The Wickford Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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114814 Unique Reference Number 08 January 2008 Inspection date Lisa Jane Cupples 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 1992. She lives with her husband, and two children. The childminder's husband and one adult daughter also work as assistants when required. The family live in a house in Haywards Heath within walking distance to local shops, pre-schools, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and toilet facilities are upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor 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 12 children on a full and part-time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and also runs a local carer and toddler group for minded children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene and are developing good self care skills through discussion and daily routines, for example, children are actively encouraged to wash

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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 their hands at appropriate times and use individual hand towels. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene and are developing good self care skills through discussion and daily routines. For example, children are actively encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times and use individual hand towels.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have ample opportunities to develop their large muscle skills during activities in the garden. They enjoy a wide range of physical activities such as using the swing, playing ball games and riding wheeled toys. The childminder ensures the children go outside daily to reap the benefits of fresh air, for walks or to local parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a very clear understanding of the procedures to record all accidents that occur on the premises and parents sign to acknowledge that they have been informed, helping to keep children healthy. Parents give written consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment and to administer medication. They are required to sign the records to acknowledge the administration of medication, ensuring they are fully informed at all times. A fully stocked first aid kit is stored in the dining room and the childminder checks the contents regularly to ensure they are up-to-date. The childminder has completed resuscitation training, however, her required first aid certificate has recently expired.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a nutritious diet because the childminder has a clear understanding of healthy eating. She provides a wide range of fruit for snacks. Children are beginning to understand about healthy eating through daily discussions and talk about which food is good for them. They have access to fresh drinking water on request and the childminder ensures younger children have a drink available at all times, keeping them healthy. The childminder finds out about each child's allergies, medical, cultural needs and parental preferences through discussion, ensuring that her practice reflects the needs of the children and their families.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are clean and well maintained providing a safe and healthy environment for the children. The childminder has organised the space available well and children are able to move freely around the lounge and dining room, developing their self-confidence. They have ample space to participate in an extensive range of activities, independently or in small groups with the childminder. Children have access to an extensive range of suitable equipment and resources, helping to promote their development and learning in all areas. The resources and toys are in good condition and are brightly coloured to attract the children’s interest. The resources are stored in low-level boxes around the room, enabling the children to choose their own activities and see the full range of options, developing their freedom of choice and decision making skills effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted because the childminder ensures no unannounced visitors can gain access. The front door is kept locked at all times and ensures she has the keys on her at all times for emergency evacuation if necessary. The garden gate is locked to prevent anyone gaining entry without the childminders knowledge, helping to protect the children and keep them safe. The childminder has an extensive range of equipment to ensure the children are safe when sleeping, playing and going on outings. Children learn to keep themselves safe through daily discussions and routines, for example, they know what to do in an emergency. The childminder explained that she practises the fire drill regularly and whenever a new child attends, so they are all fully aware of what to do if an emergency occurs.

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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 The childminder has a very clear understanding of child protection procedures and discusses her responsibilities with the parents before the children attend. The childminder records all existing injuries and asks the parents to sign the entries. Through discussion the childminder was able to demonstrate that she would recognise the possible signs or symptoms of abuse and would contact the relevant agencies to safeguard the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely happy and settled in the childminder's care. They interact well with each other and the childminder, laughing and giggling as they play games and take part in the activities. Children benefit from the high quality interaction from the childminder as she plays on the floor at their level and introduces new concepts through fun activities. The childminder plans theme days where she focuses on specific areas of development for the children, for example, the days activities may be linked to colours, shapes or things that move. Each activity helps to consolidate the children's learning through play. Children co-operate well with each other as they use the resources and negotiate turn-taking. They are beginning to share well and the childminder recognises their efforts through praise and encouragement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show high levels of independence as they freely access the resources and choose the activities, the childminder is skilled at knowing when to stand back and let play develop and when to step in and gently guide them towards more purposeful play. Children enjoy listening to stories and have their favourite books that they ask the childminder to read. They handle books correctly and the youngest children sit with the childminder as she reads to them, developing their understanding of books and stories effectively. Children are able to express themselves freely during art and craft activities. The childminder also takes the youngest children to the local carer and toddler group, helping to develop their social skills effectively as they mix with a large group of their peers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has an exceptionally good understanding of child development and provides an extensive range of experiences and activities to promote the children's learning and development is all areas. She introduces new vocabulary during play and often repeats the words slowly and clearly so the children can repeat them with ease. The childminder has a range of resources for older children to ensure they are adequately stimulated. Children who attend after school choose their own activities and are able to rest and relax after a hard day at school or participate fully in the activities available. The childminder allows the older children to make these choices as they would if they were going home after school, making them feel welcome and part of the family.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunities and ensures all children have equal access to the resources and activities available. Children benefit from the childminder’s experience as they learn to share and take turns easily. The childminder gently reminds them why it is important to take turns. Children’s individual needs are met extremely well because the childminder takes the time to get to know each child and their families well, this develops a real sense of belonging and the children feel valued when the childminder talks about their siblings and other family members. The childminder finds out about the children’s needs and

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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 preferences through detailed discussion with the parents and she records the details on their registration forms.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has some experience of working with children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She works closely with the parents and is happy to liaise with other agencies to support the children in her care. The childminder has an extremely positive approach towards working with all children. Children are developing a strong sense of right and wrong because the childminder has clear rules and boundaries in place. Children’s behaviour is extremely good because they know exactly what is expected of them. The childminder always gives clear explanations aimed at their individual level of understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit greatly from the close working relationships between the childminder and their parents. Information is shared freely to ensure the children's needs are being met in the best possible way. The childminder has written policies and procedures in place which are discussed with the parents before their children attend and she also gives them a welcome pack and regular newsletters. The childminder shares information with the parents verbally at collection time, they talk about how the children have been, what they have been doing and any other things that have happened, helping to keep them informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children's safety is promoted because all adults in the household have been vetted. The childminder continues to update her training to enhance the opportunities she provides for the children in her care. The childminder is fully aware of the registration requirements and ensures she maintains the correct ratios, helping to protect the children and ensure they are fully supervised and receive good support at all times. The daily attendance register is well-maintained, up-to-date and includes the children’s full names and actual times of attendance. Children’s health, safety and general well-being is supported effectively because the childminder has a clear understanding of the requirements of registration and the inspection process. All of the relevant paperwork is accurate and maintained to a high standard, protecting the children in

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Organisation

her care, although the childminder's first aid certificate has recently expired.

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Organisation

The childminder organises the daily routines exceptionally well, taking into account the needs of the children who attend. Daily routines are often adapted depending which children are due to attend and how they are feeling when they arrive; for example, a walk to the park may be postponed if the children are tired, ensuring all the children benefit from the activities when they do take place. Children are fully occupied and engaged throughout their time at the setting. The childminder ensures activities are planned in advance and has all the necessary equipment and materials set up nearby to enable the sessions run smoothly. The children are never left waiting around for something to do.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to request written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder now has written parental consent in place from all the families who use her services, helping to minimise any possible delays to the children receiving appropriate treatment if an accident occurs.

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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

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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): • update first aid training to ensure a current certificate is in place.

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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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