Benhurst Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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102273 Unique Reference Number 18 December 2007 Inspection date Nicola Jayne Pascoe 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 1997. She lives with her husband, two adult children and one senior school aged child, in Penryn, Cornwall. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 three children under five. Two of these children attend on a full-time basis and one on a part-time basis. The childminder drives to local toddler groups. She also visits the local library, toy library, local park and the childminder support group. The family has several goldfish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the Cornwall Childminding Association (CCMA).

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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 and babies play on clean floors with hygienic toys, equipment and resources. They are developing an awareness of familiar health and hygiene routines, which include regular nappy changes and hand and face washing. Individual face cloths and hand towels are used to avoid the risk of cross-infection. The childminder follows good procedures for nappy changing, she uses a clean baby changing mat, wears latex gloves and disposes of soiled nappies hygienically. Accident and medication records show that the childminder cares for children sensitively and appropriately and records of children's health are shared with parents and carers.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children and babies have access to the outdoors each day to enjoy fresh air and physical exercise. They are dressed appropriately in hats and coats to keep them warm and cosy. There is evidence that children who are poorly are cared for sensitively until a parent can collect them. Children and babies have free access to fresh drinking water at all times. A healthy range of snacks are provided by the childminder during the day and children bring their own lunch from home, which the childminder stores, re-heats and serves hygienically. Meals and snack times are social occasions when children develop good manners and healthy eating habits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and babies are safeguarded very well by the conscientious childminder, who uses age appropriate safety equipment and suitable toys and resources. She closely supervises children and babies at all times and demonstrates a proactive attitude towards maintaining their safety above all else. Children and babies use suitable booster seats and restraints to sit comfortably at the kitchen table, they are also appropriately and safely seated when being transported in the car. Doors have safety stoppers to ensure little fingers do not get trapped and outdoors there is a fully enclosed decked terrace, to provide a safe and secure area in which children and babies may play outside each day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children and babies practise very regular fire evacuation procedures with the childminder to develop their confidence and familiarity. The childminder has considered and developed suitable evacuation procedures to follow, in the event that young babies and children may be sleeping upstairs. Fire safety equipment is serviced and tested regularly. The childminder is active in explaining to children and babies how to use toys and resources safely, so not to hurt one another or themselves. There is sufficient clear floor space to allow children and babies to move safely and toys are stored attractively in clear storage boxes to allow children to access them as they wish. Children are protected by the childminder who demonstrates confidence in her ability to effectively follow local safeguarding procedures if required.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children and babies benefit from the wide range of age appropriate toys, resources and equipment which are made freely available. They are busy and occupied in interesting and worthwhile play. The childminder is actively engaged in their chosen activity and children obviously enjoy her interaction. She provides plenty of praise and encouragement for their efforts. Children enjoy a cosy story time together when the childminder reads a favourite book

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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 chosen by one of the children. They all enthusiastically play musical instruments to traditional Christmas songs. Children are busy hammering wooden balls through holes, exploring activity centres and small world play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children and babies are familiar with the daily routine, which provides a balanced range of activities and makes use of the indoor and outdoor environment. There is evidence to show that they enjoy regular trips and outings, visit the library, toy library and childminding support group for social times with other minded children. Children and babies enjoy fresh air and fun in the rear garden, on the safely enclosed, decked terrace where there is a range of suitable and age appropriate bikes, push along toys and a play house. There is evidence that children have planted bulbs, decorated plant pots and participated in sensory exploration of soil. Children and babies are engaged in a wide range of stimulating and enjoyable activities during their time with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children and babies are happy, content and settled in the care of the childminder. She has clearly taken time to establish their individual needs, interests and preferences. She is proactive in providing children and babies with toys, resources and visual aids which promote a positive awareness and understanding of people's differences. She ensures that children's favourite toys are available to them at all times. She is quick to note when children and babies are tired, hungry or require a nappy change and she meets these needs promptly and effectively. She demonstrates a sound ability to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is aware of the importance of liaising closely with the parents or carers and any professionals involved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children and babies are well behaved, they have developed the ability to share and take turns. The childminder is a good role model, who sets good examples. She uses age appropriate and positive methods of behaviour management effectively. There is a very good range of information freely available to parents and carers. The childminder is aware of the importance of working closely and sharing information regularly. She provides daily verbal information sharing, an informative notice board, individual daily diaries and a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures for parents and carers.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children and babies benefit from being cared for by a committed and enthusiastic childminder. She attends regular training to continually develop and improve her practice. Children and babies receive high levels of one to one support as the childminder works closely with them throughout the day. She attends the local toddler groups and childminder support group to provide children with social opportunities and to gather further information and share ideas with other childminders. She is aware of the importance of protecting children from unvetted persons and closely supervises children at all times. Suitable contingency plans are in place in the event of an emergency.

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Organisation

Children benefit from being cared for in a well organised and safe environment. They have free access to a wide range of age appropriate and interesting toys and resources. The childminder is familiar with the Birth to Three Matters framework. However there is evidence to show that the implementation of guidance in line with this framework, would further enhance learning

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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 and development opportunities for the very young children and babies attending. The registration system records the exact time of children's arrival and departure. All childminding documentation is very well organised and made readily available for inspection. Children's records are updated regularly, stored securely and are shared appropriately with parents and carers. The childminder is aware of the importance of notifying Ofsted of significant changes or events. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that good hygiene practices are in place regarding hand washing. She now provides each child with an individual face cloth and hand towel. Children's hands and faces are washed regularly and at appropriate times. As a result, children's health is actively promoted and maintained.

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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): • further enhance opportunities for very young children and babies to develop and learn through their play, by implementing a framework in line with the Birth to Three Matters.

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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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