Osidge Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 101356 Inspection date 25 August 2005 Inspector Ruth Tharme

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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 registered in 1980. She lives with her husband and their teenaged daughter. Their home is a three-bedroom, semi-detached house in the Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Hill near Morton-in-Marsh. The whole of the house is available for childminding purposes. There is a fully-enclosed, rear garden for outside play. There are playparks, shops, a library and a primary school within the locality. The family have two pet cats. Care is provided on a full or part-time basis throughout the year. There are currently 6 children on the register aged between 1 and 5 years. Children are taken on visits

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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 and to places of interest in the surrounding areas.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Clear and up-to-date documentation provides an accurate record of any medication administered to children and of any accidents. Effective first aid arrangements mean that children receive appropriate care in an emergency. Parents have given prior written consent for emergency medical advice or treatment, a well-stocked first aid box is readily available and the childminder holds a relevant qualification. Good hygiene standards are maintained to minimise the risk of infection. There are effective hand-washing procedures and cleaning arrangements in place. The care of pets is organised to ensure that children's health is not at risk. An exclusion policy is in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Children's dietary needs are well catered for. The childminder discusses particular requirements with parents before care commences. She shares her menu plans with them. Children enjoy healthy and nutritious meals. Home-cooked dishes include

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Helping children to be healthy

organic produce and home-grown vegetables.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The use of space is well considered so children can move around easily and in safety. Open floor space is provided and there is an area available for quiet play. Children can reach their toys and equipment easily as it is stored on low-level shelving and in baskets on the floor. The childminder checks that equipment is age appropriate so it is safe for children to use. Well considered precautions are in place to reduce the danger from fire. Smoke alarms are tested regularly. A fire blanket is readily available in the kitchen. Written evacuation procedures are shared with parents and are discussed with the children. Precautions such as the use of stair gates when younger children are present and the careful storage of cleaning materials contribute to children's safety. The childminder has a clear knowledge of child protection issues which ensures that children are appropriately protected. She is able to recognise possible indicators of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

abuse and has a clear plan for dealing with any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which promote their all-round development.

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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 ensures that a good balance of activities are on offer throughout the day. There are regular opportunities to spend time out-of-doors. Children's play is supported by a stimulating range of toys and resources. Equipment is easily accessible so children are encouraged to make choices for themselves and can develop their play spontaneously. The well established routine means that children can predict what will happen next and helps them to feel secure. The childminder encourages children to play co-operatively together and to take turns. Children are forming strong friendships and speak warmly about each other. The childminder is calm and relaxed. Children are happy in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder takes time before care commences to discuss individual needs with parents. She is well informed and is able to meet children's needs effectively. Children develop their knowledge and understanding of the diversity within the community through a variety of activities and experiences. They enjoy making recipes from around the world and make good use of an extensive range of resources which promote equality of opportunity. There are effective arrangements to ensure that children with special needs are appropriately supported. Children's good behaviour is actively encouraged. There are clear ground rules, such as washing your hands after using the toilet, and children are praised when they behave well. Any concerns are discussed with parents so a consistent approach can be adopted. Children benefit from a strong partnership with parents. The childminder takes steps to ensure that parents are well informed and that she is clear about their wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is suitably qualified and experienced. She is able to provide appropriate care for young children. She has been successfully minding for 25 years and is committed to keeping her knowledge and skills updated. She regularly attends training events. There are effective procedures in place to protect children from those who have not had clearance. Children are well supervised at all times. They receive good levels of adult support as appropriate ratios are always adhered to. Documentation is suitably maintained and is routinely shared with parents who countersign all entries. The certificate of registration is displayed. The daily register is clear and up-to-date. It provides a suitable record of children's attendance but does not include the precise times of their arrival and departure.

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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 Children's confidentiality is appropriately maintained. Individual records are kept and documentation is stored securely. Overall, the needs of the range of children attending are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there were two recommendations made. The childminder has made good progress in addressing them both. The first recommendation was to request written consent from parents to transport children in a motor vehicle. Consent is now routinely requested at the time of registration. A clear record of parental consent is in place for all children currently attending. Children are not transported in a vehicle without prior written permission from parents. The second recommendation was to ensure that children have regular access to drinks. Children are now able to help themselves to drinks from the kitchen. They have individual, easily recognisable cups which are readily available on the kitchen table. Water or milk is available to drink throughout the day.

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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 actual times of arrival and departure of all children are accurately recorded in the daily register.

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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:

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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 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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