Skegness Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 120474 Inspection date 28 July 2005 Inspector Hilary Knight

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1994. She lives with her husband and two children aged twelve and nine in a house in Camberley, Surrey. The property is within walking distance of local shops, schools and parks. All areas of the property are being used for childminding. Sleep facilities are located on the first floor. The family have two guinea pigs as family pets. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding two children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a sufficient range of physical activities that contribute to their good health. They have regular visits to the park and develop physical skills and self-confidence as they attend toddler groups and run around in the local park. Children benefit from having a quiet time for relaxation through either sleep or a calmer activity such as listening to stories. They learn about the importance of hand washing through basic explanations and routines of the day. However, accidents and incidents are shared with parents but are not recorded confidentially. Children benefit from relaxed meal times, which promote social interaction as they sit together at the table and eat. The childminder works with parents to ensure that a nutritious diet is followed either with food that parents have made or by providing healthy food and snacks. Drinks are available to children at all times promoting their

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to access a good range of toys and resources to promote their development. The childminder cleans and checks toys for damage and discards any that are broken, so that children can play safely and independently. She has sufficient knowledge of child protection issues and procedures to protect children from harm and ensures that all children are collected from a known and responsible adult. Security precautions taken by the childminder contribute to child safety. Children are supervised at all times and are protected from adults who are not police checked. She has a back-up childminder in the event of an emergency and ensures that parents and children meet her at the initial interview. The premises are safe and secure and children are safe on outings by using appropriate car seats and restraints.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children’s self-esteem and confidence is promoted through their relationship with the childminder, who offers appropriate levels of guidance and support. They experience a range of planned activities both inside and outside the home. Younger children develop their creative skills through making meaningful marks on paper with crayons or finger paints. Their mathematical knowledge is developed through puzzles and the use of counting through everyday activities such as counting toy animals. Children’s social skills are cultivated through relationships with other children and learning about the importance and impact of sharing with others. Regular outings to other

p.3

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 childminders houses and toddler groups also encourage these skills.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s self-esteem is developed through clear, consistent guidance regarding behaviour management. They receive praise and encouragement to promote acceptable behaviour. The childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of issues related to caring for children with special needs. She promotes equal opportunities for all children so that children can self-select toys and resources which promote diversity of the wider world we live in. Children benefit from continuity of care as the childminder writes about children’s achievement in a diary which she gives to parents’ on a daily basis. However, written policies and procedures about the provision and the childminder’s responsibilities regarding children’s welfare are not shared with parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s needs are developed through good quality care as the childminder chooses to care for two minded children at any one time. The areas used for play are safe and welcoming; the resources are stored at low level to develop children’s confidence and independence. The childminder holds an appropriate first aid qualification and is interested in attending training on Birth to three matters. Documentation is organised and stored appropriately, however; to promote children’s welfare further, an attendance register needs to be signed by parents and the childminder on a regular basis. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved her knowledge and understanding regarding special needs and child protection procedures.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.4

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.

p.4

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

p.4

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 children's confidentiality with regard to entries in the accident/incident book • develop written policies and procedures to inform parents about the provision and care that is being offered • maintain an attendance register for children which is signed on a regular basis by parents and childminder

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5