Penponds School

Inspection report for early years provision

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140741 Unique Reference Number 14 February 2008 Inspection date Jane Plested 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 has been registered since 1994. She lives with her husband and grown up children. Their house is in a residential road on an estate on the outskirts of Aylesbury. It is in walking distance of local shops, pre-school and schools. Childminding takes place on the ground floor, upstairs is sometimes used for resting children. There is a secure garden available for children's outside play. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years. There are currently 12 children who attend the setting; four children are over eight years. Some of these arrangements are occasional. The childminder takes children to several local groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Young children experience some good activities to support their physical development. They benefit from regular attendance at a local gym. Here they crawl, climb, balance and run. As a

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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 result, children learn to control their bodies and develop mobility skills. Older children have fresh air and exercise through the daily walk to school and during visits to a local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children stay healthy because the childminder provides a hygienic environment; surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom are spotless. She follows good nappy changing routines. The childminder quickly notices when children need their noses wiped and she completes this routine for younger children. This reduces the possibility of infection. The childminder’s health and safety systems are good which will support their health, safety and welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The majority of food for children is provided by parents. It is stored with good food hygiene in mind, to minimise the risk of contamination. The childminder is rigorous in ensuring her fridge is chilling food correctly. The snacks for older children are biscuits, these do not positively encourage a healthy diet. The childminder offers children drinks at regular intervals so they do not get thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit because the premises are very well maintained, and provide plenty of space, so that they can move around freely. Toys and equipment for use by children are of good quality and some are accessible.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s health and safety benefits from the childminder’s keen awareness of potential hazards both in the home and on outings. She fits safety equipment, such as a stair gate, and socket covers, and keeps dangerous substances out of reach. The childminder makes sure children rest safely. She talks about risk assessing parks prior to use. Parental references comment about ‘children being safe’.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s security has been well thought through, the garden is secure and the childminder is pro-active in checking the identity of visitors to the setting. Since the last inspection the childminder has completed child protection training and as a result, has a good understanding of procedures to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and have a secure relationship with the childminder. For example, they snuggle up contentedly with her when tired. The childminder is committed to a caring and sensitive service saying, ‘it’s all about the children’. Children play independently with a dolls house and cars, and are busy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing peer group relationships, the childminder comments that ‘older children get on well with each other and love the younger children’. Photographic evidence shows children playing imaginative games, such as ‘schools’, as a group. This will foster feelings of security and develop their creativity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children go on outings most mornings. They attend to several toddler groups and a gym club. At toddler group they have opportunities to socialise, experience messy play and sing songs. As a result they are beginning to learn and join in with familiar nursery songs, such as ‘The Wheels on the Bus'.

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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 satisfactory. Children generally behave well during the inspection. Older children are aware of the simple house rules, because the childminder explains these, which enables them to comply. Younger children receive praise to develop feelings of self-worth. The childminder encourages them to share but she does not always provide an explanation when their behaviour is unacceptable. This means they do not fully understand what they have done wrong and learn from the experience.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Each child’s needs are discussed so that the childminder meets these and provides appropriate on-going care. Children have good opportunities to learn about their local environment and meet a wide range of people. However, their access to resources providing positive images is more limited. This hinders a wider understanding of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents’ receive helpful information about the childminder’s service and children’s care through the detailed policies, that they read and sign. They also receive day-to-day feedback from the childminder. Parental comments suggest that they value the quality of care. For instance, they comment on the encouragement of good manners and social skills and value the childminder’s professionalism. As a result, the childminder sustains long-term relationships with families and children receive continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are welcome and their close relationships with the childminder ensure that they feel secure within a safe, hygienic, spacious and secure family home. There are some good opportunities for children to develop their play and interests and as a result, they are busy and active.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps clear and well-ordered records and agreements that contain detailed information. For example, they fully detail children’s attendance and any accidents. She has worked hard to develop some detailed and comprehensive policies, which she effectively shares with children’s parents. As a result, all aspects of children’s care is fully understood and agreed. 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, the childminder agreed: to keep an accurate record of children's attendance; to request written permission from parents for outings and to transport children in a vehicle; to administer medication and seek emergency medical advice or treatment; to develop written agreements of the business arrangements; and to ensure that children have access to the toys and are given more opportunities to make choices

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has significantly improved her paperwork and record keeping. As a result, a clear record of attendance is in place as are all recommended agreements. Therefore, everyone is clear about the care children are receiving, and when they are with the childminder. The childminder encourages children to make choices in their play and provides resources that they enjoy using. However, the range of toys set out continues to lack in variety.

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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 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 the nutritional content of the snacks • ensure children understand why behaviour is unacceptable.

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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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