Craigcefnparc Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 400913 Inspection date 04 April 2006 Inspector Linda Cook

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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 runs her childminding business from the family home which she shares with her husband and two children, aged 9 and 13 years. They live in a semi-detached house in the village of Great Ayton near Middlesbrough. She uses mainly the ground floor for childminding. There is also an enclosed garden to the rear of the property which is used for outdoor play. The childminder has been registered since 1997 and is registered to care for six children under 8 years. There are currently four children aged under 8 years on roll who attend on a part time basis.

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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 There are links with Roseberry School and nursery where children are delivered and collected.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about the importance of good personal hygiene through the daily routines. They wash their hands after toileting and before eating, and begin to understand why this is necessary to protect their good health. Children are safeguarded from cross-infection because the childminder has a sound knowledge of how to prevent the spread of infection and does not care for children who are infectious. Children are learning about the benefits of a healthy diet. While parents provide packed lunches, the childminder does provide a range of snacks. The children learn which foods are good for them as they help prepare vegetables and enjoy regular opportunities to bake. They develop their independence to a good level as they are given time to enjoy their meals and snacks, and babies are encouraged to feed themselves. The children enjoy a range of physical activities which contribute to their good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

For example, they walk to and from school and young children enjoy their regular trips to the village shops and the river to feed the ducks. There is a good range of outdoor play equipment which allows the children to develop their climbing and balancing skills. Indoors there is clear space available for babies to crawl and pull themselves up on the furniture as they start to develop their walking skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming home which is well-maintained, secure and provides adequate space for children to play safely. Equipment and toys are well-maintained and clean. They cover all areas of learning and provide sufficient challenge for children of all ages. Children develop their independence as they choose what to play with, from a wide range of toys which they can access safely. The children begin to understand how to keep themselves safe both indoors and on outings. Young children are well supervised and protected by the use of appropriate restraints in high chairs and buggies. Older children are made aware of the clear boundaries and learn about road safety on their regular trips out. The childminder ensures she takes the necessary information with her on outings to ensure children are cared for appropriately in an emergency and has a current first aid certificate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is an emergency evacuation procedure in place which children are made aware of, however, their safety would be further ensured if they had regular opportunities to practise this.

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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 are well protected. The childminder has a sound understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection. She has attended training and relevant information is kept on file.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminders house. They are happy and confident in their surroundings and very much at home. The childminder is very attentive to their needs and provides a wide range of interesting activities for children of all ages. Babies show a high level of interest in all they see around them. The childminder talks to them and they respond well with smiles and hand gestures as she initiates "conversation" with them. The children enjoy planned and free play activities, they are provided with regular opportunities to develop their creative skills and enjoy baking. The childminder recognises and maximises the informal learning opportunities which are present in the childminding setting. For example, the children talk about the things they see when they are out and about, and learn to recognise colours and count everyday objects. Children develop their thinking skills and imagination to a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

good level because the childminder uses sensitive questioning effectively. For example, when a child tells her a policeman is up a tree she asks 'why', 'what will happen if he falls' and 'how will he get down?' Children are actively engaged and are eager to play and participate in the activities. They develop good language skills through the positive interaction with the childminder. They enjoy the praise they receive for everything they do and say. The children are confident to initiate their own play and learning, and thet confidently express their needs, and are eager to involve the childminder in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals, the childminder knows them well. She is aware of each child's needs, likes and preferences, and ensues these are met. Children begin to show and understanding of others as they access a range of resources and books and they learn about their local community on their trips out. Children are well-behaved and are learning to show respect for others and their immediate surroundings. This is encouraged by the childminders positive approach to behaviour management. She ensures children are aware of her expectations and the consistent boundaries. Children respond well to the constant praise and encouragement and develop excellent relationships with the childminder. They are also developing good relationships with their peers; older children are sensitive to the needs of the very young. Children have good manners and receive gentle reminders

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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 from the childminder if they forget. Good relationships are established and maintained with parents which contributes to the children's care and welfare. They are encouraged to visit before minding starts and all issues are discussed with them. Parents are given verbal feedback each day at collection and are encouraged to ring in an evening if they have things to discuss. The childminder gathers information from parents to ensure she is aware of the children's needs and routines to enable her to maintain continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled and at ease in the well organised environment. They know the daily routines well and are at ease in the childminders care. As a result they are confident and able to initiate their own learning and play, supported by the childminder who is very attentive to their needs and well-organised. Most requirements for documentation and record keeping to meet the National Standards are met. However, all parents need to give written consent for children to be taken on trips out and a system needs to be introduced for the logging of complaints. Documentation is well organised and stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to renew her first aid certificate which was out of date. The childminder completed an appropriate first aid course which helps to ensure children's health and safety.

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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. There are no complaints to report on.

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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

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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 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): • obtain the written consents of all parents for children to be taken on outings and introduce a system for the logging of complaints.

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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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