Rubery Pupil Referral Unit

Inspection report for early years provision

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130989 Unique Reference Number 10 January 2008 Inspection date Teresa Colburn 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 three children aged four, six and eight years old in Sompting, West Sussex. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group and takes children to the local library and parks. The family have three cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years and one child under eight years on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy as the childminder has effective procedures in place to ensure good standards of hygiene are maintained and to minimise the potential threat of infection. Children are beginning to understand the importance of personal hygiene. For example, the childminder ensures children wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom. Children are

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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 learning self-care and independence, as the childminder enables them to follow consistent potty/toilet training routines. Children are gently reminded to use the toilet, they are continually praised for any attempts. Children who are infectious do not attend, thus preventing the spread of contagious ailments. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate so is able to administer first aid in the event of an accident. She understands her duty to record accidents and medication administered to help safeguard children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Whilst main meals are currently not provided, the childminder demonstrates a good awareness of healthy eating practices. Mid-morning children happily wash their hands prior to snack, they enjoy selecting their own snack from their lunch boxes, they readily sit on the playroom floor eating and drinking, socialising with the childminder. Children are routinely offered fresh drinking water to ensure they are sufficiently hydrated. The childminder has effective awareness of food allergies and ensures children are suitably protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have warm relationships with the childminder, who is responsive to their needs. They enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. For example, going to the park, local walks, outings to the beach and local farms, attending toddler groups and playing in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children freely use the designated playroom with ease. The childminder has created a warm and welcoming environment. Children have access to a range of resources which interest them, enabling them to play freely and to independently make some choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are secure and there are effective procedures to ensure the safe arrival and departure of children. Children are well supervised and kept safe at all times due to the childminder's good supervision. Children's safety is well maintained because the childminder has an understanding of the potential dangers and hazards. For example, kitchen cleaning products have been made inaccessible, a stair gate restricts access to upstairs and three smoke detectors have been installed. However, the fire blanket is not fitted in a suitable position, potentially making it ineffective in the event of emergency. The childminder has a clear written fire evacuation procedure in place to ensure children can leave the premises quickly and effectively. In addition she ensures she carries documentation with her at all times stating she is a childminder. Therefore, in the event of the childminder having an accident, the public are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

aware minded children may be present. Children learn to play safely through the childminder's guidance and supervision.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse, and an understanding of the procedures to follow if she had concerns about a child in her care. She is aware of maintaining accurate written documentation of any concerns. Therefore this ensures the children are well protected and safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and extremely secure in the childminder's care. She welcomes them into her home and provides them with a good range of age appropriate toys which are easily accessible. The childminder supports them by sitting with them at their level and engaging in good eye contact, offering encouragement and support. Children develop well because the

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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 childminder has a caring attitude and is aware of the need to provide activities that are stimulating, challenging and fun. For example, children enjoy playing with play dough, they enjoy feeling the dough and rolling the dough prior to using various cutters to make shapes. The childminder continually talks to children using good language to extend their thinking. For example, 'is the play dough smooth on the fish skin', 'well done you are using your muscles when rolling'. Children enjoy sharing books with the childminder, she skilfully engages them in the stories. For example, asking children about the pictures and animals, children giggle whilst the childminder makes various animal noises and shows them how to make a long elephant trunk with her arm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of child development, ensuring children's personal, social and emotional needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is clearly aware of individual needs and treats them with respect, helping them feel good about themselves. Children have access to a suitable range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunities, therefore ensuring children know about the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and has a good understanding of the importance to work closely with parents and outside agencies to ensure the child's requirements are fully met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's behaviour is good, they are polite and courteous. Positive strategies are in place for managing children's behaviour. This helps children to understand boundaries and takes account of their differing levels of understanding. Children are beginning to learn right from wrong, through the childminders behaviour management strategies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good, well-established partnership with parents contributes to the children's well-being and offers continuity in their care. The childminder makes sure that parents know exactly how their children are developing. She encourages them to share information with her so that she can fully support each child's individual needs. Informative daily one:one care diaries ensure parents are well informed about their child's day. Detailed information in the childminder's portfolio and informal discussions enable parents to be well informed about the childminder and the service she provides. Parents have positive views on the care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a organised daily routine which is flexible and based around the children's individual needs. They are relaxed and at ease in the childminder's home, which means they are confident to initiate their own play whilst feeling settled and content. Children are well supported at all times, ensuring they are protected from unvetted persons and kept safe.

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Organisation

Documentation is readily accessible to the childminder and is kept in a secure area to ensure confidentially is maintained at all times. However the attendance register does not always detail the children's accurate arrival and departure time. She has an informative portfolio in place, to promote children's welfare, care and learning. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was set four recommendations. The recommendations regarding completing an appropriate first aid course, ensuring the outdoor play area is made safe, ensuring low level glass panels are made safe or inaccessible and obtaining a copy of the District Medical Officer's memorandum of infectious diseases have been adequately met. This ensures children are protected at all times.

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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): • ensure the fire blanket is suitably positioned in line with the manufacturer's recommendation • ensure the attendance register routinely reflects the children's correct arrival and departure times.

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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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