Langley Moor Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 114120 Inspection date 06 February 2006 Inspector Rosemary Musgrove

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2000. She lives with her husband in Worthing, West Sussex. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding, with toilet facilities situated on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children.

p.2

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 family have one cat. The childminder is within walking distance of the town centre, local parks and schools. The childminder is a member of the National Childminder's Association group. She takes children to the local "Magic Minders" and a weekly music group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of experiences which contribute to their good health and physical development. There are regular indoor and outdoor activities to help them gradually acquire the skills necessary to control their bodies. For example, they enjoy the swings, climbing frame and slides at the local park and take part in soft play activities and ride wheeled vehicles at an indoor venue. Children enjoy fresh air when they go for walks along the beach or visit local farms; this helps and encourages them to develop a healthy life style. Children benefit from being cared for in a hygienic and orderly environment. From an early age children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines. Children learn to understand why they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet, playing in the garden or handling pets; and they are beginning to know if they get germs they may become ill. Children who are with the childminder for

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

a full day are actively encouraged to clean their teeth after all snack and meal times. Children are cared for by a childminder who holds a current first aid certificate and is able to administer first aid in the event of an accident. Children who are infectious do not attend; this ensures that unwanted contagious diseases are not spread. The childminder has requested parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment and appropriate records are maintained for injuries and accidents. Children's well-being is promoted by a childminder who understands the importance of a healthy diet. Children enjoy fresh snacks of fruit and vegetables and these include bananas, carrots, cucumber and pears. The childminder has a menu for parents and children benefit from home cooked food including, shepherds pie, roast with vegetables, and pasta and home cooked sauces. Children are encouraged and supported to be independent when they feed themselves. Children have regular

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

drinks throughout the day and drinking water is encouraged and always available.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a home which offers a bright and well-organised environment. This means that children move around freely and independently, for example, they select their favourite toys and choose books to

p.3

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 browse while sitting on the settee with the childminder. Children have access to a range of good quality toys that are well cared for, regularly cleaned and checked for broken pieces; these include an interactive play kitchen, train set and an exciting box of dressing up clothes. Children are motivated to explore the play house, interactive turtle and brightly coloured stacking rings. Children enjoy their play in a safe and secure environment. The childminder is aware of potential hazards and has minimised risks, this ensures that children are kept safe. The childminder has clear procedures in place for outings; she tries to instil good road safety awareness into the older children and makes sure they look and listen as they cross a road. Children are protected by a childminder who is informed about the signs and

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

symptoms of child abuse. She is aware of the procedures to follow and has the necessary documentation if she has concerns about a child in her care.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and settled in the childminder's home and approach the childminder for support when exploring equipment or undertaking activities. The childminder has a sound working knowledge of child development and this means that the children's personal, social and emotional development is fostered. Children select and take part in a range of activities, for example, exploring the dressing up box, drawing pictures on a magic screen and preparing food for Pooh Bear in the interactive play kitchen. Toddlers enjoy sitting on the floor and they explore a range of experiences and attractive toys, for example, patterns in a kaleidoscope and listening to the magical sounds as they shake the rain stick. Young children have the chance to extend their early language and communication skills as they select and share books with the childminder. Children enjoy creative activities at the childminder's home, these include junk

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

modelling and cutting and sticking; while at Magic Minders they experience painting and play dough. During the summer months the children can play in the childminder's garden and enjoy a small paddling pool. The childminder makes use of the community resources and this enables the children to learn social skills as they mix and interact with other children. They participate in a weekly music group when they play instruments and sing rhymes and visit the local library to select and browse books.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is aware of individual differences and tries to ensure that needs and preferences are met. Children begin to gain an understanding of the local community through visits to a number of facilities including local shops where children select and

p.4

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 buy fruit and vegetables. The childminder has a basic understanding of diversity and shared her recent experience in Australia with the children; however, resources and activities that reflect an awareness of different cultures and diversity are limited. The childminder has a limited knowledge and understanding of special needs, and although she has no experience of caring for a child with a specific requirement, would consider looking after a child, if she felt able to support them and meet their needs. Children benefit from a calm and considered approach to behaviour issues. Appropriate strategies are used, depending on the age and understanding of the child. The childminder will reason with the child and explain why an action is dangerous and will use time out to allow the child to calm down. The childminder

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

encourages the children to be polite and they behave well. The childminder praises the children, for example, for good behaviour and when they tidy up the toys. The childminder works in partnership with parents and has a portfolio showing some aspects of the service she provides. Information is gathered about the children before they are minded; this ensures they receive appropriate care, for example, food and comforters. When caring for babies the childminder provides a daily written diary for parents; for all other children verbal information is provided at the end of the day; this ensures that parents are informed about their child's day. However, the childminder has not requested written parental permission to transport children in her car and she does not have a system in place to record parental complaints.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in a home that is well-organised. The childminder utilizes the space effectively so that children have opportunities for play and relaxation. There are sufficient resources and enough adult attention to help them feel settled and secure; this means they can extend their own play and learning through interaction with the childminder. The childminder has the majority of required documentation in place and generally this is satisfactorily maintained, well-organised and securely stored. There are some written policies and procedures which support the childminder's practice and contribute to the well-being of the children, these include confidentiality and illness. Parents receive regular information about their child's day; this contributes to and enhances the continuity of the child's care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, it was recommended that the childminder improve her knowledge and understanding of special needs, child protection, behaviour

p.5

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 management and equality of opportunity. The childminder was asked to display her registration certificate and to ensure that parents know how to make a complaint. It was recommended that the childminder did not have personal items that could pose a risk to children. The childminder now has a behaviour statement within her portfolio of information for parents and children benefit from appropriate strategies for managing their behaviour. The childminder's personal belongings in the hall have been removed in order to protect the children from potential hazards. The childminder has a current registration certificate displayed in her dining room; however, she does not have the Ofsted poster giving parents the telephone number if they wish to make a complaint. The childminder now has basic resources to promote the children's awareness of

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

equality of opportunity; however, children's experience of appropriate activities are still limited. The childminder demonstrated an informed awareness and understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse. She has the relevant documentation in place in order to protect a child she has concerns about. The childminder has not improved her knowledge and understanding of special needs; however she aims to address this by attending a Developing Childcare Practice course later in the year.

p.6

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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.6

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 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure aspects of record keeping are in place, such as the complaints procedure, and that parental permissions are obtained as appropriate • improve understanding and knowledge of special needs • continue to develop resources & provide activities to promote equality of opportunity.

p.6

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

p.7

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

p.7