Chetwynd Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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125591 Unique Reference Number 08 October 2007 Inspection date Lilyanne Taylor 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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and two teenage sons in a residential area of Seaview on the Isle of Wight. The whole of the childminder’s bungalow is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. However, the childminder chooses not to allow children access to the bedrooms or to have use of the garden at the present time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently minding one child on a part time basis. The premises are in close proximity to local schools, shops, parks and the beach. The family keep dogs as pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from the spread of infection through the effective procedures and practices the childminder has in place. All areas of the home accessed by children are cleaned

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 daily and work and eating surfaces are cleaned prior to and after use. Children become aware of their own personal hygiene through daily routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Cleaning routines and procedures ensure the premises and equipment provide a healthy and hygienic play environment for children. Parents are informed that sick children are excluded in order to safeguard other children. Children who become unwell whilst being minded are cared for sensitively until their parents arrive to collect them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate procedures are in place for administering medication and dealing with injuries; the childminder has a current first aid certificate and she obtains written permission from parents to deal with any emergency first aid situations. Consequently, children's health is able to be fully protected. Younger children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's snacks and meals are supplied by their parents from home. The childminder maintains a record of allergies children have so if she did supply any food then children's dietary requirements would be met. Children are offered drinks throughout the time they spend with the childminder which ensure they do not go thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Although children do not have access to the garden at the premises the childminder compensates for this well; she ensures children have regular opportunities to be out in the fresh air each day so they experience and enjoy a range of outdoor activities which aid their physical development. For example, children are taken on walks around the local area and on outings to the beach, adventure play parks and farms.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a secure environment which enables them to move around freely. Children are constantly supervised and the childminder carries out a risk assessment of all areas children have access to and takes appropriate action with hazards she identifies, which ensures children are kept safe. For example, the childminder is not allowing children to have use of the rear garden at this time because there is a low level fish pond that is not covered.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Procedures in place to cover the childminder's absence in the event of an emergency or in the event of a child not being collected ensure children are kept safe. Systems in place ensure children are only collected by persons their parents have authorised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder carefully organises resources and play equipment; younger children's toys are kept at a low level and all equipment and toys are checked as used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

In the event of a fire children would be able to exit the premises safely; the childminder has an emergency evacuation procedure in place. The childminder keeps a record of children attending each day so it is clear to see the actual time they are in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and her responsibilities for ensuring the well-being of children is safeguarded all of the time. Parents are informed of the procedures the childminder would follow should she have any concerns regarding their children's well-being. She has systems in place to record and discuss with parents any injuries their children may arrive with and is fully aware of the procedures she should follow should an allegation be made against herself or other members of the household.

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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 have access to a range of age appropriate toys both indoors and outdoors. Play resources are stored in an accessible manner in the main lounge so that children can access them easily. This has a significant impact on them being able to play freely and independently. For example, children freely play with small world toys, hand held toys and look at books for pleasure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a clear understanding of young children's development, which is promoted by her good organisation of the day; there is a good balance of active play and quieter activities. The childminder provides many learning opportunities for children throughout the day. For example, she talks to children about the colours and shapes of the animals they are playing with, and while looking at books she encourages children to help turn the pages.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have high levels of self-esteem as the childminder recognises and praises their achievements. Children relate well to the childminder and enjoy her company while they play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder welcomes all children into her care. She finds out about their individual needs and takes these into account with the care she provides which contributes significantly to their well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are able to make their own choices of activities from the range of resources available. They become aware of the boundaries and behavioural expectations of the setting through the clear and consistent guidance they receive, which is appropriate to their age and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good rapport and working relationship the childminder establishes with parents. The effective two-way sharing of information on a daily basis ensures children are provided with continuity of care, appropriately supported and their individual needs met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

New children feel welcomed and secure. They are able to attend pre-visits with their parents so they get to know the childminder and the environment in which they will be cared for. The childminder explains to parents the operational procedures of the provision and children's initial hours of attendance are able to be flexible. This ensures the child's transition from home to the childminder's is smooth and they settle well in a home from home environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are informed of the procedures they should follow if they have any views or concerns about the provision. Systems in place ensure that should the childminder receive any written concerns from parents about the provision or the care their child has received, these are dealt with appropriately. However, the childminder has not formalised the procedures she would follow to show how she would maintain a record of any such complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are appropriately cared for by a childminder who is suitably qualified and experienced. The childminder has knowledge of first aid and procedures, policies and records that are in

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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 place contribute to children's health, safety and well-being. The childminder ensures children are only cared for by persons that have been suitably vetted; in the event of her absence, arrangements in place ensure children will be cared for by her registered assistants.

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Organisation

Children feel comfortable, happy and relaxed in a stimulating environment. The childminder provides a friendly environment where children feel at home and at ease. Indoor play space is laid out to maximise children's play opportunities and activities they are provided with, which supports their development in all areas.

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Organisation

Parents are welcomed into the home and kept informed of the care their child has received. The childminder displays her registration certificate so parents are able to see how many children may be cared for at any one time. The childminder is aware that information she holds about children is confidential so is careful to keep it safely.

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Organisation

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 was asked to develop a system of observations to identify children's next steps to development and to keep a record when assistants are present.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder discusses with parents her observations of their children's progress and then with their agreement plans future activities to support their further development. For example, she has noticed that children do not have many opportunities to socialise with other children so her plans for supporting their development and progress in this area is to take them to a local toddler group session. The childminder does not regularly work with an assistant, however, she has systems in place should they be present so it would be clear to see whose care children have been in.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 1 April 2004 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):

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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 • formalise the procedures in place for dealing with complaints that may be received from parents so it is clear to see how they would be recorded

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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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