Old Hall Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 112669 Inspection date 23 February 2006 Inspector Jennifer Pearce

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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 1997. She lives with her husband and two school-age children in a house in Fareham. She lives within walking distance of local schools and parks. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 5 on a part-time basis and also provides care for children over 8 years before and after school and during school holidays. The childminder walks to local pre-schools and attends childminding home groups and takes the children to the library and parks. She is a member of The National Childminding Association. The

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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 family have pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean, child-centred home, where the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that each child's individual needs are met. Children learn the importance of good hygiene through the daily practice and role model of the childminder. Particular attention is given to the prevention of cross infection during nappy changing routines, through the use of disposable gloves and individual wipes for cleaning. Children also learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care throughout the daily routine when they are encouraged to use wipes for their faces and hands at meal times, after playing with the pet dog and washing their hands after they use the toilet. The childminder works closely with parents to seek to meet the individual dietary needs of the children in her care. The parents are welcome to provide meals and snacks for their children, whilst the childminder also introduces a variety and choice

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Helping children to be healthy

of healthy snacks and drinks when this is required. This helps the children to gain an understanding of healthy choices and personal preference. Children enjoy a variety of activities that contribute to their general good health. Throughout the daily routine the childminder provides activities that help children in their physical development, for example they clap and wave their hands, jump, walk on their way to school, play on equipment in the garden and at the park and have opportunities to visit the beach.

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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 spacious environment. They are able to move around freely from the lounge to the dining area as any risks are identified by the childminder. Children are able to select activities and resources from a range of good quality toys and equipment as the childminder carefully monitors and checks these on a regular basis. This ensures that children can access them safely and independently. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures, for example smoke alarms, safety gates, socket covers and a secure outdoor area for play. Children develop a good awareness of keeping safe as they are reminded to sit on chairs and when they cross roads to stop, to listen and look and to stay close when they are on outings and in public places.

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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's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. She knows the procedures to follow should she have any concerns and these are shared with parents before the children attend.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder knows the children and their families well and makes provision for their needs on their arrival. The children settle well and are confident in their play. They select equipment and resources of their choosing and are able to move easily to each activity. Children's language skills are developed as the childminder involves the children in conversation during all activities, identifying body parts and counting as they play together. Children enjoy sharing books with the childminder and she involves the children, talking about colours and naming familiar animals and singing together. The childminder adapts activities such as computer access and craft activities to promote the younger children's learning and encourage their development. The childminder regularly rotates toys and resources to provide further stimulation and interest for all children. The children socialise with other children while at the childminder's home and they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

benefit from a range of activities outside the childminder's home, for example they visit local places of interest and the library for story time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Children access a variety of multicultural resources and celebrate a variety of special events throughout the year. These activities are adapted to meet the needs of all the children, depending on their age and stage of development. This helps to develop the children's awareness and promotes a positive view of the wider world. Children have a good relationship with the childminder who has experience of caring for children with special and additional needs. Children gain an understanding of appropriate behaviour by the good role model set by the childminder. For example they are praised by the childminder if they are gentle when playing with the pet dog and when they accomplish tasks, fit shapes together and recognise familiar items as they share books. This helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem. Parents are welcomed into the childminder's home to settle their children. The

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder develops a good relationship with parents both during the day and at the end of the day to keep them informed about their child's welfare, care and development.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children settle quickly on arrival and they are able to move around freely in the well organised environment. The childminder sometimes provides one-to-one care for children. She ensures that all areas both in and out of doors provide children with choice and freedom to participate in all of the activities. Whilst the childminder shares the certificate of registration for childminding with parents, this is not visible during the hours of childminding. All policies, procedures and information is shared with parents. This helps to keep them informed of the childminder's practice and ensure that each child's individual needs are met. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to review the procedures to ensure that sleeping children are protected and that children are not left alone in the care of people who are not vetted. The childminder's documentation required updating to maintain an accurate register and to record any existing injuries to the children. The childminder was requested to develop her understanding of child protection issues. The storage of play materials to enable children to make choices about their play was to be reviewed. All of these issues have been addressed and are in place, ensuring that the children's welfare and care are promoted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by 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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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that the certificate of registration is visible at all times when childminding.

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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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