Hayle Community School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 112065 Inspection date 28 July 2005 Inspector Marilyn Joy

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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 registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and two children. One is of school age and one is a student. They live in a cottage on the outskirts of New Milton within walking distance of a park, schools and local shops. The ground floor rooms are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have cats, dogs and chickens. The childminder is registered for 6 children under 8 years. She is currently minding 13 children whose ages range from 2 years to 10 years, on a part-time or full-time basis. She occasionally works with an assistant. She attends a local parent and carer

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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 group on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted because the childminder has a clear understanding of health and hygiene issues. Exercise and fresh air are included in the daily routine. Children are offered nutritious snacks or meals that they enjoy and have access to drinks whenever they are thirsty. They learn about the importance of observing good hygiene routines through consistent guidance from the childminder. Children wash their hands after handling animals and before meals. Children's individual health and dietary requirements are met because the childminder has a sound knowledge of what they are. Children receive sensitive care when unwell or if they hurt themselves. Written records, however, are not always completed appropriately.

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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 and secure home environment. Space is used creatively so they have sufficient room to play and can be easily supervised. Children of all ages have access to a good range of appropriate resources which are clean and in good condition. Children's safety is promoted well through the effective use of safety equipment and good support from the childminder. Children learn about keeping themselves safe in the home and on outings. They hold hands when going for walks and are clear about what to do when being collected from school. Clear procedures are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded, for example the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has clear arrangements for managing emergencies. She has an awareness of child protection issues and her responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. An exciting range of well-planned and spontaneous activities engage children's interests. Daily routines incorporate individual routines as well as offering a wide variety of experiences. Children become engrossed in their play. Younger children carefully explore different objects and study the impressions they have made of their hands. Older children become interested and join in. Children of all ages enthusiastically participate in craft activities and work together on projects during the school holidays. They create large models in the garden, decorate masks and make up their own plays.

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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 Children form friendly relationships with the childminder and each other. They chat sociably when colouring and help other when dressing up. Children develop confidence and self-esteem in an environment where they can relax and express themselves. They learn to distinguish right from wrong as they play co-operatively together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met effectively because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure she has a sound understanding of what they are and parent's own preferences. Strong partnerships with parents contribute to children being happy and settled. Parents appreciate the flexible service provided and the range of stimulating activities their children are offered. Daily discussions keeps them up-to-date with children's well-being and progress. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are comfortable in the childminder's care and actively seek her support. Some activities encourage children's awareness of the diversity of society, although the wider community is not reflected in the resources used on a daily basis. Clear and consistent boundaries, as well as praise and encouragement, helps children develop a good understanding of what is expected of them. They are familiar with the daily routines and behave well.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. An organised and supportive environment is offered where children feel confident and at ease. Space is used effectively so children can develop independence as they move around confidently and safely as their play progresses. Parents are well-informed about the service provided and their views are sought to ensure they continue to be satisfied with the care their child receives. Most documentation is in place, although some records relating to children's health and emergency care have not been completed appropriately. 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 the childminder was asked to ensure medication records are completed appropriately. Most have been completed although occasionally parents have not signed to acknowledge that medication has been administered to their child. She was also asked to provide more opportunities for children to develop independence at meal times by feeding themselves. Babies and toddlers are encouraged to feed themselves and use utensils when they are ready. Children help themselves to finger foods and drinks at snack time.

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Improvements 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

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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): • ensure medication and accident records are maintained appropriately and parental consent is sought for emergency medical care • develop the range of resources reflecting positive images of ethnicity, culture and disability to promote children's awareness of the wider community

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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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