Litcham Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 120826 Inspection date 30 August 2005 Inspector Julia Lynn Freemantle

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1995. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 16 and 14 in a house in Frimley, Surrey. The property is close to local schools and amenities. There is a park nearby. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 5 children aged 10, 6, 4, 2 and 1 all of whom attend on a part-time basis. Minded children have access to all areas of the property. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have 4 cats.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends the local carer and toddler group. She holds a valid first aid qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contributes to children's good health. Each day there are outdoor activities in the garden and visits to the local parks, which improves their physical skills. Younger children join in with appropriate activities due to the childminders good understanding about suitable types of activities and levels of support gives them confidence to try out new skills. For example physical play experiences that encourage crawling, walking and climbing. Children develop good hygiene and personal care skills, for example they wash their hands before mealtimes and after playing outside, the childminder clearly talks to the children about why this is important. Children have a range of nutritious snacks and have regular access to water to ensure that children’s good health is promoted. The childminder considers children's food preferences as well as the parent’s wishes to ensure that she meets their

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Helping children to be healthy

individual dietary needs. Children have good social interaction at meal times. They sit together and are encouraged to talk to each other.

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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 spacious home where risks are identified and minimised however some risks in the garden need to be addressed. The childminder maintains constant supervision both inside and outside the home to enable her to protect the children in her care. There is a clear arrival and departure procedure to ensure children are only released to authorised known carers. Children benefit from the amount of space available. Children have space to explore, which allows them to play freely, developing their confidence and independence. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meets safety standards; she supervises children's choice to make sure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder ensures children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted; the childminder has all of the required documents and most of the consents in place. She

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

has a good understanding of child protection procedures. Children benefit from effective procedures which the childminder follows; she manages all accidents and administers medication appropriately. She shares this information with parents.

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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 good. Children gain good levels of self-esteem and confidence, they benefit from good settling in procedures. Children are confident and secure in their relationship with the childminder, they receive meaningful praise, which increases their sense of belonging and encourages them to be independent. Children are able to experience a varied range of planned activities based around themes throughout the year, both inside and outside the home which contribute to their development. They enjoy exploring a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity, such as painting, baking and dancing. Younger children spend their time purposefully. They have opportunities to make choices and explore with interest. The childminders understanding of appropriate activities for younger children is sound although she is planning to use Birth to Three Matters to enhance her practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a positive awareness of equal opportunities and special needs issues that enables children to have a wide range of experiences while in her care. Children begin to have an awareness of the wider world we live in, with the use of toys and resources that reflect diversity and through discussion about differences and learning about festivals through planned activities. Children’s individual needs are met and respected, the childminder regularly talks to the parents to ensure that personal preferences are taken into account. Children behave well they are polite and show care and concern for each other. The childminder has realistic expectations and is consistent in her approach. Good use of praise and encouragement helps build children’s self-esteem and manage children’s behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease with the well organised environment. Children have access to sufficient space to allow them to play freely and are able to extend their learning because there is a good balance of indoor and outdoor play. Most documents are available and maintained in line with the requirements of the National Standards; these are shared regularly with parents. The childminder maintains confidentiality by ensuring documents are effectively organised and stored securely. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children in her care.

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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 agreed to ensure; that the premises and garden were secure to prevent the children leaving, that parents signed the accident and medication book and that parents are informed of her responsibility in regard to child protection. The childminder has addressed all of these areas to enable children to be safe in her care.

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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 the garden is safe • increase further the range of toys, resources and activities that reflect diversity and ensure that children have access to them • ensure that permission to gain emergency medical advice or treatment is obtain from all parents

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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