Melling Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 104889 Inspection date 11 October 2005 Inspector Susan Parker

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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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and three children in the Stopsley area of Luton. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house, a downstairs toilet and one bedroom upstairs is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden used for outdoor play. The family has a pet rabbit which lives in a hutch at the end of the garden. The family also has a pet dog who is used to being around small children but is kept away from the children during childminding.

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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 is a park nearby and the local schools and shops are within walking distance. The childminder occasionally attends a local group for childminders.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a warm, welcoming and clean environment. Their good health is promoted through the good practice and procedures provided by the childminder. Children are provided with an excellent choice of snacks and drink, which are healthy and effectively meet their individual needs. Children benefit from participating in a regular and exciting range of physical activities, and through the creative use of safe equipment. This enables them to learn to explore a wide range of movements and develop control of their own bodies which actively promotes their physical skills and develops their confidence. The children are positively encouraged to explore their own skills and knowledge of their bodies through daily physical play. Babies are well supported with very good resources to enable them to develop their balance and confidence in walking and crawling. Children's good health benefits from the care, good practice, knowledge, skills and

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Helping children to be healthy

experience of the childminder when they are unwell or have an accident. Parents will be contacted for permission to administer any medication or treatment, and the child will be well cared for and comforted until they can be taken home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is fully supported by the good practice, knowledge and skills of the childminder. The children are able to explore the exciting range of toys, equipment and resources in a safe, warm and welcoming environment. Children's safety is a priority. Their safety is efficiently promoted through the vigilance of the childminder who quickly identifies any possible hazards, and takes effective steps to remove or minimise these. This ensures that the children are able to move around and safely explore their environment both inside and outside, developing their confidence and independence. Children's welfare is very effectively promoted through the childminder's clear understanding of the signs of abuse or neglect. She has a good understanding of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. She would be able to effectively identify, record and report any concerns if required.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, confident and thrive in this environment. They are well supported and encouraged to try new experiences. Children's activities are skilfully

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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 planned and provided to meet individual needs, enhance their development and provide stimulating challenges. Children are very confident in their relationship with the childminder. Their personal development and self-esteem are promoted through the sensitive and skilled support of the childminder. Children are confident in independently choosing their own resources and activities, and they are able to concentrate and persist at their chosen tasks. Children are actively encouraged to think and make decisions for themselves which enables them to flourish and develop to their full potential. Children regularly receive praise and encouragement which promotes their self-esteem and independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are all provided with equal opportunities to develop their skills, independence and self-esteem. Children learn about a wide selection of cultures through links with schools and pre-school group activities. These activities include craft activities such as making celebration cards. Children with special needs can be very well supported. They will benefit from the childminder's knowledge, skills and experience to identify these needs and ability to obtain any help or advice through confidential information sharing and contract of care with the parents. The partnership between the childminder and the parents is good. Information is shared effectively and confidentially to ensure that the children receive the best care. Parents views about their child's care are actively sought, and the regular sharing of information promotes a consistent, caring environment for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The care of the children is significantly enhanced by the exceptional organisation of the childminder. There are clear and concise policies and procedures which reflect her good practice. Detailed records of the children provide sufficient and suitable information to enable the childminder to meet their individual needs professionally. In addition, the childminder continually evaluates her practice in order to improve on the high quality of care that she provides. All records, documentation and information is shared effectively, and updated regularly. Overall, the needs of all the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved her knowledge and practice on child protection procedures which will promote the safety and welfare of any children in her care.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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): • Continue to encourage the parents to think about healthy options when they provide meals for their 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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