Taxal and Fernilee CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 112872 Inspection date 25 July 2005 Inspector Judith Reed

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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 satisfactory. 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 1986. She lives with her husband and two adult daughters in the Hedge End area of Hampshire. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and she currently cares for two children under five years and two children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to and from local schools to take and collect children.

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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 are cared for in a warm, very clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene procedures. The childminder ensures all toys and equipment are thoroughly cleaned regularly to prevent risk of infection, particularly while children are teething. Children are beginning to understand healthy eating and have fruit snacks. Drinks are available throughout the day and children help themselves whenever they wish. The childminder takes account of the wishes of the parents when offering meals and snacks to children that meet their dietary needs. Children enjoy regular visits to local parks. They benefit from frequent opportunities to play outside in the garden and often take toys outside to extend their imaginative games. A range of outdoor toys are available at all times including sand pit, swings, cars and tricycles.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure indoor and outdoor environment. Children are kept safe indoors through effective procedures and use of safety equipment. The childminder is aware of safety issues and remains with children at all times. She has appropriate safety equipment for use when taking children on outings. Children are able to select toys and equipment from storage and the childminder assists them to bring items out of the storage area. The childminder monitors children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe. The childminder has limited knowledge of child protection procedures and would benefit from further training and information in this field.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. The childminder knows the children well and follows their own personal routines. Children choose their own activities and are able to initiate and lead their own play, for example taking toys into the garden to extend their imaginative pirate games. They are offered a wide choice of toys and games. The childminder talks to the children encouraging communication skills, repeating words, and developing their vocabulary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and have a good relationship with the childminder. They feel well supported and the childminder works closely with parents. The childminder and the parents discuss the children's progress and development at the end of the day. The childminder communicates well with parents at all times, but in particular with behaviour management issues, ensuring consistency for the child. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of diversity and the childminder provides some toys which reflect cultures from around the world. She uses the library to extend the range of books available to the children. The childminder has limited experience of caring for children with special needs, but has a positive attitude towards special needs and would work closely with parents

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and outside agencies to ensure children's individual needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home in the comfortable, well organised environment. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend. Most documentation is in place, however the childminder does not currently ensure confidentiality when completing accident records, or the consent for emergency treatment form. The childminder needs to obtain necessary checks on all household members to ensure children's safety at all times. The childminder has been registered for a number of years and has completed training in first aid, however she has not completed up to date training in childminding practice and would also benefit from training in child protection procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was required to ensure her register showed times of arrival and departure, obtain permission for children to go in the car, and obtain proof of police checks for all the family members. The register shows times children are expected to arrive and depart. Children are marked in and out each day and it is clear which children are present at all times. Contracts show the childminder has parent's signed permission to take children out in a car or on public transport. Police checks have not yet been obtained for all members of the household and this remains a recommendation.

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Complaints 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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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 satisfactory. 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 all accidents and individual consent for treatment are recorded in a confidential manner • provide evidence that all family members living in household have received police clearence • improve knowledge and understanding of childminding practice, in particular child protection procedures.

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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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