Little Thurrock Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 114839 Inspection date 27 February 2006 Inspector Karin Lane

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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 2000. She lives with her 3 children, 1 of whom is aged under 8 years, in Southwater, West Sussex. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, with toilet facilities upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any 1 time and is currently minding 3 children under 5 years and 4 children before and after school. Children over 8 years are also cared for. The family has no pets.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's physical development is enhanced as the childminder takes them out for daily walks, and they benefit from being able to use a wide range of play equipment, including a slide and climbing frame, all year round in the garden. Children's food requirements are met in line with parent's wishes and children's preferences. Packed lunches are stored appropriately in cool-bags and nutritious home-cooked evening meals, including roasts and pasta, are provided. Regular drinks are offered to children and the childminder promotes hygiene by ensuring that young children drink from their own lidded cup. Suitable arrangements help restrict the spread of infection include the availability of tissues, which are used to wipe children's noses and a notice on the bathroom door reminding children to wash their hands. Children are protected as there are effective procedures in place for managing accidents, sickness and medication.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit as the childminder provides a clean and comfortable environment. The layout of the childminder's home allows the good supervision of children at all times. Most hazards have been minimised, including a safe enclosed garden, the use of stair gates and socket covers. However, some toiletries in upstairs bedrooms are at child height and are a hazard. Children, even the youngest, are helped to learn about road safety. Reins are used, they learn to hold hands and to be aware of the dangers of traffic when out walking. An excellent range of good quality toys and equipment for both indoor and outdoor play are provided. They are accessible to children to choose from as they are arranged in open topped boxes. Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder has secure understanding about child protection in line with local procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy the range of activities offered to them. They benefit from daily outings, for example walking to look at the diggers and machinery at nearby building work, which stimulates their interest. Children gain a great deal from sitting with the childminder for familiar stories, they concentrate as the story is told and discuss the pictures. They like rhymes such as "head, shoulders, knees and toes", copying the childminder's actions. Spontaneous opportunities are taken for example, encouraging a child to look at his reflection on a shiny lid and to observe and discuss the actions of a tree surgeon high up in a nearby tree. These activities allow children to learn and develop well. Children respond very well to each other and to the friendly childminder, who devotes her time to them.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Effective partnerships, including daily discussion, with parents promotes the wellbeing of children. Parents are very pleased with the care and balance of activities provided and state their children are very happy. Children's individual needs, including special needs, are discussed fully with parents to ensure they are met. Children are helped to understand the differences between people as this is discussed with them and they have access to a good range of multicultural resources including books, dolls and dressing up. Toys and equipment are likely to attract boys and girls. Children behave well and the childminder has positive ways to promote this. She discusses issues with older children, helping them to think about the impact of their actions on others. The childminder is a good role model as she is calm and she is vigilant ensuring younger children playing alongside each other do so

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Written agreements and records for all children cared for are in place and the childminder has identified that these should be updated regularly to ensure children's current needs are supported. No permission for emergency treatment has been obtained from parents which impacts on children's care. The childminder has a positive approach to extending her skills and knowledge and has completed part of a National Vocational Qualification in childcare, which enhances her daily practice. She is aware of recent amendments to the National Standards for Childminding and has good understanding about how many children she can care for at any one time. Children are provided with a stimulating and welcoming environment, they are happy, confident and at ease in the childminder's care. 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 care inspection the childminder agreed to ensure she obtained written permission from parents prior to giving children any medication. Written records are in place which show clear instructions for medication from parents. The childminder fully understands the procedure to follow which safeguards children appropriately.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they

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Complaints 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 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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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 children are protected from the hazard caused by toiletries in upstairs rooms • ensure permission for emergency treatment is obtained in writing from parents

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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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