide them with a wide range of age appropriate activities, which enable them to learn in a secure and safe environment. An attendance record details the times of the children's arrival and departure, so they are accounted for in an emergency. The children are protected from adults who are not vetted, as they are supervised at all times. Records are readily accessible for inspection, so historical checks can be made. Children's personal details are stored confidentially, to protect their personal details.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was requested to form an agreement with the parents about sick children, child protection and behaviour management, all of which is now in written form, keeping the parents up to date about the provision offered and about any relevant changes. The childminder was requested to ensure the toilet was safe for the children to use. The lock on the door has now been removed, so they are unable to lock themselves inside. She was also requested to ensure the children have sufficient access to constructional activities, which they now enjoy, such as building models with 'Lego' and structures of their choice, using recycled boxes, helping to extend the children's imagination.

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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): • conduct a risk assessment of the trampoline, identifying actions to be taken to minimize identified risks

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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 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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