Penny Acres Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 112565 Inspection date 12 September 2005 Inspector Alison Jane Kaplonek

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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 1987. She may care for no more than six children under eight years and at the time of inspection cares for four children under eight on a part-time basis. The childminder lives with her husband and two sons in a house within walking distance of Eastleigh town centre. There is a fully enclosed rear garden. The family have pet rabbits at the time of the inspection. Minded children have access to the ground floor only. There are sleeping and toileting facilities on this level. The childminder is a member of the National Association of Childminders. She has

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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 recently gained relevant childcare qualifications and plans to develop her childminding practice by accessing further training.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in a caring, clean and healthy environment where highly effective practice meets their physical, nutritional and health needs. Excellent adult support enables children to gain a very good understanding of simple good health and hygiene routines. Children independently access the toilet and washing facilities and are encouraged to wash hands and take care of their personal needs themselves. They talk about washing their hands and germs, and read books about healthy eating and going to the dentist. Children enjoy fresh fruit at snack time and are provided with a nutritious cooked meal each day. All children are regularly offered drinking water during the day and older children can request drinks at any time. Parents are very effectively involved. Menus are shared with them and they are consulted about their children's allergies and dietary needs. The childminder has a very good understanding of the need for children to take

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Helping children to be healthy

regular exercise and children are taken out every day for a walk either to the local park, to school or to visit other childminders and children. They also have access to a garden for outside play where they can enjoy physical activities in safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an extremely safe environment. The childminder is very vigilant and reduces the risk of accidents by carrying out daily risk assessments on the premises and equipment, and through close supervision of children in her care. She provides safe and clean equipment appropriate for the age and stage of development of the children. Efficient safety procedures built into the daily routine and shared with parents enables children to play and learn in a secure setting. All children are effectively involved in protecting themselves from harm. They are spoken to regularly about keeping themselves safe, for example when crossing the road or evacuating the premises in an emergency. They learn to take care of resources and are often involved in washing toys in the garden. The childminder has a very clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures, which she shares with parents. She talks to the children about their right

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to say no and the dangers of speaking to strangers. She ensures that children's care and welfare are of paramount importance.

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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 have access to a good range of interesting activities and resources both inside the house and outside in the garden. They are able to make independent choices and influence their own learning and enjoyment. They are taken out regularly on trips to the park, tumble zone and to the library. They benefit from trips on local buses and trains. Children are interested and involved in their learning and play. They ask questions as they play and the childminder responds well, encouraging them to count or recognise their colours. They achieve well because the childminder uses her developing skills and knowledge of early years guidance, such as the Birth to three framework and the Curriculum guidance for the Foundation Stage, to provide good quality care and education.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are all looked after in a caring, family environment where their needs are very well met. They are fully involved in the life and routines of the provision and settle well. They are provided with a good range of resources and activities which help them understand their own needs and those of others. They particularly enjoy books which show positive images of all children and which help them value themselves and others. Children are regularly taken out to visit local places of interest and to meet other children and adults. Good behaviour is promoted by the sensitive use of praise and encouragement. Younger children learn to share and take turns and the older ones are encouraged to play an active role in the routines of the setting, such as laying the table. An excellent partnership with parents has an important influence on children's wellbeing. Parents are provided with a wide range of information regarding policies

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and procedures when their children start at the childminder's. Effective communication ensures that they are continually updated about their child's daily routine. They are given folders of their children's work each term.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are very settled and happy in the family environment provided. They benefit from excellent supervision provided by the childminder. Effective organisation ensures that they are well protected and cared for. They are never left alone with unvetted adults and arrangements are in place in the case of an emergency. Children are able to effectively initiate and develop their own learning and play within

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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 the well organised space provided. They benefit from the extensive range of policies and procedures which are skilfully and consistently applied. The childminder keeps comprehensive records which provides children with excellent continuity of care, ensures that they feel settled and secure and that their individual needs are extremely well met. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure written permission was obtained from all parents to transport children in a vehicle. This has now been done for all children using the National Childminding Association permission forms.

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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): • continue to develop knowledge and understanding of how young children learn.

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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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