Heckmondwike Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 130351 Inspection date 18 January 2006 Inspector Anneliese Fox-Jones

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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 a childminder since 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and seven years. They live in a house in West Watford, close to local schools, shops, parks and amenities. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for four children under eight years at any one time, she is currently minding two children. The family have two cats and three rats as 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 stay healthy because the childminder follows effective procedures and practices which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. Children gain a good understanding of hygiene and healthy living because of the childminder's close involvement, support and guidance. Children benefit from regular opportunities to walk to school and learn about the importance of fresh air in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Children enjoy visiting parks in the local area, as well as using a variety of resources in the garden. This contributes to the children's physical development. Children rest and sleep according to their needs. Older children have the freedom to choose their active and restful periods that meet their individual requirements. Children are nourished, they learn about the importance of nutrition and the benefits of a healthy diet. Children make sensible choices about what they want to eat from a

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Helping children to be healthy

broad range of foods offered. They also enjoy crisps. Children have access to drinks at all times to keep them well hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's development is promoted in a child-friendly environment where they are welcomed and made to feel secure. Children are able to move around freely, safely and independently. Children's safety is protected because risks of accidental injury are minimised. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder sets clear boundaries and involves the children effectively in discussions. Children play with a range of resources that are safe and suitable. Toys are checked regularly to ensure that they remain in a good condition and children can play safely. The childminder is aware of child protection issues. She has the relevant information and knows what to do if she has a concern. Consequently children are protected in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in their environment. They experience a range of activities which contribute to their development inside and outside the home. They benefit from outings to groups, other childminders and local facilities. This provides children with exciting opportunities to access different resources, socialise with people and experience other environments. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and help them to develop a strong sense of self. Children receive consistent levels of support and praise. All children join in activities because the childminder has accurate knowledge of the

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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 children's skills, interests and needs in order to adapt activities and is beginning to make use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which will further enhance the care offered to children under three years. Younger children relish the sensory experiences of exploring different musical instruments and their sounds. They shake the rattle and bang the drum with enthusiasm and self-satisfaction.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and treated as individuals. They have access to all the resources and benefit from the individual attention that they receive. However, resources to promote children's understanding and knowledge of the wider world are limited. The childminder is attentive to each child and spends one to one time with the younger children in the day. After school children benefit when younger ones sleep. Children get on well with each other. Their behaviour is generally good. They feel a sense of belonging in the home. Children benefit from the sound partnership that has developed with the childminder and parents. Information is shared verbally each day to ensure children's needs are met. The childminder goes through her procedures with new parents. She discusses useful information relevant to the children's care to ensure children settle.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel much at home in an environment which is warm and welcoming. They have adequate space to play and rest. They choose from a collection of toys easily accessible downstairs and in the garden. Thus children's independence is promoted by the well-planned space for play and storage. Children's needs are met through the good communication the childminder has with parents, which contributes to continuity in the children's care. The childminder uses some policies and procedures effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. These are shared with parents to keep them informed about the service and their children's activities. This leads to a professional working relationship with the parents. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that accident procedures respect confidentiality and to keep a written record of medicines administered. She now has an appropriate system for recording accidents or medication given. She was also asked make low-level glass safe or inaccessible and develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. Children are protected as appropriate measures were taken to make the glass safe and the childminder now has the necessary information to hand if she had a concern in child protection.

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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

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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): • increase the range of resources and activities that promote positive images and an awareness of the wider society.

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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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