Chelwood Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 100668 Inspection date 15 August 2005 Inspector Miriam Sheila Brown

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and 2 sons, one of whom is an adult and the other who is 10 years old. They live in a four-bedroom house in the village of Kings Stanley in Gloucestershire. Schools, play and toddler groups, a park, shops and a library are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the property and a first floor bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have one cat.

p.2

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 is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and currently cares for eight children, at varying times throughout the week. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and a member of a childminding network.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is effectively promoted through the childminders good understanding and practical application of health and hygiene practices. They learn about personal hygiene as they wash their hands at appropriate times, using their own towels and flannels. Snack times provide children with opportunities to choose from a variety of fruits and other snack foods, which helps to develop their understanding of healthy eating and an awareness of their individual likes and dislikes. Drinks are offered regularly to younger children whilst older ones may help themselves. Children enjoy regular local walks and visits to the park where they climb, swing, run and develop their large muscle control. They also use the secure garden where they play with a variety of wheeled toys and a sand pit. However, the garden is not currently used to it's full potential to assist in children's play and development.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder maintains clear and up-to-date records of children's individual needs, for example, medications, diet and any accidents; this helps in maintaining a continuity of care for the children and in keeping parents well informed. Family pets receive regular care to ensure they do not pose a health risk to children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a homely and well maintained environment where basic safety precautions are in place to help protect them from potential hazards. For example, children practice emergency evacuation procedures and the childminder has arranged cover for them in an emergency situation. Toys are regularly checked and cleaned and equipment in the park is checked by her, prior to use by the children. The home is secure, for example, stairs and areas within the home that are not used, are secured, the main doors locked, with keys easily accessible. Children play with a wide range of toys and equipment, which are rotated by the childminder to ensure a good variety of experience for them. However, younger children have limited opportunities to self-select toys due to the current organisation of resources. Children's care is enhanced by the provision of areas for messy play, eating and quiet, comfortable places to relax.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has completed child protection training and has a clear

p.3

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 understanding of child protection issues and the procedures she would use should she have concerns about a child. All adults associated with the home are in receipt of appropriate clearance.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of well organised, planned and spur-of-the-moment activities, which assist in their development. For example, planning documents show the childminder has arranged a treasure hunt in the garden, which involves children looking for and counting triangle shapes in the trellis and different colours and textures in the plants. Throughout the day children play with puzzles, dough, box games and art and craft materials. They have opportunities to cook, listen to music and play outside, although the latter is not freely available for children to extend their play. The childminder extends her resources by making good use of a toy library. Recently she has borrowed a battery operated game for the younger children which helps them identify different parts of their bodies and a large jigsaw showing different feelings and emotions. Children have a good relationship with the childminder and her family. They respond

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

well to her involvement in their imaginary and small world play and consequently they are gaining skills and extending their vocabulary. For example, whilst playing with the toy cooker and play food she introduces unfamiliar words such as omelette and saucer, to the twenty month old, and encourages him to count whilst looking at a book. Activities for older children are well planned according to their abilities and the time spent with the childminder, for example, after school or during school holidays.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children have equal access to toys and equipment, which reflect a wide range of different cultures and lifestyles. The childminder makes good use of the toy library to increase the variety of multi-cultural resources available to enable the children to increase their awareness of the wider world. She also plans theme times, for example, the children recently had a French day when they tried different breads and talked about the country. Children with special needs are supported appropriately and their individual needs met effectively as a result of discussion with parents and other professionals. Children's good behaviour is encouraged by the childminders appropriate use of praise and a points and sticker system, where points are gained for being kind, helpful and polite. Any behaviour problems are discussed with the parents. The childminder talks to parents on a daily basis and maintains a diary for each child

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

in her care. She also encourages the children to keep a scrap book, which provides a

p.4

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 record of their activities whilst they are with her. Individual details are well documented and help to ensure that parents wishes are respected.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The well organised environment helps to ensure that children feel at ease and that their individual needs are met. The childminder has completed a wide range of childcare related courses and continues to extend her knowledge, for example, she is booked to attend a Birth to three matters course in the Autumn. This, together with her planning and other childminding documentation, enhances the care, learning and play of the children. Parents are kept informed about their children's well being and concerns are discussed if and when they arise. The childminder organises her time well to provide a balance of activities throughout the week and in this way meets the needs of the range of children in her care.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the storage of documentation and to ensure that all children, including siblings, were recorded in the attendance book. Both of these issues have been addressed successfully, helping to maintain confidentiality for parents and children and ensuring that minimum ratios are maintained. All childminding documentation is stored in a secure area within the house and an effective filing system is in place. Attendance records show clearly the names of children and their times of attendance.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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):

p.5

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 • provide more opportunities for children to use the garden to extend their play, and for younger children to have more independence in their choice of activity.

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6