Great Witchingham Church of England Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 142588 Inspection date 26 January 2006 Inspector Brenda Joan Flewitt

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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 provider has worked as a childminder for over 17 years. She was most recently registered in 1992. She lives with her husband, 2 adult children and her younger child aged 12 years. They live in the town of Yeovil, Somerset. The ground floor is used for childminding which includes an adjoining play area, dining room and kitchen. Toilet and sleeping facilities are provided on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently caring for 5 children under the age of 5 years and 1 school aged child

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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 on a part-time basis. The childminder takes children to local toddler groups. She also cares for children over the age of 8 years. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, a local childminding support network and a quality assurance scheme. She holds an early years NVQ level three qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's healthy lifestyle is promoted well. They are cared for in a warm, welcoming family home which is clean and tidy. Children learn good procedures for their own personal hygiene through discussion and example provided by the childminder. For example, children wash their hands after using the toilet, as well as before and after eating. They can easily access the facilities available on the ground floor, so their independence skills increase. The childminder's clear procedures help protect children from the spread of infection. For instance, she provides individual flannels, hand drying resources and bedding, and makes sure parents are informed that children must not attend if they are ill. Children have constant access to drinks. The childminder makes sure that the children's individual cups are easily available to them. Children learn about healthy eating through discussion, as they make choices from food provided by parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary requirements and routines are discussed with parents and respected. Children respond well to a semi-structured routine that includes a good balance of physical activity, quiet times and opportunities for rest and sleep as individual needs require. They often enjoy visits to an indoor soft play venue where they develop confidence to slide, balance and climb. Walks and outings to the play park means children get regular fresh air and exercise whilst developing their gross motor 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 safe and secure, well maintained property where most hazards are identified and risks minimised. The childminder has put measures in place to help prevent accidents such as, socket covers, safe storage of cleaning materials, and safety gates to prevent access to stairs. However, children can access air freshener in the toilet area, which is a potential safety hazard. Children move around with confidence and in safety as they play. They use a range of suitable equipment which is kept in good condition. This includes, buggies and a high chair with harnesses, high sided travel cots and low level furniture, which allows children to access their activities safely. The good security system means that children are protected from un-invited visitors and cannot leave the premises unsupervised.

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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 protected on outings through the childminder's safe procedures. These include, using appropriate car seats and restraints and visiting child-orientated venues. Children start to learn what to do if they are lost in a shop and how to cross the road safely, through discussion and example provided by the childminder. The childminder talks with children and involves them in practices, so that they know what is expected if they have to leave the home in an emergency. The childminder's secure understanding of child protection issues and the Area Child Protection Committee procedures contributes towards the children's safety and welfare. Parents are made aware of the childminder's responsibility through a written policy and routine recording of existing injuries.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and secure in their childminder's care. They form positive relationships with her and her family, as well as each other. For example, children display excitement as the childminder's children arrive home from school and enjoy their attention as they complete puzzles together. Children like to cuddle up with their childminder to listen to a story, joining in familiar phrases. They are confident to make their needs known as they can be sure of a friendly response. Children are involved in a broad range of activities that promote learning in all areas of development. These include, dough, role play, art and craft, construction, games, cooking, limited TV, and miniature world. For example, a 3-year-old likes to re-enact situations that he is familiar with on the farm. Children select from an suitable range of play equipment and resources which are organised appropriately according to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's age and stage of development. The childminder talks with the children as they carry out their everyday activities, which means they learn new words and concepts that develop their understanding of the world around them. The childminder is developing a system, in line with the Birth to three matters framework, for planning activities and assessing young children's progress. This means she knows each child's stage and can help them develop further. Children's days include visits outside the home where they explore their local environment, meet other people and have opportunities to use a wider range of equipment. They develop confidence and social skills as they play with other children at the toddler group, and enjoy learning about various birds, either in the garden or as they walk. For instance, a 3-year-old is able to distinguish the sound of a seagull. All of this helps children develop a positive attitude to the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected as individuals. The childminder knows each child well through positive interaction while supporting their activities, and effective communication with parents. They are made to feel included as they enjoy looking at photos of

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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 themselves and other minded children. For example, a toddler smiles as she recognises a picture of herself in the high chair. They start to develop an awareness of a diverse society as they hear stories about people in other countries, and see positive images within their play equipment. Children behave well. They learn to respect others, for instance, being quiet when other children are sleeping. They are encouraged to display good manners and respond favourably to the childminder's praise and encouragement for effort and achievement. Children benefit from the childminder's good relationships with parents. She promotes constant communication between herself and parents, this includes written information about the setting such as, certificates, policies and procedures. The

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder completes a daily diary which records children's activities, achievements, food and sleep. This provides an effective system to ensure that children's individual needs are met and any additional needs are addressed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children gain from the childminder's commitment to developing her role through training. She holds an NVQ level three qualification and attends a variety of courses to extend her knowledge in various aspects of caring for children. She belongs to a quality assurance scheme and is working towards accreditation. The effective organisation of the premises and structure of the day leads to children being active in a safe environment, eating and sleeping as individual needs require, and enjoying activities outside the home. The childminder's regular contact with other childminders means that children gain confidence with other familiar adults. Therefore, in the event of sickness or holidays, children settle more easily with an alternative childminder they already know. Records and documentation are well organised and up to date. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder obtained up to date information regarding child protection procedures. The childminder has information about Area Child Protection Committee procedures available for reference. This contributes towards children's safety and welfare in the case of any child protection concerns.

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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 have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made be 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): • make sure that aerosol cans do not pose a safety hazard to children.

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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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