Swarcliffe Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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107944 Unique Reference Number 09 January 2008 Inspection date Keriann Belcher 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 been registered since 1994. She lives with her family including her adult daughter. They live in a house in Hedgerley in the County of Berkshire. Local schools shops and parks are nearby. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available 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 years and five children before/after school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has three pet cats and one dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a current first aid qualification.

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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 enjoy a varied range of nutritious and healthy snacks and meals, as the childminder understands the importance of providing a healthy diet to maintain their growth and development. They sit together at the table to eat and younger children are given appropriate support to enable them to feed themselves. The childminder seeks information from parents about children's dietary needs, and menus are planned with the children to incorporate their 'favourite' meals. Children are encouraged and are able to access drinking water or no added sugar fruit squash independently at any time so that they are not thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of outdoor activities which contribute to their good health. They enjoy activities in the garden, such as playing in the garden. Children regularly visit local parks to enable them to climb and use a range of physical play resources and participate in sports day activities. For example, children take part in running races, catching bean bags and are rewarded with prizes. This helps to develop their coordination and physical abilities. Children are able to rest and sleep as they need to.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has good hygiene procedures in place that enable children to be cared for in an environment which is clean, safe and that reduces the risk of infection. Children are protected from unnecessary illness and do not attend if they are contagious. Effective systems are in place for managing accidents and administering medication. In addition, the childminder has a valid first aid certificate to enable her to effectively treat children in an emergency, should the need arise.

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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 friendly and welcoming home. They use all available space well and can access the toys and equipment with ease. There is a range of suitable and well maintained furniture readily available to meet the children's needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gives high priority to checking the toys to ensure they remain safe for the children to use. The childminder gives high priority to making sure children will be safe in an emergency. There are good fire safety precautions in place. She has devised a detailed plan which is discussed with the children. This helps to ensure that children are escorted to safety quickly. Appropriate action is taken where necessary to ensure any risks to children are minimised, for example, by adhering to the rules in relation to car safety seats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection. She is clear about the signs and symptoms to look out for and who to contact if she has a concern. This ensures children are safeguarded in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder’s care, and become increasingly confident in initiating their own play. They are having lots of fun while they explore a good range of

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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 interesting games and activities, which are suitable for their age and their individual interests. They are excited, motivated and highly involved in a variety of activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children benefit from the everyday activities which provide the children with good learning opportunities, such as playing question games whilst travelling to and from school or learning about wildlife when visiting the local park. Their communication is well supported as the childminder talks and listens to the children, encouraging them to talk about what they are doing and asks them questions to develop their knowledge of colour or numbers. Children explore different media to create pictures which are taken home for their parents which sense achievement and pride.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for according to their parent's wishes, as the childminder has developed a trusting relationship with the parents where information is shared to promote the child's well being and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides toys and resources to help children recognise the diversity of cultures and gender within society. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are welcome in the childminder’s home and individual needs are included in all the activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good as they have a wealth of play resources to keep them interested and focussed all day. Any difficulties that may occur are managed using positive and age-appropriate methods. Children are encouraged to have respect for others, use good manners and share their toys. Lots of praise is given to promote a sense of wellbeing and confidence.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare, care and developmental needs are met effectively as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of caring for young children. The children benefit from the childminders motivation to attend training and keep herself updated on related childcare subjects, such as child protection, the Birth to three matters framework and the early years Foundation Stage. She has a good understanding of the adult/child ratios so that the children have sufficient adult support to feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

Children feel comfortable within the childminder's home environment. She organises the day to include a good variety of activities around and after the school day. There is a good range of toys and equipment enabling children to progress in all areas of their development.

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Organisation

Overall, the childminder has all the required documentation. However, she has not yet fully implemented these documents to contribute to the safety and welfare of the children.

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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 ensure all accident forms are signed by the parents and obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle. She

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 ensures all accident records are signed by the parent and has obtained written consent for transporting children in her car. This ensures that children's safety and welfare is protected.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 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. 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): • implement the recently revised policies and procedures.

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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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