St Nicolas' CofE VA School, Downderry

Inspection report for early years provision

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112032 Unique Reference Number 09 January 2008 Inspection date Helen Mary Ball 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 has been a registered childminder since 1990. She is registered to look after six children under the age of eight years. There are currently three children on roll under eight years of age. She lives with her husband in a terraced house in the Andover area close to the ring road.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor with toilet and sleeping facilities provided within this area. There is also a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local childminding drop in on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are very effectively protected from becoming ill because the childminder takes all reasonable steps to prevent the spread of infection. For example, children use disposable hand towels and the childminder wears gloves when changing nappies. Children's health and welfare

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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 are successfully underpinned by the careful maintenance of accident and medication records. The childminder promotes children's physical development by ensuring they are taken out on a daily basis, and trips include visits to a local farm. Children's emotional well-being is effectively supported because the childminder plays alongside children, offering cuddles and gentle encouragement.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished because they are offered regular snacks, and parents provide packed lunches for their children. The childminder ensures that children have free access to drinks. However, snacks are not always a healthy option when children are offered biscuits for their morning snack.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in this welcoming setting. The childminder is very warm and friendly, and she creates a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. Children have ample space to move and play freely, and they enjoy talking about the colourful posters on the walls. Children play with a wide range of accessible toys which is appropriate to their developmental needs. Their independence is encouraged because the toys are fully accessible. The childminder has a wide range of equipment to support her business, such as high chairs, buggies and stair gates.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe and secure at this setting because the premises are locked during childminding hours, and the childminder uses appropriate safety equipment such as stair gates. Children are protected on outings because the childminder takes all reasonable steps to keep them safe, and she ensures that their emergency contact numbers are stored in her mobile phone. She safeguards children by implementing effective measures to ensure that only named adults collect children. The childminder has attended initial child protection training which means that she is aware of the signs and symptoms of child abuse, and understands the procedures to follow in the event of concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thrive in this nurturing environment where they receive plenty of cuddles as well as fun activities. Children play an active part in the setting and enjoy making choices about their activities and care. The childminder allows children to choose their own toys and she does not restrict them in any way. The childminder is skilled at moving between children offering them individual attention so that their needs are met. She understands that young children have differing attention spans and successfully caters for them. The childminder shows a clear love of working with children, and some children have attended her setting for a number of years. This means that families receive continuity of care as siblings join their older brothers and sisters at the childminder's home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans ahead for school holidays and provides parents with details of planned activities. This means that their children are well prepared for the wide range of outings and art activities offered.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are very well met because the childminder liaises closely with parents, and she organises her day to take account of children's individual routines. This ensures continuity of care for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the wider world through planned activities and some resources reflect positive images of society. However, books do not show images of disability. The childminder has a positive attitude to children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop caring and cooperative relationships as the childminder plays alongside them, acting as a positive role model. Children follow her calm example, and she offers an abundance of praise and encouragement to promote good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership between the childminder and parents encourages all to work together to meet each child's needs. They are kept informed about the childminder's business through her range of policies. Parents are appreciative of the care the childminder offers their children, and the childminder's portfolio includes a range of thank you letters, cards and references.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is suitably qualified to care for children and she keeps up to date with a range of childcare issues through regular training. She is currently working towards a CACHE diploma and has attended a wide range of workshops on a range of childcare issues. The childminder organises her time to allow children to play and rest according to their individual routines, and space is organised so children can move and play without restriction. The childminder allows children to play at their own pace, and this creates an environment where children are settled and content.

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Organisation

Children’s care is enhanced by the efficient and effective organisation. The childminder’s comprehensive policies and procedures protect children, promote their well-being and support their development. All regulatory paperwork is in place.

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Organisation

Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, a recommendation was made for the childminder to ensure that children cannot leave the premises unattended, and that all medication is kept out of reach of children. Her premises are now secure and medication is inaccessible to children at all times. This means that children are safe and secure.

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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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Complaints 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

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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): • ensure that children are consistently offered a healthy and nutritious snack • continue to develop resources that reflect positive images of society, with particular regard to disability

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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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