Edward Peake CofE VC School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 109694 Inspection date 16 May 2005 Inspector Carol Johnstone

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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 1995. She lives with her husband and four children who range from 9 to 17 years of age in Poole, Dorset. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. The garden is currently undergoing building work, so children are taken to the local parks and fields instead. The childminder also takes them to local toddler groups. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding five children all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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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 The childminder supports children with special educational needs. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is effectively promoted in a variety of ways. They are given a range of healthy snacks that include fruit, raisins, yoghurts and breadsticks. Regular drinks of water and milk are offered throughout the day. This ensures that children's fluid levels are maintained. Carbonated drinks are not allowed and this protects children's teeth. Dietary needs are always taken into account and the childminder is careful to protect children from allergic reactions by giving alternatives such as Soya products. Although meals are provided by parents, information and advice is given to them by the childminder to encourage healthy and nutritious choices. Children enjoy fresh air and exercise each day through trips to the local park and fields. They also visit the toddler group and baby bounce where the equipment helps build their range of motor and balancing skills. Children are protected from the risk of cross infection in the

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Helping children to be healthy

home through effective hygiene procedures. They learn about their personal hygiene through regular hand washing and each has a differently coloured towel. The childminder uses disposable gloves when changing nappies and preparing food. Children who become unwell during the day are cared for appropriately until parents arrive to collect them. They are then excluded from the provision until they present no risk of transmitting the infection to others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected from harm in a variety of ways. They have a wide range of safe, clean and age appropriate toys to play with. There are gates on the stairs, socket covers and door stops in place to minimise risks. Small toys that could cause choking are stored out of reach. All glass is covered with safety film to prevent accidents. Computer programmes contain blocks to prevent children viewing unsuitable websites. However, there are some minor hazards in the second bathroom that is used by older children. The childminder protects children from hazards outdoors by risk assessing destinations when on outings. Children are secured into appropriate car seats and straps when in the car. When out walking they are on reins or secured into buggies to avoid road dangers. Children's allergies and medical conditions are known and recorded by the childminder in order for risk to be minimised. Her knowledge of first

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

aid is kept up to date. This ensures that children can be correctly treated if an accident occurs. Her knowledge of child protection issues is comprehensive, which would ensure that correct action would be taken if a concern arose over a child in her care.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are encouraged to learn and develop in a variety of ways. They have good opportunities to try a range of activities that are matched to their stage of ability. This builds their confidence and self esteem. Consequently they are able to respond well to the effective challenges set by the childminder and this helps their progression. Children enjoy activities such as cooking, messy play, dressing up, reading, puzzles, art, crafts, music and board games. Older children are also supported with their homework and have a range of reference books to refer to. Younger children have regular trips to toddler and play groups where they meet others, this increases their social skills and confidence. Children are comfortable, settled and secure with the childminder. Interaction from her is warm and caring, giving children a sense of calm and contentment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individuality is celebrated in this provision. The childminder has an excellent regard to acknowledging difference and building upon it to help children achieve. She has a total commitment to children who have special needs. Consequently they receive care that is delivered with expertise and warmth. Other children in the provision also learn about difference and often meet up with children with additional needs to share in their achievements. Children learn how to manage their own behaviour in very positive ways. They receive praise, stickers and applause for being helpful and kind. This behaviour is fed back to parents, giving children a sense of pride and self worth. Children are very supported in this provision by the excellent partnerships with parents. The childminder is committed to keeping them informed and involved with the care provided. Each day they receive details of the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

day's news and activities in a diary. There are also many works of art made by the children that are sent home for them. Parents are also given relevant information about general childcare issues that the childminder discovers through research. This helps to maintain the continuity between the provision and home.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her practice well to help children feel comfortable and secure. This includes all aspects of planning space and resources to provide a safe and stimulating environment. The comprehensive documentation ensures she has all the relevant information to promote the care and welfare of the children. The childminder is committed to her own professional development, especially in the area of special needs. However this benefits all of the children who attend the provision as her practice is continually built upon and improved. The provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that parental consent forms for receiving emergency medical treatment forms be obtained. These are now in place which means there would be no delay in children receiving treatment in an emergency.

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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 that potential hazards are removed from the second bathroom.

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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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