Stanburn Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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102214 Unique Reference Number 26 September 2007 Inspection date Heather Tanswell 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 1998. She lives with her daughter in the centre of Ponsanooth, between Falmouth and Redruth, in Cornwall. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Children use the upstairs for rest in a cot only. There is a secure garden to the front of the cottage.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding eight children, aged between one and eight, all on a part time basis. The childminder drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and carer toddler group, takes children to the local library and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the Cornwall Childminding Association (CCMA), the National Childminding Association (NCMA), and the Truro Childminding Network.

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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 good. Children are well cared for in a comfortable and clean home where standards of hygiene are good. Children's health is protected by the childminder who recognises and takes action to reduce the possible risk from cross infection. The childminder wears disposable gloves for nappy changing, uses antibacterial wipes to clean the changing mat, and provides individual flannels and separate cotton towels for every child to dry their hands. Tables and high chairs wiped down meticulously between each use keep them clean and hygienic. Children acquire good personal hygiene routines as they learn to wash their hands thoroughly under running water after using the toilet, and before meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is promoted well in full co-operation with their parents. The childminder is wiling to provide healthy meals for children that appeal to their tastes, however, most children come with food from home. The childminder's attendance at training specifically aimed at promoting children's health through rigorous food safety procedures, ensures all food from home stays fresh, and is properly re-heated. Children eat at their own pace and at times that suit them best. Drinking water is always readily available to make sure they drink enough.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular exercise out in the fresh air, weather permitting. They can run about, swing, slide, climb in the garden and pedal and push ride on toys. Regular outings to local places of interest and walks into the countryside ensure children develop their stamina and strength. Children receive appropriate care if an accident occurs. The childminder keeps her training in first aid fully up to date and ensures individual first aid kits are readily available at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is given high priority. The childminder uses her years of experience to monitor children's use of the home and garden to keep them safe from harm. Fences, gates and locked doors maintain children's security at all times. Fireguards, stair gates and socket covers keep children well away from hazards. Children learn how to stay safe as the childminder talks to them about how to handle sharp tools such as scissors. Weekly checks on smoke alarms and fire evacuation practises ensure children are alert to danger and know what to do if an incident occurs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children gain safe access to the wide range of good quality toys made readily available for them in the lounge and playroom. Additional areas of the home and resources are made readily available for children to use. For example, an area of the lounge is separated off so that older children can use the computer and travel cots placed in quiet bedrooms for babies to rest undisturbed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded from harm as the childminder has a good understanding of how to recognise, record and report any concerns she may have. The childminder stores relevant literature about child protection issues on file. However, she has not used the latest guidance document to keep her policy fully up to date.

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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. Children arrive happy and settle quickly to play with their favourite toys. They enjoy looking at books, listening to stories, and using their imagination to act out scenarios from their home-life experiences, for example, shopping and cooking. Children socialise with other children and adults in the community through regular visits to the local toddler group. Outings to local tourist attractions including animal sanctuaries and gardens open to the public ensure children experience and learn about the natural world they inhabit. Children also learn how local religious and cultural festivals such as the autumn harvest compare with others, for example, the Jewish celebration of Sukkoth.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn through play, stories, conversations and exploration, because the childminder plans a range of worthwhile activities linked to all six areas of learning and development. Walks in the countryside become nature trails with opportunities to examine bugs more closely. Children collect natural material such as leaves and cones, and use them imaginatively to create animals such as hedgehogs. Sharing books become opportunities to learn as they talk about how birds raise their chicks from eggs and remember the blue-tits in the nest box they observed earlier in the year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Great care is taken to find out all about their needs and routines before being left in the childminders' care for the first time. This ensures the childminder has time to adapt her practise to ensure she is able to meet children's individual requirements. The childminder is responsive to children emotional needs. Comforters stay with the child as long as they want them close by.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Written accounts of the child's day are shared between parents and the childminder. Text messages and photographs sent to parents provide up to date information and illustrations of what their child is enjoying during the day. Detailed information, professionally produced makes sure parents know what to expect about how the childminder manages her business, and the care and welfare of their children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder uses minor disputes as a tool to help children understand the benefits of sharing. She acts as a good role model, offering children alternative activities or the opportunity to calm down and join in with reading a book. Children help tidy away as part of the daily routine. Children take part in activities and handle a range of resources that show positive images of other cultures, as the childminder plans to celebrate festivals from cultures all around the world throughout the year, linked to local events. As a result, children learn respect for how people live their lives.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a suitably qualified childminder who is keen to update her knowledge and skills through training. The home is well organised to ensure children's safety and security, as they play and rest. Regular outings ensure children experience a range of play activities throughout the week. Children particularly benefit from the trusting relationship the childminder

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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 develops with their parents and the two-way exchange of information about their care needs and activities.

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Organisation

All the required policies and procedures are in place with some needing only minor amendments to make them fully up to date. The childminder's commitment to the implementation of these policies promotes the welfare of children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to make freestanding radiators safe or inaccessible to children. The central heating system has now been extended and the freestanding radiators removed to ensure children stay warm and safe at all times.

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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): • update policies and procedures to have regard for the latest standards and guidance documents • keep an exact record of times of arrival and departure of children.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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