Darlinghurst Primary and Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 114790 Inspection date 09 January 2006 Inspector Ann Long

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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 1995. She lives with her husband and two pre-school children in a bungalow in Bramber, West Sussex. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to a local pre-school to take and collect children. She also attends local carer and toddler groups. The family has a dog.

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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 own daily routines are followed, including time for rest and quiet play. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through consistent procedures. They understand why they need to wash their hands. The childminder has a sickness policy which is shared with parents. This includes details of when to keep children at home to reduce the risk of infection to others. Children benefit from regular exercise by walks in the local area. They have the opportunity for outside play which contributes to their good health. Children enjoy a healthy selection of snacks and meals, provided by their parents, which meet their individual needs. They have regular drinks of water during the day to satisfy their thirst.

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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 safe and stimulating environment. They move freely around the designated play areas which are bright and welcoming to children. Children have the opportunity to curl up with soft cushions during quiet times. A wide range of good quality toys is available for the children's play. These resources are stored allowing children easy access and independent choice. Toys and equipment are checked regularly to make sure that they remain safe for the children. The childminder regularly reviews and minimises risks for individual children and has put in place sensible safety precautions. Children's independence is developing well. The childminder teaches them how to keep safe in the home and when on outings. For example, they learn how to protect themselves and others by not throwing toys and to hold hands when walking on pavements and crossing roads. The childminder has

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

good strategies in place to maintain children's safety and well being at all times. She fully understands her role in the protection of children from harm or neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are made very welcome in the childminder's home and they are settled and happy in her care. She has a natural ability to engage the children in worthwhile activities and conversations, which they enjoy. For example, children have fun in role play by choosing and dressing dolls and walking them in pushchairs to an imaginary shop. They balance soft toys on their heads and walk tall, proudly showing their gymnastic skills. Children have great pleasure looking at a video recording of their recent pre-school nativity and relive the story with songs and actions. Children have the opportunity and freedom to express themselves with a wide range of activities such as construction, crafts and cookery. They have quiet times sitting with the childminder as she reads from their favourite books. They eagerly interact with the pictures and story. Children enjoy informal outings in the local area and walks with

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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 the childminder's dog. This promotes children's learning and interest in the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of all issues regarding equal opportunities. She is aware that all children are individual, develop at different stages and have a variety of needs. Children are treated with respect, helping them develop a sense of worth. The childminder has a positive attitude towards diversity. She recognises that her range of play resources and activities need extending. This will help children identify with all people in society. Children learn to share and play together well through consistent and positive guidelines. They respond to praise and encouragement, which the childminder freely gives. Children learn to do things for themselves within a supportive environment. This helps them feel valued and respected as individuals. Children benefit from sound relationships between their parents and the childminder. Information is shared by the use of 'Notes for Parents',

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Helping children make a positive contribution

completed child record forms, daily diaries and discussions. These measures help to ensure that children's needs are well met and they are provided with appropriate care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well organised environment and daily routine. They receive good adult support and attention. This enables children to thrive. Children are well supervised at all times and protected from unvetted persons. All relevant documentation is in place and well maintained, ensuring that practice promotes children's welfare. The childminder undertakes training to enhance her skills and keep herself informed of current childcare practices. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 to Ofsted.

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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 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 have access to a broad range of resources and activities which reflect diversity

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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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