Whitegate Primary and Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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144842 Unique Reference Number 19 May 2008 Inspection date Jan Healy 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 registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and eight year old daughter in a four storey house near the centre of Trowbridge. She is registered to care for six children under eight years at any one time. Currently the childminder is caring for five children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder uses the ground floor for children's play, and the first floor for sleeping and access to bathroom facilities. The basement and second floor are not used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure the children in her care remain healthy and she prevents the spread of illness and infection. The children are taught about the importance of personal hygiene and are reminded to make use of anti-bacterial soap whilst washing their hands. There are paper tissues readily available, which are discarded after a single use and the children are reminded to cover their mouth when coughing. The childminder holds a current

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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 first aid certificate and is confident to deal with an accident, should one occur. The parents are kept informed about any injury to their child, as all accidents are carefully recorded. Parents written consent is requested for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice, to prevent the delay in children receiving the appropriate attention they may require. Prior written consent is sought from the parents to administer any medication to the children, with details about the time and dose given being recorded, as their good health is a priority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder prepares a home cooked lunch, if the children require it, however, they are also able to provide a lunch of their own. All food is stored appropriately, to prevent items from spoiling. The children have the benefit of eating together at a dining room table. This makes for a sociable occasion, as the children chat to each other about events that are important to them. The children eat at their own pace and are taught about the importance of eating a healthy and balanced diet. The older children help themselves to fresh drinking water at any time, whilst the younger children are provided with regular fluids to prevent dehydration.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Upon arrival, the children receive a warm and friendly greeting from the childminder and so they settle quickly, as they enjoy her company. They also enjoy playing with the childminder's own child with whom they share a happy friendship. The childminder's house is clean, tidy and is well maintained. The children have access to two floors of the four storey house and to a fully enclosed outdoor play area. The majority of play takes place in the lounge/dining room, where they have the space to play both floor and table top games. There are a broad range of resources, including large apparatus in the garden, which aids the children to further their strength and stamina.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gives great consideration to the furniture and equipment that she supplies the children, to help create an accessible and stimulating environment. The age, size and level of development the children have reached, depends on the activities planned. They also have the advantage to further their independence, as assistance is provided for the younger children to make use of the bathroom without adult help, including a booster seat and step. The children eat in comfort, as they have the use of a dining room table, with the younger children joining the older ones. This not only aids to further the children's social skills, but also helps to further their vocabulary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder promotes safety within her home and takes precautions to prevent accidents from occurring. Trailing wires are removed, so trip hazards are minimised. Electrical sockets are covered and there is an effective system in place for the safe arrival and departure of the children. The home is secure and the children are protected from adults who are not vetted. Sharp objects and dangerous fluids are kept out of the children's reach and stair gates are fitted where necessary. The children take part in an emergency evacuation procedure, so they are familiar with the routine to leave the premises in the event of a fire. Smoke alarms are regularly checked and a fire blanket is located in the kitchen. Parents are kept informed about the procedure that will take place in the event of a child becoming lost or who is uncollected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is familiar with child protection issues and keeps herself up-to-date with current legislation, through the attendance of training courses. Therefore, she is able to provide the children with the protection they may require, in the event of a concern being noted. The childminder has sound knowledge about the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and works in partnership with the parents so a problem can be resolved before it escalates.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children have the advantage of accessing a wide range of toys and resources, that help them to progress in their emotional, intellectual, social and physical development. They enjoy playing in the garden, where they build models with sand, climb large equipment and ride wheeled toys. They arrive confidently and access the toys and games with ease, as they are stored within their reach. The children are growing in their self-esteem, as they receive praise and kindness from the childminder, who joins in with their play at their request. The children are learning right from wrong and to respect each other, showing concern if one is hurt and sharing the toys. The children enjoy forming letters and drawing pictures. They like to listen to stories the childminder tells and select books of their choice. They are learning the names of a variety of shapes and join in with counting games and songs. They like to participate in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

pretend play, making up dances to music and role playing characters of their choice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are secure and confident, as they are cared for in a relaxed and happy atmosphere, therefore, the children are kind to each other and respect each others' differences. They are gently taught to listen to the views and opinions of others and they celebrate a range of festivals, including the Chinese New Year, Divali, Easter and Christmas. There are a wide range of toys, including books, jigsaws and dolls, which reflect positive images of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware that there are some children who have a learning difficulty or disability. Therefore, she works closely with the parents to seek relevant information about their individual needs. This enables her to keep the parents informed about any progress the children are making and about any further concerns noted. The home is organised to allow the children to take part in all the activities on offer, some of which are adapted to suit all the needs of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's behaviour is exemplary, as they are happy and are well cared for. They are amused with age appropriate toys, which are interesting and provide challenge. The childminder encourages them to think about what they are doing and about the effect their behaviour has on the other children, which helps to build a harmonious group. The children take pride in their environment and help to tidy away the games they are playing with, after finishing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder and the parents share a friendly and professional relationship. They keep each other up-to-date about the needs of the children and share positive behaviour management strategies so there is consistency. Written contracts are renewed when changes occur and the parents are requested for their written permission when required. The parents have the advantage of being provided written policies and statements about the childminder's provision and have the opportunity to give their views and opinions. A complaints procedure is clearly visible, however, it contains incorrect details about the contact address for Ofsted, which may result in a delay in a concern being resolved.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has good knowledge about child development and how young children learn. She provides them with a

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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 broad range of activities, which aid their progression and maintains the adult/child ratio to ensure the children's safety at all times. The childminder keeps herself up-to-date about the changes to the National Standards, as she attends various training courses. An attendance register details the times of the children's arrival and departure so they are accounted for in an emergency. All the children's records are stored confidentially to protect their personal details. All documentation is readily accessible for inspection and are retained for a reasonable period of time, so historical details can be checked.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, the childminder was requested to seek a training course in first aid. This, she has done and is confident to deal with an accident should one occur. The childminder was requested to keep a record about any accidents that occur on the premises. All accidents are now recorded and are shared with the parents, so they are aware of any injury to their child. The childminder now has a complaints procedure in place, however, it contains the incorrect address for Ofsted. The storage of play equipment has improved, so the children are able to access them without the childminder's help, increasing their independence.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 the complaints procedure, to contain the correct address for Ofsted

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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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