Wood Lane Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 124057 Inspection date 06 January 2006 Inspector Jill Nugent

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 registered in 1988. She lives with her husband and two of her three adult children in a house in Cheshunt. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight at any one time. Currently she is minding six children, three of whom are over eight and three who are under five. She walks to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. There are satisfactory procedures in place to promote children's health. The childminder obtains the necessary medical permissions from parents and records any accidents appropriately. Children who are infectious are excluded from her care so that others are protected. Children sleep when they need to, within sight of the childminder. Children are becoming aware of good hygiene practices. They are reminded to wash their hands when necessary. Young children's nappies are changed in a hygienic manner. Consequently children keep healthy. Children have a fairly healthy diet. They enjoy a selection of 'quick foods' served with vegetables at lunchtimes. They are offered biscuits and fruit at other times of day and have regular drinks. There are good opportunities for children to take part in physical exercise. Indoors they make up games, such as, hide and seek. In fine weather they

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

enjoy playing in the garden with a wide variety of resources, including a climbing frame and several wheeled vehicles. They also enjoy walks in the local area and visits to parks. Overall they have plenty of fresh air and exercise.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally safe and secure environment. They are unable to access hazardous materials and low level glass has been made safe. The childminder is aware of safety issues, for example, she has taped up the video player so that children are not tempted to touch the controls. Children are kept securely in the downstairs rooms through the use of a safety gate on the staircase. There are adequate fire precautions in place, although children have not practised an evacuation. They are not therefore aware of what to do in an emergency. They play safely in the garden as there are locks on the back gate and shed. They are closely supervised if moving from the patio area onto the grass further down the garden. On outings children walk with the childminder and hold onto her buggy. Overall they are safe and secure in her care. Children play with a variety of toys and games that are safe and suitable for them.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

These are easily accessible in drawers and boxes. The childminder ensures that all new resources are safe. Children are becoming aware of how to keep themselves safe. Older children know that small pieces are not safe for the younger ones. The childminder reminds them about being safe while playing in her home. She is aware of child protection issues and would seek advice if she had any concerns. Therefore children are protected in this area.

p.3

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 Children show interest in the resources. They like playing independently with dolls, play people and cars. They talk confidently with the childminder and join in conversations on many different topics. They concentrate well when colouring pictures and enjoy the praise of the childminder. She helps them and suggests ideas. Sometimes they sing rhymes together. They are beginning to develop communication skills, for example, when talking about past events. The childminder responds to their interests. On seeing a squirrel in the garden she puts out nuts to try and attract it back. Children play happily and enjoy her presence. Children have the opportunity to go on outings. They play with other children on visits to another childminder. Younger children go to a local toddler group. Children enjoy

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

playing together. They have fun when taking part in creative activities, such as hand printing. Children are beginning to learn through their play but the childminder's interaction to promote learning is somewhat limited. She does not yet have a copy of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to help her develop learning experiences for young children. Therefore children are not always encouraged to progress in their learning.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel included. At snack time the childminder ensures that they all get to choose a snack. They have good relationships with each other and are generally content. They have fun talking and joking with the childminder about animals on a video. When wanting to colour, the childminder sets them all up with books and pencils at low tables. They are becoming aware of diversity in society through sharing books and dolls which reflect different cultures. The childminder has experience of special needs and helps children to feel valued. Therefore all children feel a sense of belonging. Children are aware of their boundaries and behave well. The childminder has appropriate strategies in place to deal with any inappropriate behaviour. All children are aware of the house rules and are treated consistently. Young children are encouraged to share toys when playing. Consequently they are learning to behave

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

responsibly. The childminder has close relationships with parents. She gets to know families well and chats with parents when they collect children. She is flexible and fits in with their wishes. Parents have signed new contracts recently but these do not include permission for children to go on outings. Overall children benefit from the close liaison between the childminder and their parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has all necessary documentation in place, although there are no written policies and procedures. She has introduced a new set of paperwork which is clear and easy to manage. Her attendance register is kept up to date. She has not attended any training courses but has booked on a first aid course in order to renew

p.4

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 her certificate. Her documentation is accessible at all times. Children have plenty of space in which to play. They have good access to the garden and a downstairs toilet. The childminder continually updates her collection of resources and is often given extra toys. She is available to the children at all times and is able to keep a good eye on them. Overall she meets the needs of all children.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to obtain written permission from parents for administering medication and to provide a suitable range of resources for older children. She now obtains permission for any medication requested by parents. She has increased the range of resources available for older children. They enjoy playing with computer and box games and making models using lego.

p.5

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 by Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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): • devise and practise an emergency evacuation procedure • ensure permission is obtained from parents to take children on outings • increase opportunities available to children in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

p.5

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

p.5

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.6