Claypool Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 105195 Inspection date 08 September 2005 Inspector Diane Mary O'Neill

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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 satisfactory. 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 was registered in 1996. She lives with her three children aged three, eight and ten years old, in Toddington a village in Bedfordshire. The whole of the downstairs accommodation is used for childminding, upstairs is used for sleep purposes for the minded children and occasionally children over the age of eight play upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on various days and one over eight years. The childminder is close to the local park, toddler groups,

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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 pre-school and school. The family has a pet cat. The childminder receives support from Bedfordshire Early Years Childcare Development Partnership.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment that is well maintained. Although some of the children are very young, the childminder is helping them to learn about the importance of good hygiene such as washing hands before and after meals and after using the toilet. She wears gloves when changing nappies as well as washing her hands, so the children observe good hygiene practices from the childminder. When on outings the childminder ensures that the children can still maintain good hygiene practices and procedures, for example using disposable wipes for their hands. Children are beginning to learn about why some bugs can make us poorly and the importance of good hygiene through discussion with the childminder. This is also linked to special care procedures for a child whose medical condition requires good hygiene practice as well as the organisation of meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health and well-being is suitably maintained by the childminder as she ensures meals provided by the parents are eaten at set times within the daily routine. Drinks are always available to the children, ensuring their needs are met. The children have good opportunities to develop their physical skills through a variety of play experiences such as out in the garden, which is used frequently when weather permits with sand pit and water play, slide, toy rocker. When playing inside they continue to develop their finer physical skills with building bricks, trying to dress dolls and pretending to feed the dolls with a toy bottle. The childminder has completed a recognised first aid course, however this is now due for renewal and she is planning on updating this so she can continue to keep children safe whilst they are in her care. All relevant documentation in relation to children’s health and well-being is in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and safe environment. The childminder has generally identified and minimised the risk to children through the regular checking of equipment and areas used by them. She has also drawn up a safety improvement list, which is regularly checked and amended to ensure the premises are safe for children. Children have suitable play and rest areas within the premises that enable them to have different play experiences such as free play, messy play and outdoor activities.

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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 Children needing a sleep have their own cot and bedding ensuring good health and hygiene practices. All of the areas used by the children are monitored by the childminder to ensure the children have fun and are cared for in a safe environment. Children freely access equipment that the childminder provides. For example, playing with dolls and pretending to feed and clothe them. However the range of equipment provided does not fully allow children to explore, investigate and use their imagination to its full potential. This is an area for further development. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to protect children in her care, she has undergone training that has helped with her knowledge and understanding of protecting children. She has all relevant documents and guidance in place to ensure

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are very settled and happy in the childminder’s home. They are secure and confident with themselves and other children attending, for example, playing games with their peers and learning to share such as when playing with the dolls. They learn numbers through counting the stairs as they go up for their nap. The children are extremely sociable and relate well with each other and the childminder. There is a good use of communication and effective interaction between the children and the childminder, for example talking about the dolls and the clothes they wear, and giving them their bottle. This enables the children to be relaxed and sociable as well as developing their vocabulary and listening skills whilst in her care. Children have opportunities to extend their play and learning through trips out such as going to the park, going strawberry picking or visiting other people who have

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

young children where they get a good opportunity to mix and socialise with these children, as well as having different play experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals because the childminder makes sure that she is aware of their individual needs and is able to meet these. For example, there is a daily routine which allows time for them to play, rest and interact. The children’s behaviour is acceptable overall and they are learning about playing together, sharing and taking turns, for example when having the dolls and sharing a favourite one. Children are set consistent boundaries so that they know what is expected of them and the childminder has an understanding of behaviour management and uses age appropriate strategies. The children’s awareness of society and the world around them is promoted through the childminder’s understanding of providing a range of positive images and resources. For example, celebrating festivals, watching “Dora the Explorer” on

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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 television who looks at other countries and customs and sometimes uses Spanish when she speaks. This helps children learn about the world in which they live. Children go on visits in the community, such as strawberry picking, this enables them to gain an appreciation of the neighbourhood and that there is a wider community. Children with special educational needs have in the past been cared for by the childminder. Whilst caring for the children she learnt to do sign language so that she could communicate with them, helping them to feel welcome and at ease in her care. Children’s care is enhanced through the childminder having a good working partnership with parents which impacts on the confidence and security of each child. Each parent has sufficient time to discuss their child’s progress on a daily basis,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

which the childminder willingly shares with the parents to keep them updated.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises most aspects of her work effectively, helping the children to feel comfortable, relaxed and at home. Children’s individual needs are met due to the childminder having well documented relevant information concerning the children in her care. The childminder has daily discussion with parents to keep them up-to-date about their children. The children’s emotional and physical development is suitably promoted through the childminder planning activities within her daily routine. However the childminder does need to look at how she can further develop and expand the range of toys available to the children, so they have better play and learning opportunities. The childminder is keen to develop her own knowledge and understanding by attending short courses such as first aid, so she can care for children in a safe environment. Overall, the needs of all children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection recommendations were made for the childminder to ensure that a system was in place for toys and equipment to be cleaned, well maintained and safety checked. She was asked to plan a range of activities and play opportunities for children's overall development showing the available range and plans for suitable rotation. Although there is no written plan the childminder stated toys are checked and rotated so children’s interest is maintained. She agreed to ensure that any vehicle used to transport minded children is covered by appropriate insurance. This is in place so children are safe when transported. Information is to be available that enables care to be planned for each child's individual needs. This was in relation to a child the childminder cares for who has special requirements. These are in place ensuring the child’s needs are met working in partnership with the parents and other

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Improvements since the last inspection

professionals. The childminder agreed to have information to increase knowledge of procedures in the event of a notifiable disease. She has looked this up on the internet and if she

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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 had any concerns would contact emergency services and contact the parents. She has ensured that procedures for referring any concern about a child are in line with local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. She has completed a training course which has helped her understand concerns for children. The childminder agreed to ensure that sufficient details are included in the daily register. A register has been devised but she is looking at developing a more workable spread sheet. She has a weekly recording system, as the children she cares for are the same and attend on the same days. She was to provide a first aid box the contents of which are checked frequently and replaced as necessary. The childminder has a first aid kit and one in the car, so can offer care for children at any

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder agreed to make sure that low-level glass panels are safe or inaccessible. All low level glass is now covered with safety film. She also agreed to improve fire safety precautions by devising and practising an emergency evacuation plan. She has done an evacuation plan with the children within the last couple of months, but has not got it written down anywhere.

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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 satisfactory. 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 a suitable range of equipment meets the developmental needs of younger children from 18months to 5years • ensure clearer registration process in place.

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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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