Easingwold School

Inspection report for early years provision

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121664 Unique Reference Number 09 November 2007 Inspection date Teresa Elkington 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 three children, one aged 14 and two adult children in Hersham, Surrey. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding purposes and 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 six children at any one time. Currently she is minding seven children from one to eight years; two of whom attend on a full time basis, two on a part time basis and with three children who attend after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group. The family have three cats and a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home that is clean and hygienic. Children are helped to develop an awareness of personal hygiene routines. For example, they are encouraged to wash their hands before snacks and after using the toilet. However, hand washing does not form part of the

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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 child's daily routine after nappy changes. The childminder's clear understanding of the required procedures regarding accidents and the administration of medication protects children in her care. She ensures that parents are kept fully informed, as they are required to sign consent forms and acknowledge the entries made in the documentation that is in place. A clear sickness policy is shared with parents, so that children who are infectious do not attend, ensuring children health is protected. The good pet routines ensures that children are effectively protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about healthy lifestyles and the importance of undertaking regular exercise. They enjoy a variety of outside activities which promotes their development and skills of their large muscle movements, for example, as they ride bikes in the garden and use climbing apparatus. They enjoy regular walks to the park and visit the local parent and toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure children's health and dietary needs are fully met. They enjoy a variety of freshly prepared meals, provided by the childminder, which are nutritious and well balanced. Children are supplied with water to drink in beakers suitable for their stage of development. These are kept within children's reach at all times to ensure that they can confidently help themselves.

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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 welcoming, safe and secure environment. The childminder demonstrates a very good understanding of hazards. All potential risks in the home and garden have been minimised, which enables children to move around the environment safely. The childminder understands the rules for safety and that they are closely supervised at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from playing in an adequately spacious environment, which allows them to move around freely and develop their confidence. Children use a suitable and safe range of age appropriate toys and equipment, which are effectively rotated to provide variety and to meet the needs of children. Effective regimes are in place to ensure that all toys and equipment is well maintained, which ensures that they are clean and safe for children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands her role in safe guarding children, which ensures they are well protected. She has a sound knowledge of procedures to put into practise if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a varied range of activities which contribute to their development both inside and outside of the home. Children enjoy meaningful play opportunities to help develop their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities such as trips out to toddler groups, parks, building with bricks, interactive story times and singing sessions using visual aids. The childminder knows the children well and plans her routine to meet their needs and ensures that children have time to sleep and rest as well as play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled in the care of the childminder. Children's independence is encouraged. They make their own choices as to the activities they wish to be involved in, and readily select materials which they will need. For example, selecting pens and paper to create their 'firework' pictures. Constant praise and support from the childminder encourages children to become increasingly independent and they feel at ease to ask for help. She is always on

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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 hand to support experiences by supplying appropriate equipment and resources to develop their independent play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder values all children as individuals. She ensures that all can take part by adapting activities to meet the varying ages and stages of development. Children are learning to value difference through the range of resources provided that value and promote diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well because they are in an environment where they feel secure and are well stimulated. They are keen to organise their own play experiences which the childminder actively and enthusiastically encourages. Children benefit from considerable positive praise and encouragement, reinforcing their self-confidence. Children are gently guided by appropriate behaviour management strategies and the positive approach of the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder knows each child well and works effectively with parents. Time is taken to gather information about children's individual needs and family circumstances, to ensure that appropriate care and support is offered. Parents are well informed as to the care provided through the welcome pack they receive. Children benefit from positive and friendly relationships the childminder has with their parents. Information is shared daily which ensures that children's needs are effectively met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The home is organised well to ensure that all needs of children are met. Children are cared for in an environment that has ample space for children to be able to play together. They can access their resources independently as the childminder stores them at a low level, so that children can make their own choices. Children are well protected form other adults because the childminder maintains good supervision at all time

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Organisation

The childminder has written polices and procedures in place in support of her work. Children's information is easily accessible and stored confidentially. The childminder has all legally required documentation in place, however, the daily attendance record is not kept fully in line with the regulations to ensure the continued welfare of the children.

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Organisation

The childminder uses her experiences and training, together with her knowledge of child development, to provide good quality care for children. 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 recommendations were made to: provide Ofsted's telephone number as part of the complaints procedure; obtain written consent to take children's photographs.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has updated her complaints policy, which clearly details the contact numbers for Ofsted and parental consent now in place for the taking of photographs. These improvements ensures that children's well-being is safeguarded.

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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): • improve daily routines and procedures to help children learn about good personal hygiene • ensure the daily attendance register is kept in line with regulations.

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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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