Copmanthorpe Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 132047 Inspection date 20 September 2005 Inspector Christine Stimson

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered since February 2000 and lives with her two children, aged over eight, in a house in Old Malden, which is in the Royal borough of Kingston upon Thames. The house is close to local schools, shops, parks and a mainline station. All areas of the childminder's home may be used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and she is currently minding four children part-time and after school. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends several

p.2

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 parent/toddler groups on a regular basis and has no pets in her home. She is a member of the national and local childminding associations.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and welfare are important to the childminder, who ensures they play in a clean environment where they learn from an early age the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines. For example children are encouraged to wash their hands before snack time and after using the toilet. The childminder holds a valid first aid qualification which means she can give appropriate care to children if there is an accident. She records accidents in a log book, which is then brought to the parents' notice. Healthy balanced meals introduce children to good nutrition and encourages healthy eating. The childminder is aware that children need to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and she is vigilant about ensuring they always have a drink to hand. A diary containing details of children's food intake is given to parents each day. Children's independence is encouraged when they are learning to go to the toilet on

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

their own by the use of a step. This enables and encourages children to manage their own toileting and hand washing. Daily use of the spacious garden encourages active physical skills such as climbing on a small frame, using slides and riding bikes. Children regularly go to the local park where they explore apparatus suitable for their age and stage of development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a secure environment where they move around safely and where priority is given to their personal safety. The childminder takes precautions to prevent accidents, for example by keeping child locks on her kitchen cupboards and ensuring all accessible sockets have covers. Both indoors and out in the garden children have easy access to a range of good quality toys and resources appropriate for their age, all of which are maintained in good condition. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety when travelling in the car and ensures they are strapped into suitable car sets. When she is taking children for a walk she makes sure the younger children are either strapped into a buggy or are holding onto the buggy. Older children are taught to walk along the road sensibly and to only cross at safe designated places. Children's wellbeing is supported as the childminder has knowledge of child

p.3

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 protection issues and is able to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children explore and experiment through a range of activities that match the needs and ages of the children attending. They respond enthusiastically to the activities the childminder provides each day. For example, one child was cutting and shaping play dough, offering us pieces to eat, telling us she had made broccoli and peas. Young children gain much from being together. They learn to communicate and develop good relationships. Children benefit from outings to toddler groups where they learn to mix with other children. Some activities are laid out for the children, but other toys and resources are kept at child height so they can choose for themselves. Children are encouraged to be independent from a young age. For example the childminder encourages them to put away their toys before going into the garden. Children have the opportunity to play outside each day. They either play in the

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

garden or are taken to the playground in the local park. They are encouraged to extend their physical skills and set themselves challenges such as riding bikes or balancing on climbing frames.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder gives the children regular opportunities to learn about the world they live in through outings and resources that introduce them to other cultures. For example children attend several toddler groups where they can socialise with people from different cultures. Their appreciation of others is enhanced by the variety of toys, puzzles and books the childminder has that show people with disability and those from different ethnic backgrounds. The childminder enables children to develop a sense of belonging whilst in her care, for example encouraging children to cuddle up whilst drinking milk from their bottle. Children relish the time spent with the childminder who has a close and loving relationship with them. The childminder has developed strategies to deal with inappropriate behaviour, using distraction, tone of voice and a reward system for younger children. Older children

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

understand the house rules and the childminder encourages good manners by setting a good example to children. The childminder has developed good relationships with parents who are kept informed of their child's day both verbally and through a daily diary.

p.4

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 The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for by an experienced person who is committed to attending childcare training and development course. She would like to further develop her knowledge of Birth to Three Matters as this is the age group of children she generally cares for during the day. The childminder keeps a daily diary on each child in her care and this, together with informal discussions with parents, ensures continuity of care for children. The layout of the childminder's home and outdoor area is well organised for children to play safely, and they benefit from an environment where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The day is well planned, allowing children time for quiet and active play. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection actions and recommendations were raised relating to maintaining regulatory documentation, giving attention to areas of safety both in the home and in the garden and increasing resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practice. The childminder has made significant improvements which promote children's awareness of anti discriminatory practice by increasing her resources in this area. Safety for children in the home and garden has improved and the childminder now maintains regulatory documentation.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should

p.5

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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • Continue to develop your knowledge of children under the age of three, for example by attending Birth to three matters training.

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6