Basnett Street Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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119101 Unique Reference Number 13 February 2008 Inspection date Michelle Tuck 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 registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and three young children aged nine, seven and three years old. The family live in a modern housing development on the edge of Honiton. The home is a four-bedroom detached house and all ground floor rooms are available for childminding, with sleep and additional bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years. There are currently two children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy plenty of fresh air and physical exercise, as they regularly go outside. They visit various parks which provide different experiences, such as large climbing equipment. In the summer months they have access to the garden, where they use wheeled toys, or play in the play house. Children benefit from eating healthy meals and snacks, mainly provided by their

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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 parent. Children have access to drinking water whenever they want it, which helps them to maintain good fluid levels. The childminder is aware of the need to record and meet any special dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected from infection. They play in a very clean home, where all surfaces are cleaned regularly, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Children learn good hygiene routines, washing their hands before they eat. They use wet wipes and all have individual flannels, to reduce the risk of cross-infection. The childminder is also a good role model and washes her hands regularly. Children's care is good, when they are unwell or injured. The childminder has a current first aid qualification and records of accidents and medication are comprehensive.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is protected well due to the positive practices followed by the childminder. Safety is given consideration within the home and when on outings to prevent accidents occurring. Safety equipment such as socket covers, and safety gates are in place throughout the spacious play areas. All of which help to protect children from harm. The childminder has thought through clear procedures to follow in an emergency. She ensures smoke alarms on each level are checked frequently, and a fire blanket is appropriately wall mounted in the kitchen to ensure easy access in an emergency. Toys and equipment are checked regularly to ensure they are safe and suitable for use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has adequate understanding of child protection procedures. She has completed training and keeps relevant literature at hand. She is aware of her role and responsibilities in this area. All of which supports her in safeguarding children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and relaxed and appear "at home" within the welcoming home environment. Very good organisation of toys and equipment makes play areas look inviting to the children. They quickly start to play with the toys of their choice, selected from the good range available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children interact very well with the childminder who offers them her full attention whilst they are with her. They seek out her support when playing with the toys, and sit on her lap to share a book.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy as the childminder is actively involved with their play. She sits on the floor with the children helping them complete puzzles or playing 'hide the pig'. The childminder has learnt some signs for familiar words and the children make themselves understood by using these throughout the day. The childminder has a good understanding of children's developing needs, and flexibly plans activities to support their learning. Children are offered a variety of activities such as play dough, sticking and cooking within the home. They also attend local toddler groups on a regular basis, which offers them lots of opportunities to mix with other children and develop social skills.

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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 care is consistent, due to the childminder's effective systems for exchanging information with their parents. She has good induction procedures, including finding out about the child's routine, which she tries to follow as closely to home as possible. Information is exchanged daily, enabling parents to be involved in all aspects of their child's care. All children and families are welcomed and included, and the childminder is effective in meeting their individual needs. Children learn about differences as they use a range of resources, such as books, which reflect positive images of different cultures, or explore different aspects of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well, as they respond to the childminder's warm and positive approach. They enjoy plenty of praise, which reinforces their good behaviour. The childminder uses appropriate strategies for managing behaviour and understands that different strategies are appropriate for different children depending on age. There are no children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities on roll, but the childminder has some experience in this area and she would willingly support any such child.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a competent childminder, who is committed to constantly developing her skills, by attending relevant training. She has completed short courses, which contribute to her ability to protect children, manage their behaviour and meet their developmental needs.

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Organisation

Children enjoy the facilities of a safe, clean and child-friendly home, where the space is used appropriately, to offer a good variety of play experiences. All aspects of their care are well organised and they receive good individual attention. Children's care is underpinned by all the required documentation, including attendance register, contracts and consent forms. The registration certificate is not on display. 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 agreed to ensure parents countersign medication records to acknowledge entries. All documentation regarding the administration of medication is in place and fully completed. An action was also raised at the last inspection for the childminder to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. The childminder has completed an appropriate course.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • display registration certificate

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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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