Marsh Hill Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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103126 Unique Reference Number 06 November 2007 Inspection date Julie Wright 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 satisfactory. 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 2000. She lives with her husband and 13 year old child in St Austell. They have moved premises since the last inspection. The house is close to local schools, shops and leisure facilities. The rooms used for childminding include the kitchen, dining room and conservatory area. The bathroom is on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have a cat, rabbit and guinea pigs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for up to six children at any one time. There are currently nine children on roll who attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the Cornwall Childminding Association and also 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 satisfactory. Children's health and welfare is promoted with suitable policies and procedures. They learn about everyday hygiene routines, such as washing their hands after handling or feeding animals. The risk of illness and infection is minimised by appropriate exclusion periods. Accident and medication records contain sufficient details to protect children's welfare. The childminder has a clear contingency plan in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop physical skills and coordination during outdoor play and at groups. The childminder has a sound knowledge of children's varying stages of development and provides suitable resources.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are discussed and appropriately met through the arrangements made. At the time of inspection the childminder provides snacks as the kitchen is being refitted. Sample menus indicate that children usually have balanced and nutritious meals. Children have opportunities to make snacks and develop independent skills as they spread butter onto bread.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have sufficient play space and move around with confidence. Suitable arrangements are made for rest and relaxation when required. Varied resources are provided to promote children's interest and development. Toys are maintained in a suitable condition, stored safely and rotated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has recently moved into the premises and work is in progress on the house and garden. Most reasonable measures have been taken to ensure safety and the childminder describes suitable procedures. The childminder accompanies children to the bathroom, however, at inspection the window has unrestricted opening, which poses a hazard. The garden is enclosed, although not suitable for use until current work is completed. Alternative arrangements are in place for outdoor play. The fire evacuation plan requires minor amendments to suit these premises. Safe arrangements are in place for children to go on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the procedures to protect children. She has attended relevant training since the last inspection and has up to date information. The childminder discusses her responsibilities to safeguard children with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children form good relationships with the childminder and her family. They are cooperative and constructive as they play with their friends. The childminder plans a wide range of activities to promote children's interest and development. The routines are consistent and help children to feel secure. Children show enthusiasm in their activities, such as selecting dressing-up clothes with excitement. They enjoy the imaginative play resources and chat happily to each other as they play. Children choose resources independently and organise themselves with confidence. The childminder has a good understanding of the children's needs and development. They

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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 develop good listening and communication skills through activities, such as singing and stories. Children also enjoy using musical instruments during the weekly music and movement sessions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take part in activities which help them to learn through play. For example, they make 'traffic light' sandwiches, which prompts talk about healthy food and different colours. They enjoy various creative opportunities such as sponge painting, play-dough, cutting and sticking. They begin to recognise letters and numbers in card games, or learn about food and money as they play shop. Regular outings include visits to groups, which help children to socialise. They visit parks, feed the ducks and go to the harbour beach. The childminder plans activities which link to themed events, for example at Halloween they have a party. After school the children choose what they would like to do. They may like to play, relax quietly or have support with their reading and spelling. Children enjoy their time in the setting and make sound progress in the care of the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual requirements are discussed and met well in the setting. The childminder and parents work closely together to ensure continuity of care for the children. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of equal opportunities. She provides a selection of resources which reflect some diversity, however, they do not include positive images of disability. This limits the opportunities for children to see similarities and difference in people.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and form positive relationships with the childminder and each other. They understand the expectations of behaviour and play well together. Children develop a sense of responsibility as they help to tidy up. They show self-esteem as they enjoy seeing photographs of themselves, proudly saying 'that's me'. Children are polite and learn how to take turns, which promotes their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes positive and long term relationships with parents. She provides an information file which includes details of the children's activities and relevant policies. Information is shared regularly in discussion and also through daily notes. The procedures in place ensure that children's need are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children settle well with the childminder, they are familiar with the environment and routines. The childminder organises her time and space appropriately to meet the children's needs. Suitable arrangements are made to promote consistent care for them. The childminder attends relevant training to update her knowledge and awareness in childcare practice.

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Organisation

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the childminding regulations, as outlined in the National Standards. She has some awareness of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which supports children's early development. Records and documentation are maintained in suitable order, which contribute to the continuity of care for children.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it 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 asked to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and to obtain the booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused'. To ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, and also to make sure that animal feeding bowls are inaccessible to children. Since then the childminder has attended a course on safeguarding children and has updated her information on the procedures. Additional resources are in place to promote equal opportunities, although a further recommendation is made in respect of disability. Animal food bowls are usually made inaccessible when they are put outside. These actions result in general improvements to the welfare of children.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • continue to develop the resources to reflect diversity and include positive images of disability • ensure that the bathroom window is safe, revise the fire evacuation plan and ensure that all areas are safe prior to use with minded children.

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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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