Seaham Trinity Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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134657 Unique Reference Number 17 December 2007 Inspection date Melissa Cox 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 1999. She lives with her husband and grown up children in Didcot, Oxfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding 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 and is currently minding seven children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group and other activities on a regular basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with special educational needs. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a current first aid certificate.

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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's health is protected because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and can deal with emergencies because she has obtained parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment. The written sickness policy details the procedures to follow if a child is unwell and paperwork is in place to record any accidents or when medication is given. Children enjoy a warm, clean and well maintained home, where they are protected from cross-infection as appropriate procedures are followed, for example, good nappy changing procedures.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are clearly recorded; their likes, dislikes and parents' preferences are respected by the childminder. The childminder is aware of the appropriate steps to take when storing or heating up food parents provide. She works with the parents to encourage the children to try and taste a variety of different food, she records this in a food diary which informs parents of the food their child has tasted and eaten that day. Drinks are freely available throughout the day so that children do not become thirsty. The childminder ensures that she effectively meets children's individual needs by gathering information from parents about any allergies or special dietary requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. They are learning to develop good control of their bodies through activities both in the home and outside. They enjoy regular trips to parks and playgrounds where they can run about and exercise, and develop their co-ordination and balance as they use the play equipment. Children rest and are able to sleep comfortably at times that match their daily routine.

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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 well maintained home, where the childminder has taken appropriate action to reduce risks, for example, cleaning materials and sharp utensils are stored out of children's reach. There is a clear written fire evacuation procedure and smoke alarms and a fire blanket further ensures the children's safety in the event of a fire. The childminder is vigilant about the security of the children and has clear contingency plans in the event of a lost or uncollected child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a broad range of safe and suitable toys and equipment that meet safety standards. The childminder uses reputable suppliers for new purchases and she checks toys regularly for damage and cleanliness. Play materials are stored in large boxes in the lounge area and playroom, so that children can easily make their choices. The childminder is skilled in optimising everyday learning opportunities, for example, encouraging the children to count candy canes on the Christmas tree to re-enforce good counting skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of her child protection responsibilities. She has attended child protection training and there is a written child protection policy with relevant contact numbers held on file.

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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 outstanding. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's care. They build warm and friendly relationships with the childminder as they are cuddled and tickled with the childminder displaying lots of positive facial expressions, which helps children feel secure. They benefit from a daily routine that accommodates their individual sleep and feeding patterns. New children are helped to settle in because the childminder is calm and patient in her approach. She encourages the child to get to know her and her family and to build relationships with other minded children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children acquire new knowledge and skills as they take part in a wide range of planned activities in their day. They demonstrate their creative skills as they participate in daily craft sessions where they enjoy painting or sticking. Children's individual stage of development is well recognised with all activities linked to their individual learning. They enjoy playing with the excellent range of toys and play materials in the home and garden. Children are provided with well planned imaginative activities that stimulate and interest them. They enjoy art and craft activities and examples of children's art work adorn the walls. Resources for writing and a wide selection of books are readily available to the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children develop their understanding of the local community through regular outings outside of the home. The childminder provides a good range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, including books that reflect multicultural society. The childminder has an equal opportunities policy, ensuring that each child is valued and can participate fully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder reinforces positive behaviour through good use of praise and acknowledgement. The childminder is calm and positive in her dealings with the children, encouraging them to share, take turns and treat each other and the resources with respect. Children are beginning to learn social skills and benefit from the praise, cuddles and reassurance, they receive from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the friendly partnership with parents. Information is shared as the childminder has developed a comprehensive portfolio detailing her childminding provision. Parents' views are respected and they are kept very well informed about how their child has been during the day. Contact books are kept on babies and preschool aged children that record day to day events, such as sleep, toileting and outings. The childminder records full details about children before they start, and written parental permissions about the care needs of children are kept. This promotes continuity and ensures that children are cared for according to parents' wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel relaxed and secure because the childminder organises her home to meet their needs. They enjoy an environment where they receive appropriate adult support from the childminder to help them feel secure and confident. This is because the childminder gets to know the families extremely well and they remain with her for many years. The childminder organises her daily routine around the children's needs. The day is well planned to accommodate journeys to and from school and to allow the children adequate time to rest, play and eat.

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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 Documentation is well-organised with a high regard for confidentiality. The childminder has a range of written policies and procedures in place to promote the welfare and development of the children in her care although does not have written permission for children to use the trampoline. The childminder is suitably qualified and experienced. She holds an appropriate first aid certificate and has attended relevant courses to enhance the care of the children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to update records to include written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice for all children and the procedure to be followed if parents have a complaint. The childminders documentation is maintained to a very high standard with all regulatory information in place, ensuring the ongoing welfare of the children in her care.

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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. 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 that written permission is in place for children to use the trampoline

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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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