Wistaston Green Primary and Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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134998 Unique Reference Number 03 December 2007 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 two children who are three months and nine years of age. They live on a residential road in a semi-detached, three-bed roomed house close to the centre of Banbury. The whole of 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 school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for five children under the age of eight years and currently cares for three children, of these, one is over the age of eight. The children attend for various days and sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 remain healthy because the childminder has high standards of hygiene and cleanliness. Tables are cleaned and hands washed before preparation of any food. Children have their hands washed before they sit to eat snacks and meals and again hands and face after eating. The risk of infections spreading are minimised, by use of an effective health policy, that keeps parents well advised; for example, a list of infectious diseases keeps parents informed of incubation periods and how long they need to keep their child at home. Although the childminder keeps a written record of medication administered with parental signatures, she does not always request prior written permission to do so.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder walks the children to the park when the weather is good enough to do so. There is a fully enclosed garden available for the children to use. She provides a range of toys such as ride on and trundle toys, balls and children use larger equipment such as slide, swings and climbing frames at local parks to help encourage large motor development. Here, they can also run around, let off steam, as well as opportunities to learn about spatial awareness.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and although children bring their own snacks and lunches, the childminder discusses healthy eating options with parents helping to maintain a well balanced diet. Children have drinks to hand throughout the whole day and pick up and drink as and when they want it. This prevents children from becoming thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The well maintained, bright and airy premises are organised in a way that allows the children the maximum amount of space. This means they can move round freely and independently and this allows for plenty of free and spontaneous play. Children have easy access to a wide range of high quality toys and equipment and they are appropriate to the ages and abilities of the children; for example, soft and sensory toys for young children to explore and develop their senses through touch and texture.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Through conducting a risk assessment within her home the childminder has identified certain areas that could be potential hazards and has put safety measures in place to prevent them. There are smoke alarms on both floor levels which are tested regularly and, along with an emergency evacuation procedure that is practised with the children, this ensures the continuing safety of the children. The childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare well through her sound knowledge of child protection issues and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder is involved in the children's play and plans activities to provide a stimulating and challenging learning environment. She talks to the children throughout their play encouraging them to think about what they are doing through careful questioning. This helps to extend their range of words and vocabulary; for example, when choosing from several activities, new words are introduced and repeated to encourage young children to learn and use these words. They talk about the weather using past and present, for example, the sun was

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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 out in the morning, but in the afternoon it is raining. The children enjoy various activities such as, art and craft activities and participate enthusiastically with the good resources provided.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident in their relationship with the childminder and will ask for her help with their activities. She plays on the floor with them becoming involved in their games; for instance, she supports younger children when sitting on the floor and pushing buttons to identify animal noises such as sheep, dog, horse. The toys are stored at a low level which enables the children to develop their independence as they choose their playthings and allows them the freedom to initiate spontaneous free play throughout the day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have equal access to a good range of play resources that reflect diversity and positive images and participate in activities that help develop their awareness of different types of festivals and celebrations. Their individual needs are very well met. The childminder is aware of the information she would need to gather to ensure the appropriate care of children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good as they are involved and interested in purposeful play. The childminder has a very good awareness of how to ensure all children are bound by the same rules and uses effective methods of managing behaviour; for example, arguments that may happen over toys are dealt with fairly and with clear explanations of sharing. Children are developing good self esteem and confidence through the childminder's consistent praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers significantly contributes to children's well-being. Children's needs are met by daily verbal communication between the childminder and parents. Parents written communication describes how they are extremely satisfied with the care of their children as they are looked after according to their wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by good organisation. Children benefit from a childminder who has a high regard for the well-being 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. They move around safely and can easily access many of the toys and resources encouraging their independence.

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Organisation

The childminder is fully aware of all required records and to ensure these are continually maintained; for example, she keeps clear, accurate and detailed attendance records for the children. However, not all documents have been kept the suggested length of time as set down in the National Standards. Documents are stored away securely from all persons not connected with childminding activities and this ensures confidentiality is maintained at all times. Parents are kept well informed about the service provided by regular verbal communication and by portfolios of their children's work such as drawings and paintings. This mean they are able to see how their children are progressing and developing. 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 requested to consider the following -

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Improvements since the last inspection

improve knowledge and understanding of the National Standards and Regulations as they relate to childminding.

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Improvements since the last inspection

increase resources which reflect cultural diversity.

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Improvements since the last inspection

make sure that the garden is secure and that children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder is now aware of all regulations, has increased her resources and activities that reflect diversity and positive images and ensures children are supervised at all times when in the garden. This ensures the children's continuing care, welfare and safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 written parental permission is obtained prior to administration of all forms of medication • ensure all records are kept for suggested length of time as set down in the National Standards.

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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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