Attlee Road Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 111648 Inspection date 20 September 2005 Inspector Jacqueline, Ann Connell

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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 has been registered since 1994. She is registered to care for 6 children under 8 years, of whom, no more than 3 may be under 5 years and of these no more than 1 may be under 1 year. She is not registered to provide overnight care. She currently cares for 5 pre-school children, on a part time basis, and 3 school aged children. She lives with her husband and their two school aged children in a detached house which is situated close to the hospital and railway station in Winchester. Minded children have access to the living room, dining room, kitchen and cloakroom

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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 downstairs while the upstairs is used for sleeping purposes and occasional play for older children. There is a garden with patio and lawn areas. The childminder regularly takes children to parent and toddler groups, music groups and activity groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health and physical development. They have frequent opportunities for outdoor play in the garden or at local parks and recreation grounds. They benefit from regular walks through the woods and they eagerly develop and practise their physical skills as they peddle their bikes, play on the sit-and-ride toys or visit an activity centre. Children are cared for in a clean home where they learn about personal hygiene through good daily routines and through discussion with the childminder. For example, they begin to understand the importance of washing their hands after visiting the toilet, before mealtimes and after playing outside. Their good health is encouraged by regular opportunities for rest and quiet times and effective procedures which help to protect them from illness and infection. Children learn the importance of having regular drinks and are encouraged to help

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Helping children to be healthy

themselves when they feel thirsty. They develop their social skills as they enjoy mealtimes together. The childminder works very closely with parents to ensure she is meeting the children's individual dietary requirements and she has good procedures for storing food supplied by parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are secure in the clean, friendly home and find the attractive pictures displayed on the walls very welcoming. They develop confidence as they move around safely and freely in the well planned space. Risks are minimised because the childminder gives high priority to children's safety, identifies potential hazards within the home and has appropriate procedures for taking children out. Children learn how to keep themselves safe through discussion with the childminder. For instance, they learn about road safety as they walk to and from the local school. Children independently select their own toys from the broad range of good quality toys and play materials, which meet safety standards. They enjoy making choices from the colourful and attractive storage containers. They keep free from harm because the childminder checks the equipment regularly and ensures that it is safe

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and clean for them. They play with toys which are appropriate for their age and stage of development as she carefully supervises their choice of equipment.

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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 has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate and is very aware of her professional duty to protect children. She understands the child protection procedures

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enter the childminder's house eagerly and quickly become involved in their play. New children settle extremely well as a result of the thorough settling-in procedures, which take account of their needs. Children are very confident in their relationship with the childminder who welcomes them warmly and offers consistent support and encouragement. They become independent as they choose from the extensive selection of toys and equipment, which provide challenge and cover all their developmental needs. Children thoroughly enjoy the informally planned activities which extend their learning. For example, they like to play with construction toys, dressing-up clothes and play-dough. Older children enjoy baking cakes. Children relate very well to one another and show great pleasure in being together. They develop their communication skills as they look at books together, engage in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

informal conversations or visit a music group. They learn to socialise with other children and adults through regular attendance at toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a very good relationship with the childminder who knows them well and responds to their individual and specific needs. This helps them to feel valued and respected as individuals. Children become aware of the wider world and learn to develop a positive attitude towards others through regular outings and discussion. However, there are limited resources to encourage their awareness of diversity. Children know and understand the clear ground rules for behaviour and behave well. For instance, they know that they must take turns and share their toys. They learn to show care and concern to one another. They respond positively to the childminder's consistent praise and encouragement. The childminder develops excellent relationships with parents. She works extremely closely with them in order to follow the children's home routines. She has a daily exchange of information and offers parents support and encouragement so that they

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Helping children make a positive contribution

work together to get the best outcome for the child. She gives them clear information about her policies and procedures to help them understand how she organises her business.

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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 Children feel secure and comfortable in the homely, organised environment and are familiar with the daily routine. The childminder plans this around the children's needs and combines a good balance of activities with periods for rest and quiet play. The childminder understands that increased contact with other childminders, and further training, will contribute to her knowledge of childcare and childminding issues. She recognises that she has a limited knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities and sometimes misses opportunities to encourage the children’s awareness of other people and the wider world. She has the required policies, procedures and documentation to ensure the children's health, safety and welfare are promoted. Overall , the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide more equipment to show a positive image of disability. She has obtained some appropriate toys and intends to continue searching for additional suitable play materials. This means that, by playing with these toys, children's awareness of disability is increasing.

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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): • increase knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities and extend the range of resources which encourage children's awareness of diversity.

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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 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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