Eastwood Community School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 107259 Inspection date 13 October 2005 Inspector Alison Joan Wadley

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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 has been a registered childminder since 1994. She is registered to provide care for 3 children under 5 years; of these not more than 3 may be under 5 years and, of these not more than 1 may be under 1 year. There are currently 3 children on role. The childminder lives in a 3 bedroom terraced house with her husband and 4 sons, all aged over 16 years. Minded children have access to the kitchen dining area for play, sleep and meals. The toilet facility is on the upper floor. There is also a garden area for play outdoors.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder promotes the good health of children and takes appropriate steps to prevent the spread of infection. She maintains good hygiene standards, for example in providing a clean and well managed environment and when changing children's nappies. The childminder gives appropriate care and consideration when the children are unwell and has an up to date first aid certificate. Medication which may be given to children is not always suitably recorded. Children enjoy and benefit from daily fresh air in the minders garden and have opportunities to rest as required. Their sleeping arrangements are discussed with parents. The childminder provides children with regular drinks and a varied and well balanced diet including dishes such as rice, chicken and spaghetti. She does so in consultation with parents and is mindful of children's religious, cultural and dietary needs , recording any issues on the children's profiles.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder takes positive steps to promote safety in her home. She provides a well organised and clear environment which the children feel at home in. As a result the children crawl and walk about independently accessing resources and equipment. The childminder generally has a good idea of her role to keep children safe and keeps children's full details and emergency numbers to hand. The children's daily register, however, is not clearly written or up to date. She demonstrates a good understanding of child protection procedures and shares information consistently with parents. As a result there is a clear understanding of the childminder's aims and procedures. Accidental injury is recorded and parents are informed of any incidents. The childminder is fully trained in first aid in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have good opportunities to enjoy and progress well in their learning and social development and appear comfortable with the childminder. She uses her experience as a mother and knowledge of children to provide a stimulating and varied environment. Children are interested by the activities provided, busily making dinner with multi-cuoloured play-dough and plastic cutlery. They enjoy using the garden area to develop physical skills using trikes, for example, and benefit from exploring sand and water play in this area during fine weather. The children access resources from a

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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 good selection of books, musical instruments and electronic toys and play with them well. Their early communication is encouraged well by the childminder and they interact positively with her and the other children attending.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides an inclusive environment where children are able to gain a positive view of the wider world. She encourages children to use a variety of resources including those which reflect positively a range of backgrounds and interests. As a result the children demonstrate increasing confidence and personal independence and get to know the childminder well. The childminder develops good relationships with the children's parents and this helps her to share information about activities and procedures and to provide well for children's individual needs. The children behave well, secure in the minders expectations and boundaries. She gives regular praise and cuddles and acts as a positive role model.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is generally well organised and has a clear daily routine which she shares with the parents. The environment and resources are well set out so that children can move around and access resources which interest them. She facilitates good play situations and knows the children well. The childminders documentation is generally well organised and she has a clear understanding of procedures and policies which underpin her business. She uses most policies well to safeguard the children in her care but is not currently using her register or medication procedures correctly or in a timely manner. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now plans a range of good activities and play opportunities for children's overall development and the children are interested by what is on offer. She has developed a secure knowledge and understanding of child protection issues including procedures in line with the Local Authority. The childminder now has suitable records relating to her childminding business including accident records and a valid First Aid certificate. The daily attendance records and medication forms continue to be areas for improvement.

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Complaints 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 There are no complaints to report. 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): • record medication and keep an up to date register of children's attendance.

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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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