Peasmarsh Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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114518 Unique Reference Number 09 May 2008 Inspection date Anne Gunston 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 first registered in 1991. She is registered to care for a total of six children under eight years and may provide overnight care for up to two children under eight. There are currently 20 children registered with the childminder, all of whom require part time care. The childminder lives with her husband, one adult daughter and two foster children in a detached house in a residential area of Chichester, West Sussex. Areas of the premises used for minding include the playroom, kitchen, conservatory, master bedroom and fully enclosed rear garden. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit greatly from the frequent opportunities for fresh air and exercise provided by the childminder. They enjoy walks through the woods collecting materials for collage or to the local pond for feeding ducks. The childminder is fully aware of the benefits of daily exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, and sometimes combines a walk with a picnic or shopping trip. Children confidently use the toys and equipment provided by the childminder. For example,

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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 they spread glue and use scissors to create their own art work, developing good control over their bodies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of good hygiene routines every day; they are independent in their personal care and need few reminders from the childminder to wash hands after use of the toilet or before meals. The childminder's own hygiene practice is exemplary and consistently promotes children's health. For example, hand towels are changed daily and toys are cleaned very frequently using antibacterial wipes. The childminder often involves children in washing of some toys, as a fun activity, which helps them understand the importance of maintaining a clean environment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive effective treatment in the event of an accident; the childminder keeps a wide range of first aid materials in her kitchen, and holds a current first aid qualification. She keeps thorough records of any accidents or medication which children require; parents' instructions concerning dosage or timing are obtained. The childminder always complies with their wishes; written consent to seek emergency medical treatment is in place which ensures children receive prompt care should a more serious accident or injury occur.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy meals and snacks which are prepared in a hygienic manner and at regular intervals during the day. The childminder provides a freshly cooked evening meal, which is enjoyed by children sitting to a table in a sociable setting. She serves children lunches which have been prepared by their parents. The childminder has secure knowledge of how to provide a nutritionally balanced diet for children. Drinks are accessible to children throughout the day to ensure they remain well hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a very spacious family home, where they have plenty of room for play and freedom of movement around areas dedicated to their use. The childminder prefers that children play on the ground floor of the home, in the play room or conservatory; children access a wide range of age appropriate toys and play materials in both rooms. They are able to make choices about activities as the majority of items are stored at low level; the childminder arranges her resources to provide older children with space to play without interruption. Younger children can play in safety as items with smaller, intricate pieces are kept out of reach. The childminder makes provision for children to rest comfortably in one bedroom on the first floor. Children are able to access the garden directly from the play room; this is a safe, secure area where mature trees provide shade for children as they play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to consider their own safety as they play. The childminder supervises children well and talks to them about the importance of staying together when they are shopping with her. Children are prompted to walk, not run, when carrying scissors; when they are walking they are expected to hold the childminder's hand or buggy. The childminder recognises children's growing independence and will allow them to walk a little ahead when it is safe to do so. Children benefit from being cared for in a very safe environment; the childminder has taken many steps to minimise risks, such as enclosing and covering her garden ponds, and using cupboard locks to secure cleaning materials. The home is well fitted with smoke alarms and a fire blanket. Some children take part in practise evacuations from the home to prepare them for emergencies, although the childminder does not keep a record of when this is done to ensure that every

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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 The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children. She is aware of the signs or symptoms which may indicate that a child is at risk, and keeps records of any existing injuries enabling her to monitor children's wellbeing over a prolonged period. She has secure knowledge of reporting procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children really enjoy the stimulating range of activities and experiences provided by the childminder. They are expected to be independent whenever possible, although the childminder shows sound understanding of when to become involved with their play. Children play happily together cutting and sticking shapes, and willingly share the bottle of glue; the childminder steps in to assist with creating their preferred shapes. Children are secure in going to her for assistance and they are able to communicate their needs because they are confident of a positive response.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take part in practical everyday tasks, such as shopping at the supermarket or nearby town, which provide excellent learning opportunities. Children learn to plan and prepare for such events by finding the shopping bags. They are helped to think of others as they select items from the shopping list for other children in the childminder's care. Children are constantly involved and interested in the experiences provided by the childminder. They ask to be given pictures to colour, or their favourite puzzle. They relish decorating cakes and are able to relate well to each other as they share in stirring the icing. The childminder's praises all children's achievements promoting their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children behave well when in the childminder's care, because she involves them in the daily routine, ensures they are stimulated and 'busy'. They are familiar with the expectation that all resources are shared and the childminder clearly explains how this can be achieved. Children learn to consider others' needs, and make firm friendships. They thoroughly enjoy looking at photographs of past activities and recall who was involved. Children learn to appreciate each others' similarities and differences in discussions with the childminder. However, there are few resources which reflect different cultural backgrounds and the childminder does not increase children's awareness of these in planned activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are always expected to show good manners and expected to say 'thank you' and occurrences of unwanted behaviour are rare. The childminder manages these calmly and firmly and she takes control of the situation quickly but will always makes an initial attempt to distract children to more appropriate play. Children develop in confidence when the childminder asks their opinion and positively encourages them to make decisions. She always speaks to children respectfully and gives each child equal amounts of her time and attention.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder keeps parents informed about children's progress by daily discussion. She works flexibly and is considerate of the needs of parents and children; essential information is obtained from parents concerning children's preferences. The childminder knows the children well and meets their individual needs comprehensively. She is experienced in the care of children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The partnership formed with parents enables all children to be included in the range of activities she provides.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She is experienced and holds the necessary qualifications for her role. She is well organised and manages her time effectively for the benefit of the children. Her knowledge of the requirements of her registration is secure; although in great demand the childminder maintains ratios at all times ensuring children are well supported.

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Organisation

All necessary documentation is in place and records relating to individual children are shared with parents at the appropriate times. All records are stored in a confidential manner and retained for the required period.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that fire evacuations are practised. She has introduced this at intervals throughout the year, which include holiday periods when higher numbers of children are present. However, some children do not take part to enable them to be familiar with emergency evacuation and this remains an area for improvement.

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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 systems to ensure all children experience emergency evacuation from the home • increase the range of resources and activities which raise children's awareness of diversity.

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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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