Roskear School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 111856 Inspection date 25 May 2005 Inspector Jennifer Pearce

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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 child minder has been registered since 2000. She lives with her husband and one pre school aged child and two school aged children. They live in a house in the Netley Abbey area of Southampton. It is close to some local amenities. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for a toddler, pre school age child and two children of school age on a part time basis after school. The childminder walks to local schools and pre school to take and collect children. All areas of the house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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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 The family have one cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, and is a member of the local childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care, for example children are encouraged to wash their hands after activities and before food. This promotes an awareness and understanding of good personal hygiene. The minded children enjoy a good variety of activities which contribute to their health and physical development. Each day there are a variety of both indoor and outdoor activities for children to access in a spacious environment. These along with the use of garden equipment, regular visits to the local park, toddler group, and other places of interest improve the children's physical skills. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as the childminder introduces a variety and choice of healthy snacks. The childminder discusses all aspects of the child's care with parents and together they seek to meet the children's

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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 spacious home. While most risks are identified and minimised there are free standing heaters that are accessible to children. The children are able to move around, freely and independently. The lay out of the equipment and resources helps the children to access them safely. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining the children's safety both inside and outside of the home. For example during a collage activity the childminder explains to the children about not eating dried peas and beans in case they choke. Children independently select activities from a range of good quality toys and equipment. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

child protection procedures. This ensures that the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

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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 are settled and at ease in the childminder's home. The childminder knows the minded children well and makes provision for their needs throughout the daily routine. For example the childminder provides a range of enjoyable, creative activities that interest the children. Children are motivated and interested in a wide range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. The well organised and inviting play room enables and encourages children to make choices and initiate their own activities. The children relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups. The childminder interacts well with the children and joins in with their play activities for example extending their imaginative play by providing reward stickers for their dolls and reading stories that link with creative activities. This encourages their social

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have a good relationship with the childminder. They are confident to approach the childminder, she takes time to listen to them and is interested in what they say and do. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder uses plenty of praise and encouragement developing their confidence and celebrating the children's achievements, for example when they help with a tidying up activity. This helps to develop the children's confidence and self esteem. The children are taught good manners and gain an understanding of appropriate behaviour by the expectations set by the childminder. The children are encouraged to say sorry when they upset or hurt each other. This helps the children to understand their own needs and begin to respect the needs of others. The childminder develops a good relationship with parents and information is exchanged about the children. The childminder works closely with parents and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children for example to develop speech. This ensures that each child's individual needs are met.

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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 children are at ease and are able to move around freely in the well organised environment. The indoor and outdoor play space is planned to maximise the play opportunities of all children. This enables them to have freedom of choice for all activities. Whilst most documentation is available and up to date some of the consents from parents are not all in place to ensure the children's welfare and care. Overall the children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was recommended to maintain an incident record. This is now in place and is incorporated into the accident record book.

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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): • ensure that all free standing heaters are safe and inaccessible to children when in use. • ensure that parents prior written permission is always obtained prior to giving medication and before transporting children in a vehicle.

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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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