Baines School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 119813 Inspection date 02 February 2006 Inspector Lilyanne Taylor

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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 has been registered since 2000. She lives with her husband and two children, a son and daughter who are both school age. They live in a detached house in a residential area of Elmfield, which is situated on the outskirts of the main town of Ryde, on the Isle of Wight. Primary, middle and pre-schools are within walking distance, and local shops, parks

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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 and beaches are nearby. All areas of the property are registered for childminding. However, the childminder chooses not to allow minded children access to the upper floor bedrooms. There is a large fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and currently has six children on roll all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about their own personal hygiene through daily routines. However, because parents give their written permission for children to dry their hands on a communal towel which is used by other minded children, members of the family and family friend's children are not fully protected from the spread of infection. Children's health is well protected by the procedures and policies in place for administering medication, dealing with injuries and caring for a sick child. Younger children are able to sleep and rest according to their needs. The childminder feels it is important for children to be in the fresh air everyday, so they gain an understanding of the need to take regular exercise. Consequently, children experience and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities which contributes to their good health and physical development. They have access to an outdoor play area, are taken on regular walks around the

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Helping children to be healthy

local area and go on outings to the seafront, local parks, beaches, swimming pool and the forest. Children enjoy fresh fruit for snacks and are offered drinks throughout the day. These comply with all their dietary requirements which ensure they remain healthy.

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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 home where risks are identified and minimised. This enables them to move around in ample space, freely and safely. Supervision of children is vigilant but not intrusive. Children are kept safe when playing outdoors in the garden because the childminder has taken appropriate action to minimise potential hazards. For example the trampoline is fitted with safety nets to prevent children falling off or younger children crawling underneath whilst it is being used. Effective risk assessments have been carried out within the home which ensures areas children have access to are safe. The premises are kept secure so that children cannot leave them unsupervised and arrangements are in place ensure children are only collected by persons their parents have authorised. Children are able to safely access a good range of well-maintained toys and equipment which are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

suitable for their age and stage of development. Thorough cleaning routines and procedures ensure the premises and equipment provide a safe play environment for children. The childminder seeks parent's written permission to take children out of the

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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 home and for them to be transported in a vehicle. She is aware of her responsibilities for ensuring the vehicle is properly maintained and keeps documentation to support this. Her insurance covers her for business use and children travelling in the vehicle are restrained in an appropriate car seat or seat belt. The childminder ensures children are kept safe whilst swimming; she limits the number of children she takes at any one time and only takes them to swimming pools that have qualified lifeguards in attendance. Procedures for evacuating the premises in the event of a fire are only discussed and practiced with older children. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and the procedures she should follow if abuse of a child were suspected. However, she does not maintain a record of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

pre-existing injuries of children which means their welfare is not fully protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from the well organised, broad range of resources and daily activities they are provided with. The childminder knows the children well and is aware of their individual stages of development and interests. This enables her to plan activities to stimulate and challenge the children appropriately, keeping them occupied and engaged throughout the day. The childminder interacts with the children well, playing on the floor with them and assisting when necessary. She knows when to stand back and let children try things for themselves, developing their problem solving skills effectively. For example, children thoroughly enjoy playing with the marble run, they attempt to build the run up themselves and accept help from the childminder when they cannot quite get a piece to fit. Once the run is complete children take it in turns to place a marble at the top and watch it roll around the circuit taking a different route

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

each time. Children laugh and squeal with excitement as they watch their marble run down and shout "oh look, oh look" several times until it reaches the bottom. Children respond well to the praise and encouragement they are given. The childminder celebrates children's achievements which raises their confidence and self esteem. Children enjoy cooking activities; they make their own sandwiches and cakes. They make pictures using vegetables dipped in paint or with the leaves they collected whilst out walking. Children use their imagination well and enjoy making their own picnics using the imitation food in the home corner. They pretend to go shopping and before they go they make sure they have their mobile phone with them. Younger children enjoy exploring and feeling the differing textures of items which are contained in a sensory box. As they feel each item the childminder encourages them to say whether the item is smooth, rough, soft or hard. Children relate well to the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder and enjoy sharing a conversation with her. For example, they tell her they have been to the doctor's because their ear was not feeling very well, but it's alright now. The childminders effective verbal interaction helps develop children's language skills and increases their understanding of the meaning of new words they are introduced to. For example, when playing with the doctor's kit she explains to them the piece of equipment they have is called a syringe and how a doctor or nurse may use it. Children socialise with other children through their regular attendance at a local toddler group.

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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. Children feel welcome and secure because the childminder treats them all with respect and takes an interest in what they have to say and do. Children become aware of the rules of the setting through the clear guidance and support they receive. Children's behaviour is very good; they play together well and share and take turns with little intervention needed. They learn to respect the toys and play materials because they are encouraged to help tidy them away when they have finished playing. Children become aware of wider society through resources such as puzzles, books and through discussion. Children relate very well to one another and are forming good friendships. For example, when younger children want to have a sleep they ask if they can kiss their friends goodbye before they go. Children develop confidence in making their own choices of activities they want to engage in and are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

encouraged to play an active part in the setting. They help to wash the toys and thoroughly enjoy making their own sandwiches and cakes. Children become aware of wider society through resources and discussion. New children settle well because of the good settling in procedures in place. The childminder invites both parents into the home to view the premises and to discuss the care they require for their children. She explains the policies and procedures she works to which ensures the child's transition from home to the childminder is smooth. The childminder informs parents verbally of the procedures they should follow if they have any concerns about the setting or care of their child. In addition to this during parent's initial visit to the setting they are shown an Ofsted poster which provides them with information of how they can express their views. The childminder is aware of the records she must keep if any

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Helping children make a positive contribution

complaints are made and is developing a system to formalise the existing procedures she has in place. Children are able to attend pre-visits with their parents so they get to know the childminder and the environment in which they will be cared for. Children benefit from the two way sharing of information the childminder has with parents. The childminder finds out from them their child's needs, interests and stage of development. The effective daily exchange of information ensures children are provided with continuity of care, appropriately supported and their individual needs met. The childminder discusses with parents the activities their children have been engaged in and any noticeable achievements they have made. Throughout the time children are in the setting the childminder compiles a scrap book of samples of their work and photos of them engaging in a wide range of activities. When they leave this

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Helping children make a positive contribution

book is given to their parents so they have a keepsake of some of the moments they may have missed which only a camera can capture. It also records the progress their child has made over a period of time.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for by a childminder who is suitably qualified and experienced. The childminder has knowledge of first aid and most procedures, policies and records in place ensure children's health, safety and well being is promoted effectively. Children's care and development is promoted as the

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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 childminder is well organised and plans activities accordingly for the children she receives each day. Children are comfortable, happy and relaxed; they feel secure in the childminders company. The childminder organises the premises well. Indoor and outdoor play space is laid out to maximise children's play opportunities and experiences. The childminder displays her certificate of registration. The effective verbal discussions the childminder has with parents' means children are supported and cared for appropriately. Parents are welcomed into the home and well informed of their children's progress. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She is aware that information she holds about children is confidential so is careful to keep it safely.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to include the times of arrival and departure of children on attendance records and to record all accidents involving children. Children's records of attendance now clearly show the actual times the childminder is caring and responsible for them. All accidents children have whilst they are in the childminders care are recorded and shared with parents.

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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 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): • practise the procedures in place for evacuating the premises in the event of a fire with younger children to ensure they can exit safely • maintain a record of pre-existing injuries of children

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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 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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