Mattishall Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 132213 Inspection date 13 January 2006 Inspector Patricia Jane Daniels

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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 1992. She lives with her husband and 3 children (one of whom is school aged) in Surbiton. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. Minding generally takes place in the lounge. The childminder is registered to care for 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children who attend on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 The childminder has several cats and keeps some pet ducks in an enclosure in the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a current first aid certificate, which ensures that children have access to appropriate treatment if they have an accident. Parents give prior written consent for the childminder to administer medication so that children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. However the childminder does not have consent to seek emergency treatment for all children, which could have implications for emergency care if needed. Children are beginning to learn about the importance of good hygiene through some daily routines, although these are not always applied consistently. For example, children do not always wash their hands before eating. The childminder is happy to provide food if needed in accordance with the parents wishes. Fresh drinking water is available at all times and children help themselves. This encourages children to think about their personal needs. The childminder

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Helping children to be healthy

ensures that children have regular drinks so that they do not become thirsty. Children have regular opportunities to rest and sleep according to their needs, which helps to promote their wellbeing. During the summer months, they play outside in the garden. However, opportunities for them to enjoy physical play and the benefits of exercise outdoors are limited at other times.

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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 secure, homely environment. Displays of children's artwork and toys give a welcoming appearance. Carefully selected toys ensure children have a choice of safe and suitable resources. The childminder rotates the toys to keep the play provision fresh for children. The childminder has carried out a risk assessment on her home and taken steps to minimise identified hazards to children. She helps children to learn about safety. For example, older children learn about road safety when on outings and all children are taught about boundaries for safe behaviour. The childminder has a reasonable understanding of child protection, but her knowledge is not secure in all areas. Parents have not been clearly informed of her responsibility. This could have some impact upon the children's welfare within the setting.

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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 provision is satisfactory. Children have a warm relationship with the childminder and approach her freely, indicating that trusting relationships have developed. The childminder talks to children and asks them questions, which helps younger children to practise the skills needed for communication. She teaches young children to recognise the colour of their toys and says "how many eyes? One, two" when reading a story. This helps the children to learn through play. Children have opportunities to express themselves creatively, for example through painting. The childminder offers a range of activities, although opportunities for physical play are sometimes limited. At times, the younger children loose interest in the toys and activities and spend their time watching the television.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children select from the range of toys presented and can help themselves to others, which helps them to develop independence. The childminder provides a wide range of toys suitable for all stages of the children's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder finds out about children's needs and routines from parents so that she can provide care that reflects the practice at home. This helps young children to develop a sense of belonging from the time they start at the setting. The childminder encourages children to share, which helps them develop respect and consideration. However, she does not plan and provide activities and resources to help children understand about the diversity within society. She has a positive attitude towards caring for children with special needs. The childminder praises children when they have done well. This endorses their good behaviour and builds their self-esteem. She uses appropriate strategies to manage behaviour, which helps the children learn right from wrong. The childminder has a daily conversation with parents and shares her policies with them verbally. She keeps some written records of children's achievements for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents. These steps help to foster a positive relationship with parents and contribute to the continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her home for the benefit of minded children. She has systems in place to meet some of the regulatory requirements but does not always ensure that documentation is well maintained and easily accessible. For example, not all household members have records of completed checks, the record of accidents is not kept in one book and the register of attendance is not always accurate. This could have impact upon the children's welfare.

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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 The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, Ofsted requested that the childminder should develop the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Some resources are provided, but the range of resources and activities for minded children are limited. This area has been highlighted again at this inspection. The childminder was also requested to practise the emergency evacuation procedures. This has been undertaken, ensuring that the procedure is practical and that children can be evacuated safely.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 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): • update current knowledge and understanding of child protection • develop the range of activities for children to include the opportunities for physical play and activities that promote children's understanding of the diversity within society • ensure all documentation is in place, clearly maintained and available for inspection at all times and that all required checks on household members are undertaken.

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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 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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