Joydens Wood Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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118474 Unique Reference Number 19 November 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 2000. She lives with her husband and primary school aged child, in Redruth, 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding five children, one before and after school on different days throughout the week, two children who attend in school holidays, and two children under five years who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. She attends the local library and park. The family has three goldfish and two budgies.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and 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 benefit from the commitment by the childminder to promote a healthy lifestyle. She encourages children to wash their hands regularly and at appropriate times, such as after messy and outdoor play and before eating snacks and meals. Children use individual paper towels for hand drying to eliminate the risk of cross-infection. Outdoor shoes are removed on entering the premises to ensure that children can play freely on clean carpets and flooring. Children have use of clean and hygienic toys, resources, premises and equipment. Accident records show that children are treated appropriately if they are injured. These records are shared with parents and carers. The childminder has completed recent paediatric first aid training. Records show that any medication required by children is administered in agreement with parents and carers instructions. Written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice has been

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the provision of a balanced and nutritious range of snacks and meals. Food is stored, prepared and served hygienically and appropriately. Children sit sociably with the childminder to eat together at the kitchen table. They enjoy a good selection of fresh and dried fruits, sandwiches and yogurt for lunch. Fresh drinking water is readily available throughout the day, as children can help themselves to their own drinking cup, which is refilled by the childminder as and when required. Children's physical health is enhanced through regular outdoor play. The rear garden is available for daily use. Children can play in the sand pit, which is covered when not in use, and is kept clean and hygienic. Children also regularly visit the park to run, jump and climb under the childminders close supervision. The childminder recognises the importance of promoting children's physical development through exercise, fresh air and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children benefit from the childminder's good awareness of safety issues. The home environment is child-centred, welcoming and comfortable. The childminder ensures that the premises are kept secure at all times in order that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised and unauthorised persons cannot enter. She organises the home to provide plenty of floor space, which enables children to move freely and safely indoors. Areas of the home which are not suitable for unsupervised use by children are made inaccessible through the use of a stable door and a stair gate. The toys, resources and equipment are in good condition and are suitable for the age of children attending.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are familiar with the emergency evacuation procedure, as they regularly practise fire drills, which are recorded by the childminder. Children are developing a good awareness of how to maintain their own safety through discussion with the childminder. For example, they talk about the importance of putting some toys away when they have finished using them, before getting more toys out, as this will ensure that the floor remains uncluttered and therefore safe for children to move freely about. Children are safeguarded by the childminder, who demonstrates a sound ability to follow local safeguarding procedures if she should have concerns regarding children in her care. Children are released to authorised persons only, as detailed in their individual contracts.

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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 are busy and occupied in worthwhile and purposeful activities. The childminder sits on the floor beside them and the children actively involve her in their play. They relish the valuable input that she offers and they benefit from the good opportunities she provides to further develop their play ideas. The childminder and children engage in lively discussion, sharing ideas and experiences. Children are rewarded for their efforts by the childminders praise and encouragement. The childminder provides children with their favourite toys and obviously recognises that children's learning is based on what they already know and can do.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children select their chosen activity from the vast range provided. The childminder respects their ideas and suggestions. Children enjoy craft activities, listening to favourite music tapes, reading books, listening to stories and developing small world play. They are skilful in their ability to complete floor puzzles and they work closely together to take turns, each complete their first puzzle before moving onto another. Although these children are young, they are cooperative with one another, respectful in allowing each other time to complete tasks and are skilled at negotiating successfully to maintain harmonious play. The childminder creates a stimulating environment, which engages children's interests and provides good opportunities for children to learn and develop through their chosen activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have formed strong and trusting relationships with the childminder. Their individual interests, preferences and abilities are identified, respected and met appropriately. The childminder devotes her time to playing with and caring for the children. She engages them in conversation and acts upon their suggestions and ideas to provide appropriately stimulating toys, resources and activities. She demonstrates a sound ability to be able to provide appropriate levels of care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children have free access to a good range of resources which promote a positive image of their own cultures and beliefs and those of others. However, there are no resources which promote a positive awareness of peoples differing abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children follow the good examples set by the childminder. As a result, they are well behaved, polite and helpful. Children cooperate and negotiate successfully to establish fair play and are able to wait patiently to take turns at completing a puzzle. The childminder rewards this good behaviour through the provision of high levels of praise and encouragement. The childminder is aware of the importance of maintaining effective working relationships with parents and carers. She provides good opportunities for verbal information sharing at the beginning and end of the day. She displays essential information beside the front door and has produced a written information pack. She ensures that appropriate contracts and written consents are obtained to establish and agree appropriate care for the individual child.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for by an experienced childminder, who is committed to maintaining high standards. She is keen to continue her professional development and regularly attends relevant training courses and workshops. She organises the home environment well to provide safe and comfortable areas in which children can rest and play. She devotes her time

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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 to the children and encourages them to be fully involved in choosing favourite toys and activities. Children are protected from unvetted persons, as the childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of the importance of close supervision at all times. The childminder has developed appropriate contingency plans in the event of an emergency.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the ability to freely and safely select favourite toys from the interesting range, which is stored attractively in open boxes in the lounge. The daily routine is planned to meet children's individual needs, allowing them regular snacks, meals and rest periods. They receive a balanced programme of indoor, outdoor, restful and physical activities. The childminder is well organised, she stores her childminding documentation securely, updates records as required and shares children's records regularly with parents and carers. The registration system details the exact time of arrival and departure for each child. Children's records are shared appropriately with parents and carers and confidentiality is respected and maintained. 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 was required to request written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has now completed the NCMA medication record consent section, which has been countersigned by parents. She has also developed and implemented an additional emergency medical advice or treatment consent form, which is shared and countersigned by parents and carers. As a result, children are able to receive appropriate care in an emergency, in agreement with their parent or carers wishes.

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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): • provide children with a range of resources and visual aids which promote a positive awareness and understanding of peoples differing abilities.

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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 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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