Spring Hill High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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134982 Unique Reference Number 31 March 2008 Inspection date Maxine Coulson 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 registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and three children aged 19, 17 and 12 years. They live on a residential road in a four bed roomed semi detached house close to the centre of Banbury. The downstairs is used for childminding with access to upstairs for use of bathroom only. There is a fully enclosed garden available for the children's outside play. Her home is within walking distance of local shops, parks, pre-school and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for six children under the age of eight years and is currently caring for seven children, of these, one is over the age of eight years. Children attend for various days and sessions.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children thrive because the childminder has an effective approach to health and hygiene. Accident and medication records are in place and appropriate treatment given with parents' signatures. Parental permission has been given to seek emergency medical advice and treatment,

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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 however, prior written permission to administer medication is not in place. Children are well cared for in the childminder's scrupulously clean home. They gain a very good understanding about personal hygiene and know why they regularly wash their hands. Arrangements for sick children effectively protect them from illness and help reduce the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a social atmosphere at mealtimes as they sit down at the table together to eat snacks and meals generally provided by their parents. The childminder encourages children and parents to consider healthy eating options and how this is good for you. Children have access to drinks at all times to prevent them from becoming thirsty as they either help themselves, ask for help or have them offered throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children engage in a good range of stimulating, daily activities that promote the development of physical health and co-ordination. They make good use of the childminder's garden to use equipment; such as, cars, balls and trundle toys which develop large muscle skills. They regularly visit local parks where they race and play for fresh air and exercise.

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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 safe and secure environment where risks are identified and minimised. The childminder is vigilant and has appropriate safety precautions in place such as socket covers, stair gate, smoke alarms and fire blanket. Children learn about the procedures to follow as they practise 'action stations' and what to do to exit the premises in an emergency. Effective practices ensure that children can move around safely, freely and with some independence. Children use and are safe in buggies when out on routine walks, to and from school or trips to local parks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide variety of high quality equipment, appropriate to their age and stages of development. It is regularly monitored to ensure it is safe, well maintained and appropriate. Toys and resources are replaced, updated, and added to when necessary. Children's welfare is satisfactorily safeguarded and promoted by the childminder who is aware of child protection policies and procedures, although, some significant incidents are not always recorded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They are happy and very settled and make positive relationships with the childminder and their care needs are well met through a flexible routine. Children's confidence and self-esteem is given high priority as they are offered praise and acknowledgment for their efforts and achievements. Children's independence is fostered as they make their own choices and decisions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning is actively promoted through stimulating, fun activities and resources such as art and craft and imaginative play equipment. They access IT equipment and play games as they learn about colours and numbers. Children are able to play independently but also receive good support from the childminder as and when it is needed. Children experience trips to shops, activity centres and parks which encourages them to learn about the wider community. While trips to other childminders' houses helps to develop their social skills as they play with children of the same and similar age. Children thoroughly enjoy the toys, activities and resources that are provided, helping them to learn, develop and progress through their play.

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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 individual needs and characters are clearly understood and respected by the childminder. All children are welcomed and included in the provision. The childminder provides a satisfactory range of toys and books to help children understand differences and that promote positive images. Children learn about their local community through routines, trips and outings to the shops or other childminders' houses where they develop social skills as the play with children of their own age.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. The childminder has a positive, clear and consistent approach to behaviour management, which means children know what is expected of them and they feel secure. Children play very happily in the childminder's care and they learn about the need to share and take turns. The childminder has a good understanding of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, although none currently attend.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s continuity of care is well promoted through the childminder’s valued relationship with the parents. They are welcomed into the childminder’s home and opinions are shared at initial visit. This rapport continues to develop through ongoing communication. Children receive full support and appropriate care through the childminder's effective practices. For example, she provides verbal as well as written feedback in the form of a diary to parents on a daily basis that provides detailed information of their day and how their child is settling. This ensures that children's care, well-being and development is fostered well. However, the childminder does not provide Ofsted's details for parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by the very good organisation. Children benefit from a childminder who has a high regard for the wellbeing of all children and she ensures all children receive sufficient care and attention. Children are happy and settled in a calm and well-organised environment. This ensures the continuing welfare and care of children is promoted. They move around safely, with independence and effective supervision. Children can easily access many of the toys and resources and the childminder is very well organised, arranging space and resources to maximise care, learning, and play opportunities for children.

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Organisation

The childminder is fully aware of all required records, however, she does not display her registration certificate when minded children are present, which is a regulatory requirement. All of the of the required documentation is in place and regularly reviewed, although written permission to administer medication has not been obtained, and not all significant incidents are recorded.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she cares.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to consider the following;

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Improvements since the last inspection

continue to access relevant first aid course and to increase knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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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 The childminder has a current and appropriate first aid certificate in place and has updated herself on recent changes to safeguarding children. This ensures the children's continuing care, welfare and safety.

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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 parents with details of how to contact Ofsted • obtain prior written parental permission to administer any form of medication, keep records of significant incidents.

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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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