St Michael's Voluntary Controlled Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 111994 Inspection date 05 August 2005 Inspector Rosemary Davies

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 registered in 1995. She lives with her family in a modern five bedroom, semi-detached house in Andover, Hampshire. Shops, parks, a library and other amenities are within walking distance. Minded children use the downstairs rooms of the house and a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. There are no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. Her registration permits her to care for four children under the age of 8 years at any one time. She currently minds four children aged 5 months and 3, 5 and 7 years. The younger two attend full-time, whilst the

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 older ones are minded after school during term-time only. The childminder offers provision for children with special needs.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children exercise regularly either when on picnics, playing in the back garden or during frequent visits to nearby parks. The childminder includes babies and children with special needs on all such outings so everyone benefits from plenty of fresh air. Younger children and babies enjoy moving around indoors too: babies practise rolling over whilst children with special needs do specific daily exercises. Children eat according to their needs. Those who attend full time enjoy food provided from home. The childminder prepares this hygienically and appropriately for individual children. Babies try new flavours and gurgle their enjoyment. Older children, attending part-time, take snacks after school but these are not always healthy. All children drink as needed. Babies and children with special needs drink as quickly or slowly as they wish because the childminder is very patient with them.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection by, for example, changing babies appropriately and disposing of nappies properly and promptly. She makes it clear to parents that children may not be minded when they have infectious illnesses. Older children learn simple hygiene 'rules' such as washing their hands after using the toilet.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. All children play in a safe environment. The childminder gives careful thought to the provision of suitable equipment for children with special needs so that they may be included safely in activities both indoors and out. Younger children go to meet the older ones from school, for example, travelling safely in a suitable buggy. The older children learn about how to keep themselves safe when walking near traffic, holding onto the buggy or staying close to the group. Younger children go out for regular picnics in safety too because the childminder takes sensible precautions in case of emergency such as carrying a First Aid kit. Indoors, the childminder identifies and eliminates potential hazards well for the most part. Older children use the kitchen under supervision where dangerous items such as knives are out of reach and younger ones take meals securely strapped in high chairs. There is good provision of smoke detectors but the kitchen fire blanket is not

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

attached to the wall and an emergency evacuation procedure has not been practised. Children use safe, clean and well-maintained equipment. Babies play with suitable toys and roll over with plenty of room to move in safety. Children's welfare is safeguarded further by the childminder undertaking relevant

p.3

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 training herself. She keeps her first aid skills up to date and has a very good understanding of child protection knowing her responsibilities in this area.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from receiving much individual attention in this childminder's care. Babies clearly enjoy a good range of toys which stimulate them and so aid their development. They stare with fascination at reflections in toy mirrors and show pleasure when using sound-producing toys such as rattles. They hear songs, rhymes sung and conversations going on around them, as well as direct speech from the childminder. This means they may develop their listening and early talking skills appropriately as they grow. Their early coordination skills improve too as they reach for toys to grasp and shake. Children with special needs experience a variety of sensory activities which stimulate their senses. They hear wrist rattles when shaking arms and create other noises through banging suitable toys. The childminder includes them in such activities as, 'Row, row the boat' so that rhythmic movement is experienced too.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children use a wide range of suitable toys and equipment sharing those belonging to the childminder's own children. Children may access these easily although at the time of the inspection, decorating work following the building of an extension, resulted in toys being stored somewhat haphazardly. Children who come after school can relax and play indoors or outside, as they wish.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children flourish in the care of this childminder and have their individual needs attended to. The childminder works extremely closely with parents to find out about their children's specific requirements before they start with her, so that, for example, specialist equipment is available if needed and routines for babies and younger children are followed. Subsequently, parents receive regular information of what their children do and achieve during their time with her. Children with special needs benefit from the childminder making a committed effort to educate herself about their particular conditions, from various sources. This includes excellent liaison with other professionals involved with a child's care, such as physiotherapists. She listens carefully to advice given and acts on it consistently. All children receive equal care and individual attention. They may use all resources

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

provided suited to their stage of development including those, such as dolls and dressing-up clothes, that reflect the diversity of modern life. This household enjoys exceptionally warm, relaxed relationships; babies, for example, show that they are happy and settled. The childminder praises all minded children for what they do well such as trying to stand or taking all their lunch. She

p.4

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 makes clear her expectations for the behaviour of older children so that they know, for example, that they are expected to treat everyone kindly.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children cared for by this experienced childminder benefit from her knowledge and skills, which she uses very well. She does her utmost to find out about the needs of children in her care so that she looks after them appropriately. Children enjoy playing in a child-centred environment in which toys and materials are readily to hand. They receive much individual attention because the childminder is exceptionally well organised and balances the various demands made on her time effectively. All required documentation is in place although the childminder's certificate of registration is not displayed. Records and documents are kept securely, confidentially and readily available for inspection. These contribute to the safe care of the children, as does the very close relationship with parents. Overall, the children's needs are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Following the previous inspection, the childminder was required to improve four aspects of her childminding practice. This she has done. She now provides resources and activities to reflect the diversity of modern life. She has extended her written record keeping so that all legally required permissions, such as parental permission for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment together with a record of medicines given to children along with parental acknowledgement, are in place. Contact numbers of local child protection agencies have been obtained and are readily to hand if needed. These actions have further safe-guarded the welfare of the minded children in her care.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

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): • extend fire-safety precautions by implementing an emergency evacuation procedure • display the Certificate of Registration

p.6

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.6

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.6