Grove Road Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 129144 Inspection date 09 September 2005 Inspector Jill Nugent

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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 registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and three children, aged 8, 9 and 14, in a house in Hatfield. She uses the whole of the house for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play. The family has one cat and two guinea pigs. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight at any one time. Currently she is minding four children under five and one child over five. She goes to local schools to take and collect children.

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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. The childminder has good procedures in place to promote children's health. She has recently changed her system for recording medication and accidents and these are completed appropriately. Her first aid box is accessible and well stocked. If children become ill she contacts a parent immediately. Any sick children are excluded from her care so that other children are protected from infection. The family pets are well looked after. Cleaning equipment used for pets is kept separately from any used for the house. The childminder ensures that the premises and toys are clean. She takes the precaution of wearing gloves for nappy changing. Children are becoming aware of hygienic practices. They know why they should wash their hands after going to the toilet and before eating. Consequently, children keep healthy in her care. Children have a varied and healthy diet. Some bring their own food and others eat

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Helping children to be healthy

food provided by the childminder. They enjoy sandwiches and fruit for lunch and cooked dinners in the evening. They have drinking water available throughout the day. The childminder is strict about using healthy ingredients and liaises with parents to ensure children are well nourished. Children have opportunities for physical activity. They choose from a selection of ride-on toys in the garden. They like playing with bats and balls and enjoy visits to the local parks. Very young children are encouraged to practise walking, holding hands with the childminder. Overall children get plenty of exercise and keep fit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. They generally play downstairs and the front door and side gate are kept locked so that they are safe. The childminder has minimised hazards by fitting cupboard locks and socket covers. She has a procedure for lost children and an emergency evacuation plan, although she has not practised this with the children. Consequently, children would be unaware of what to do in an emergency. When children sleep upstairs they are kept safe through the use of a baby monitor. If playing in the garden they are not allowed to use the large trampoline, although the childminder is considering fitting a net for safety. They learn about road safety when out and about. Generally children keep safe at all times. Children use a wide variety of resources which are all checked for safety. They are in good condition and suitable for children of different ages. The childminder renews

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

them regularly to cater for children's differing interests. She has recently purchased new musical instruments so that they can form a band. Children are learning to play safely, for instance, watching out when babies are busy exploring toys. The childminder keeps a record of any existing injuries in children. She has a knowledge of child protection issues and is about to update her training. She has a written statement so that parents are aware of her commitment to seek advice and report

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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 concerns. Consequently, children are well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children show interest in their play and are forming close relationships with the childminder. They sometimes play independently but also like to share books and sing songs. They enjoy conversation with the childminder and talk about their families and friends. Children are gaining in confidence. Young ones approach the childminder with toys of their own choosing and older ones ask for particular resources, for example, playdoh. They enjoy mixing the different colours of the playdoh, rolling and cutting it into shapes. The childminder extends their play through conversation. Children enjoy her interaction and play contentedly. Children are developing skills, for example, they learn how to make sounds using a rain stick. They are learning to recognise letters and numerals. The childminder encourages older children to support babies in their play. She makes use of the 'Birth to three matters' and likes to help older children develop their skills. During the week

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they go to toddler groups and also the library, market and shops. They take part in creative activities, often during the school holidays, and they go on special outings. They recently enjoyed a trip to a farm. Overall they have good opportunities for joining in different experiences. They mix with other children and make progress in their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel supported and included. Babies enjoy being cuddled while older children sit alongside to share books. The older ones spend time with the childminder while younger ones sleep. Sometimes the younger children are restricted to a particular area so that older ones can play undisturbed. The childminder meets children's individual needs well. She responds to older children's need for a cuddle at times. She encourages them to use the bathroom independently but keeps an eye on them. She responds to a baby's need for extra support by asking parents for familiar toys. Children have increasing self-esteem. They make choices and then receive help from the childminder. She finds fresh vegetables for those wanting to feed the guinea pigs and supervises while they cut them up and take them out. Overall children receive good support and have a sense of belonging. Children behave well and show an awareness of their boundaries. The childminder is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

firm and has strategies for dealing with inappropriate behaviour. She makes sure parents are aware that children's behaviour is different when they are present. She encourages positive behaviour and children are therefore aware of how to behave responsibly. She has a good working partnership with parents. They receive a set of her policies and exchange information with the childminder at the end of each day. Children benefit from the use of link books which improve the communication between childminder and parents. The childminder is intending to make photograph

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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 books for each child too. Parents are highly satisfied with her provision and their children's care is therefore enhanced through this partnership.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has recently purchased new documents which have improved the organisation of her paperwork. She maintains an up-to-date register of attendance. She is interested in attending training and is about to renew her first aid certificate and attend Child Protection and Food Hygiene courses. The children's well-being is a priority and they benefit from her experience and earlier training as a nursery nurse. She makes good use of the available space to enable children to play freely. They enjoy good access to resources in the front room, which doubles as a playroom. They like having the choice of a small or large table for eating. They have good access to the garden. Overall children feel secure and happy. The childminder meets the needs of all children in her care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to obtain permission for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. She has now obtained written permission from all parents.

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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): • practise the evacuation plan regularly so that children are aware of what to do in the event of an emergency.

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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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