Hormead Church of England (VA) First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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117439 Unique Reference Number 09 January 2008 Inspection date Juliet Eileen Hartridge 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, and lives with her husband and two children on the edge of Plympton within walking distance of all local amenities. Children have access to the whole house, as well as the enclosed garden. The childminder is registered to care for six children under the age of eight years. The registration does not include overnight care. She is currently caring for four children on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the local childminder network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a clean and tidy environment where the kitchen and bathrooms are hygienic and very well maintained. The risks of cross infection are minimised as parents and carers are aware of the childminder's policy regarding sick children, and the childminder uses hygienic nappy changing routines. Children are cared for appropriately in an emergency as the childminder has current first aid qualifications. Clearly recorded documentation ensures that parents and carers are fully informed regarding any accidents occurring, and clear consent

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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 is obtained from them before medication is administered. Children have regular opportunities to benefit from exercise when they play in the garden on the slide and trikes, or enjoy daily walks or outings to the park. Older children walk home from school and often benefit from visiting the park if the weather is suitable.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good awareness of appropriate nutrition, and ensures that children have healthy choices for their afternoon snack after school, or encourages them to drink from their beakers regularly. Information is recorded of any specific dietary needs, and the childminder discusses the provision of appropriate packed lunches with parents and carers if required, to ensure children are well nourished.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and secure in the childminder's well maintained home, where risk assessment is effectively used to identify any new safety issues arising. The doors are secure, and the keys are accessible to adults, and children are encouraged to learn about safety. For example, children are not allowed to walk around whilst they are drinking and this is skilfully reinforced by the childminder, who sits a doll on the floor with a toy beaker to encourage young children to copy. The home is comfortable and welcoming, and toys are set out invitingly for children to explore. The wide range of children's toys are all clean and in good condition and are stored tidily in age group boxes, which are regularly rotated or supplemented according to children's interests. Children are reasonably well protected from the hazards of fire as the fire blanket and smoke detectors are appropriately installed. The childminder has considered a fire evacuation plan,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety when they are out and about is very well promoted. Road safety and clear established routines are discussed to ensure children are safe on the walk home from school, and the childminder carries written information regarding all the children with her at all times in case of emergency. Children's welfare is suitably protected as the childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to safeguard all children in her care, and is aware of the importance of listening to children and recording any concerns. She has a child protection policy as well as the Department of Health 'What to Do if You are Worried' leaflet. However she is not fully confident regarding the reporting procedures should she have any child protection concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled and are secure in the childminder's care. They enthusiastically explore the interesting and stimulating range of toys and enjoy playing with the small play people and animals, whilst carefully arranging them on the playhouse. The childminder sits on the floor and chats about the toys and what they can do, encouraging children to explore, choose and play, whilst talking about shapes, textures and colours and helping their developing vocabulary. Children have good opportunities to develop their creativity, when they regularly visit a local music group and then play with their musical instruments when they get home. Older children enjoy colouring and modelling with playdough. Children are developing a sense of rhythm when they rattle shakers and enthusiastically move to the rhythm. Their developing imaginations are encouraged, when they happily play with the dolls and carefully feed them

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with toy beakers and bottles, before putting them in the crib.

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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 The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework, and plans her days according to the developmental needs and interests of the children. Interesting outings are a regular feature, which provide children with good opportunities to socialise with others and experience a variety of situations. These include visits to the supermarket, when children help select items on their shopping list, and enjoy visiting the cafe afterwards. The childminder is warm and friendly, thoughtfully making everyday routines enjoyable, for example playing 'This Little Piggy' and 'Round and Round the Garden' to make nappy changing time more fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is aware of the interests and stages of development of the children in her care, and this helps to ensure they are included, their needs are met, and are they receiving appropriate support in order to make progress. Children have good opportunities to learn about diversity and the wider community when they play with ethnic dolls and figures, or look at books which depict disability or ethnicity in a positive way. Children are settled and well behaved and their behaviour is promoted in a positive way. The childminder has a firm but fair approach, being clear regarding her expectations, encouraging children to think about the consequences of their actions, and promoting good manners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is very aware of the importance of good communication and working closely with parents and carers to ensure the needs of children are met. She is highly regarded by children's families who positively comment on how she helps their children to learn important life skills, or how much their children enjoy feeling included and part of the childminder's family. Documentation including contracts, information and consent forms are carefully completed and ensure children are cared for according to their parents and carers wishes and needs, and further support children's wellbeing. The childminder always exchanges information with parents at the end of the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The care of the children is suitably promoted as the childminder is well organised and makes good use of the areas in the home where childminding takes place. Children enjoy art activities at the large dining table in the spacious family kitchen, or play in the comfortable carpeted adjoining play area where their toys are set up ready for them to choose. Good supervision of the children is maintained at all times due to the accessibility of the play areas, which open onto the garden, which is used in the dryer weather. Documentation regarding the children's needs are carefully maintained, and further supports the welfare of children including appropriate insurance, fully completed register, and the clearly displayed registration certificate. The childminder evaluates her provision for children and has identified two areas she would like to develop, as well as a training event she wants to attend in the future. She also benefits from

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Organisation

the regular meetings with her local childminding network coordinator. This positive approach further enhances the care and wellbeing of the children. 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 previous inspection the childminder was asked to improve the accessibility of her fire blanket. This has now been mounted according to Devon Fire and Rescue advice, and this has improved the safety of children.

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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 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 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): • develop knowledge and understanding of appropriate child protection procedures. Record and practise the fire evacuation plan.

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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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