Plantings School

Inspection report for early years provision

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133949 Unique Reference Number 04 February 2008 Inspection date Penny Wood 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 was registered in 1989 and lives with her adult son in Bicester, Oxfordshire. The whole of the home is registered for childminding. Children primarily have use of a designated play room and there is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years old at any one time and currently has five children aged between four months and three years old on roll. The childminder is able to drive to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. She attends local toddler groups with minded children. The family have a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are developing a good understanding of hygiene routines which reduce the spread of germs. For example, the childminder ensures they wash their hands prior to eating. The premises are clean with resources, particularly baby toys, regularly cleaned to ensure they are suitable for children’s use. The childminder wipes over tables after activities and uses antibacterial gel

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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 on her hands after blowing children’s noses to ensure she limits the cross infection of germs. A clear sickness policy reduces the spread of contagious illnesses, such as sickness and diarrhoea, with information available to parents on when it is suitable for their children to attend.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder’s knowledge of first aid, with her training updated as required to support her provision of medical care. Accident and medication documentation records clear information and is shared with parents to inform them of the care their children receive. Written parental consent allowing her to seek further medical attention in the event of a major accident or illness ensures she does so in-line with parent’s wishes. Children enjoy regular opportunities to be physically active, with trips to local play parks allowing them to enjoy the fresh air and the freedom to be outside.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a healthy snack of fruit, with lunches provided by parents being stored appropriately in the refrigerator to ensure they remain fresh. Parents are encouraged to provide nutritious foods within packed lunches, with treats saved until after the healthier options have been eaten. Records of children’s allergies ensure they only receive foods that are suitable for their individual dietary needs. Children enjoy regular drinks in their own beakers ensuring they do not become dehydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy access to a designated play room which is brightly painted and decorated with colourful posters, promoting a welcoming environment. The provision of child friendly furniture, such as a low sofa and a small table with chairs, encourages children to be independent when accessing the activities provided. Brightly coloured foam number floor tiles enable younger children to develop their mobility skills on a soft surface.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision of a good range of toys which are stored in colourful storage units enable the children to self-select. The childminder is beginning to label boxes with pictures of the contents to aid their selection. Toys are regularly checked to ensure they are safe for children to play with. During their play, children are learning about keeping themselves safe. For example, they remain seated during activities and help to tidy up after playing with Duplo to ensure they do not hurt themselves by standing on the bricks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Within the home good procedures are in place to promote children’s safety. For example, children practice emergency evacuation procedures to ensure they become familiar with the action to take. Risk assessments on the home and play parks prior to use ensure children are able to play free from the risk of harm. When on outings, children are developing their understanding of road safety. The childminder talks to them about the colours of traffic lights and when it is safe to cross. The childminder’s clear knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to follow, promote children’s safety and welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled within the childminder’s care. They play well alongside each other, enjoying the good range of activities provided. Children enjoy participating in the age appropriate activities which are rotated to ensure they remain interested and engaged. They enjoy daily outings to go swimming, to go on walks or to attend toddler groups, all of

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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 which ensure they enjoy variety within their day, whilst developing their social skills when meeting other children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a basic system in place to plan a range of activities based around a topic, such as Me, Myself and I. However, she does not routinely evaluate the activities or record children’s progress and development in order to ensure they are maximising their potential.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

During play the childminder encourages children’s learning. For example, they talk about how best to use scissors, they count how many sausages they have made with dough and name familiar colours. Children confidently enjoy discussions with the childminder and are developing good use of their language skills. Consistent praise and encouragement boosts children’s confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing a sense of value within the childminder’s care. They each have their own storage box for their possessions and the childminder divides her time well between the children present. Children take an active roll in routines, such as helping to tidy up and putting away the toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Through activities based on people around the world, children are beginning to develop a good understanding of diversity. They celebrate a range of festivals within her home, such as Chinese New Year, with further festivals explored when attending toddler groups. Access to a suitable range of resources which depict positive images of race, culture and disability encourage children to develop a natural awareness of the world around them through their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder’s procedures to ensure she is able to meet children’s individual needs. Detailed discussions with parents at initial meetings and the ongoing sharing of information on a daily basis ensure she is aware of any additional need and is able to adapt her provision accordingly. Parents receive good information about the childminder’s policies and procedures, offering them an insight into her provision of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They are encouraged to share and take turns with the toys. Any issues are addressed appropriately ensuring children learn why their behaviour is not acceptable. Wall posters encourage children to follow basic behaviour rules, such as not using their feet to kick or using their teeth to bite.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She is very experienced in caring for children and has both completed and delivered training in early years care. She organises her home well and continually seeks new equipment in order to extend her range of toys and the opportunities she provides. In addition, she has a large range of reference books to support her in the care of children.

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Organisation

A comprehensive range of policies and procedures are in place which support her provision and inform parents of her routines and requirements. All regulatory documentation is in place and available for inspection.

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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

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved her provision of care based on the recommendations that were raised. She was requested to improve the records of attendance and to review and reorganise resources to make best use of space. As a result the registration system records children's attendance including the times of children's arrival and departure in order to reflect which children are in her care at any one time. The purchase of new storage units aids the organisation of resources and space and allows children to self select chosen toys and activities.

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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): • continue to develop systems for evaluating activities and recording children's progress and development

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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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