Hawkchurch Church of England School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 143187 Inspection date 16 August 2005 Inspector Amanda, Jane Nicholls

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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?

First registered in 1992, the childminder lives with her husband and their child, over 16 years old in a house in Southsea, Portsmouth. With the exception of all first floor rooms, the accommodation, including a garden to the rear of the property, is suitable for its purpose. Overnight care is not included in the childminder's registration to care for 6 children aged under 8 years. Currently, 3 children aged under 5 years are minded on a part-time basis. The family keep small domestic animals.

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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 outstanding. Children have an excellent understanding of good health and hygiene practices. Within daily routines for example, they are able to explain why washing their hands is so important. They exhibit high levels of independency, as they use pump soap and individual towels after toileting and before meals. As a result of the exceptional steps, taken by the childminder to prevent the spread of infection, children are appropriately safeguarded from illness and infection. The food and drink children consume is provided in adequate quantities for their needs. They enjoy fresh milk, water and juice and, according to preferences, seasonal fruit and vegetables. The food they eat is prepared and presented by the childminder to an outstanding standard. Children are well nourished because the childminder works effectively with parents. As a result, the main meals children eat, are suitably balanced to meet their dietary and religious requirements well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children adopt healthy lifestyles through a purposefully designed timetable, where physical exercise is balanced with gentle, restful activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and secure when indoors because the rooms they use are suitable for their purpose. Within a homely environment which is warm and welcoming, children move with high levels of confidence and independence. The vast range of quality equipment, toys and resources that children use, are to a high standard. All are in an excellent condition, are exceptionally clean and beautifully bright. As a result of their accessibility, children are stimulated to use them with purpose and vigour. The sensible steps taken by the childminder to promote safety within the setting, ensures children's welfare is maintained whilst indoors. There is some risk however, to children when playing in the garden. Despite this, the general level of supervision she maintains, reduces the risk of accidents and incidents overall. Good procedures are in place to ensure children are suitably protected from abuse

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and neglect. Her dedicated attention toward them is first class, while her written policy reflects her professional awareness toward her role and responsibility as a childminder.

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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 Children are totally absorbed and engaged in their surroundings, because the range of stimulating activities available to them is outstanding. As a result, they immerse themselves in a balance of experiences both indoors and outside. Within this environment, children are accommodated as individuals. This is as a result of the childminder knowing children well and enjoying their company. Children are encouraged to think and respond, because the childminder allows them time to listen and question their own thoughts and ideas. Their intellectual capabilities are explored through the use of books which, as a result, allow them to realise the enjoyment of language and text. Children show extreme levels of determination and care, they complete their 'nursing' tasks whilst playing with doctors sets, bandaging

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

arms, supported by a childminder who is intently interested in seeing them achieve. Opportunities for children to extend, enhance and affirm their knowledge and learning are maximised through an excellent array of activities and purposeful outings. It is clearly evident from the reactions of children who look at the cheeky actions of characters in books, that they are beginning to distinguish the difference between right and wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are accommodated within a homely environment which promotes equality of opportunity. This is because, the activities and experiences they are offered, support their own individuality and abilities. Children encounter their wider world through regular outings and visits to local attractions such as parks and play areas. Their ability to socialise is enhanced as result of the contact they have with others, whilst outside of the family unit. Children's behaviour is exceptional because the childminder has a high expectation of them to achieve. This is indeed an environment where children belong. Play and learning is based upon fun and laughter. As a result, children and adults work harmoniously together, showing an outstanding respect for each other and the environment around them. Through the childminder's sensitivity and understanding of procedures and protocols, purposeful arrangements are in place to support children including those with special

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs. She works tirelessly with parents in a variety of purposeful and creative ways. Her unfailing interest and dedication is valued by them, all with whom she has established strong, worthwhile and lifelong relationships. They talk warmly about annual events such as the Christmas party. Here, Farther Christmas provides past and present minded children with gifts, while food and drink is prepared which is enjoyable for both adults and children.

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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 are cared for by an adult who is suitable to do so. She holds appropriate qualifications in early years and has a genuine interest in child development and welfare. As a result, this provision has a high regard for the wellbeing of children as individuals. Sensible arrangements ensure appropriate attention is given toward maintaining suitable adult: child ratios. This, as a result, positively supports children's learning and play. Through the well planned timetable of events, children experience a balance of free flow, adult directed and spontaneous activities throughout the day. Purposeful equipment and resources are used to support and enhance their play at all levels of their development. Children achieve because the childminder is interested and absorbed in what they do

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Organisation

and say. As a result, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to attend an appropriate first aid course for childminders. This was completed in May 2003. She also agreed to ensure that the record of attendance is maintained appropriately. This now meets the standard required.

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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 garden pond is made safe.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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