Devizes School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 138630 Inspection date 20 January 2006 Inspector Ann Field

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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 2001. She lives with her family, including her 10-year-old son, in Harefield, Middlesex. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding, with toilet and rest facilities upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is currently minding three children under five all day, three more children attend before school with one child attending after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect the children. She attends a parent and toddler group. The family has a cat.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment in which a high standard of hygiene is evident, they feel secure and part of the family. The childminder promotes children’s physical health through lots of outdoor exercise and activities. They have daily outings to the park or soft play centre; they walk to the local school and make good use of the child-orientated garden. There are procedures in place to deal with any medical emergencies to children. However, the childminder has not kept her first aid qualification current. Children increase their understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle as they freely access drinks and have regular meals and snacks. They are developing their social skills through eating these meals together at the table. Children benefit from following a structured routine. They rest according to their needs and parents wishes and they have plenty of opportunities to play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around the home safely and independently, because the childminder has minimised risks and addressed safety issues in her home and garden. She has gates to restrict access to the kitchen and stairs. She records any accidents and has a fully stocked first aid box. However, some items stored within the box pose a hazard to children. Children learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, holding hands when on outings and the best way to negotiate the open plan stairs. Children independently select toys from the wide range of good quality resources, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development; the children excitedly include me as they push cars along the wooden floor. The childminder has a clear knowledge of child protection issues, she

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

recognises signs of abuse and discusses existing injuries with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are at ease with the childminder, they develop affectionate relationships with her receiving spontaneous cuddles and plenty of reassurance. The childminder is very involved in their play; children are extremely happy and fully occupied. There were squeals of laughter as they built brick towers and took turns in knocking them down and later, when they blew bubbles and chased them around the room. Children have sound learning opportunities in the everyday routine; they develop their language through good interaction and questioning by the childminder. For example, she encourages them to make animal noises when looking at books, they spend time

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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 singing songs together and they count and recall colours of familiar objects. Children are confident in the childminder’s home, they have easy access to a wide range of stimulating play activities. However, the television is often on, although the children are not watching it. Children experience a variety of outings that help to develop their confidence and social skills. These include visits to a local toddler group, a soft play centre, the park and shops.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning to become independent and gaining self-esteem through making choices in an environment reflecting positive images. The childminder has systems in place to integrate all children and they are valued and respected as individuals. Children show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. They behave very well and act kindly to each other. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement for their achievements, however slight. For example, putting the correct shapes in the shape sorter and turning the pages in the storybook. Children enjoy attending and parents value the care provided. The childminder has good procedures in place to verbally share with parents information about the children’s daily routine and their development. This ensures good continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children spend a purposeful and happy time with the childminder who organises and plans her activities well. Children benefit from the high level of quality time the childminder spends with them. They are happy and confident within the setting provided, with separate areas to sleep undisturbed and room for them to experience messy play. The childminder keeps all regulatory documents to protect children’s welfare. She displays her registration document and children’s records are confidential and stored appropriately. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has improved her record keeping safeguarding the children's welfare; she now ensures that she has written consent from parents before administering any medication. The childminder has also increased her resources and has a range of equipment available to the children that reflects diversity.

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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

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • update first aid training and insure that the first aid box does not contain any medication • monitor the use of the television to ensure it is not on continually, but used as part of the structured day.

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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: 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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