St Luke's CofE First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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150742 Unique Reference Number 04 May 2006 Inspection date Nicola Hill Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and their 2 children aged 12 and 4. They live in a mid-terrace house in Farnborough. The property is close to local schools and amenities and there is a park nearby. The ground floor of the house is mainly used for childminding, with toilet and sleeping facilities available on this floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and is currently working towards the NCMA Quality First quality assurance scheme. The childminder also holds a valid first aid qualification and attends the local childminding group. She is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 4 children aged between 2 and 6 years, who all attend on a part-time basis. She is not registered to provide overnight care.

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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 enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They benefit from good opportunities to be outside in the fresh air through walks and visits to local parks. This enables the children to develop a positive attitude towards exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Visits to local play centres and garden activities, such as riding on wheeled toys and bouncing on the mini trampoline, improves children's physical skills and helps them to develop control of their bodies. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder shows a good understanding of healthy eating and the children's individual needs. Packed lunches currently provided by the parents are stored appropriately. The childminder discusses and records individual parental wishes and works well with the parents to ensure she meets the needs of the individual children. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of a healthy diet by taking part in cooking activities and growing their own vegetables, in the garden. The children also take part in trips to the local shops where they select foods from different countries to taste and discuss where they came from. The childminder is effective in supporting younger children to develop their independence as she encourages them to feed themselves and freely access drinks throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted by suitable procedures when they are unwell, and daily routines to ensure the premises and resources are clean and well maintained. Children are developing an understanding of the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, the childminder gives consistent guidance as they are reminded to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet.

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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 home that is welcoming, safe and in a good state of repair and decoration. The layout is sufficiently designed to enable children to develop their independence as they explore and play freely. Good security precautions contribute to child safety. The front door remains locked at all times and the childminder has an effective arrival and departure system in place. Parents arrive by a quiet access road instead of through the front door, which is on a busy road, and children are only released to authorised known carers. The childminder acts as a good role model, ensuring children are learning about the importance of staying safe. She discusses road safety with them when out on walks and has effective procedures in place for emergency evacuation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to access a broad range of safe, good quality and developmentally appropriate toys and resources. Many toys are easily accessible to the children allowing self-selection. Toys are stored in a variety of boxes and rotated on a regular basis, which helps to ensure variety and develop an exciting, vibrant learning environment. The childminder regularly checks the toys to ensure they are clean and in a good condition.

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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 Children are well protected as the childminder maintains constant supervision both inside and outside the home. The childminder has most of the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she has the relevant insurance cover, written safety policies and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely confident and secure in their relationship with the childminder. The childminder finds out about children's needs and interests before they attend. This helps them to settle well and benefit from care that is consistent with their home routines. The children receive lots of cuddles and meaningful praise which increases their sense of belonging and encourages them to be increasingly independent. These close and caring relationships increase the children’s sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children thrive in the exciting range of activities and experiences offered to them. They take part in an excellent range of outings which extends their learning and development. Children benefit from walks and regular outings to the park and other amenities such as the library, Trilakes Animal Park and the Canal Centre, which promotes their learning and stimulates their interest in the wider world. They have opportunities to mix with other children through visits to play centres, childminding groups and toddler groups, such as 'Musical Minders', which develops their ability to relate to a wider group of adults and peers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with an excellent range of opportunities, such as music and singing, cooking, art and craft, outdoor play and games. The childminder has resourced the Birth to three matters framework and has started to incorporate this into her practice, to further support young children under the age of 3. Toys and resources are highly stimulating, interesting and suitable to the children's age and stage of development. The children spend their time purposefully and are eager to participate. There is lots of laughter as the children build towers together with wooden bricks and then knock them down again. They are engrossed in their play as they play with the dolls house and show excellent imagination as they represent their ideas through role-play outside in the play house. The children make excellent progress as the childminder has a very positive and enthusiastic approach to childcare and to the children's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

overall development. She is perceptive to children's interests during play and uses good opportunities to challenge their thinking, such as asking children to find different shapes and pointing out various colours during children's play. Children's communication skills are extremely well supported through high quality adult-child interactions during play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are being met as the childminder follows their daily routines and informs parents about their care and development. The childminder uses her mobile phone to send pictures to new parents, which helps to reassure them and put their minds at ease. Relationships with parents are friendly and open and their

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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 wishes are acknowledged and adhered to. Parents are very happy with the care provided and find the childminder to be patient and kind. They comment that their children are happy and well cared for in a family environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's achievements are recognised and praised which builds their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder has realistic expectations and acts as a good role model which encourages children to behave well. She expects a high standard of behaviour and encourages children to be polite and use manners, such as please and thank you. The children know the rules and boundaries within the home. Their understanding of right and wrong increases as they respond to gentle reminders to care for their environment, such as helping to tidy their toys away.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are becoming more aware of the wider world. They are learning to develop a positive attitude towards others through regular outings and toys and books, that reflect diversity. Children are encouraged to discuss and accept differences. They learn about cultures other than their own through planned activities, celebrating festivals such as Chinese New Year and Diwali.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well organised environment. The areas used for play are safe, welcoming and organised well, which allows children to feel completely at home, and ensures there are good opportunities to extend learning and initiate play. Good adult interaction enables the children to be confident and self-assured and they benefit from the sharing of information between the childminder and parents. The day is organised to give children the opportunity to experience a range of both indoor and outdoor activities, and they have regular opportunities to relax as well as be active within the daily routine.

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Organisation

The childminder has a very positive attitude towards training and her on-going development. She is continually undertaking courses to enhance her knowledge and understanding in childcare. Children receive good levels of care and are well supported because the childminder organises her time effectively around their needs, and maintains required adult-to-child ratios at all times. The policies and procedures that have been put into practice are used effectively and are shared with parents, to inform them about the service being offered. The childminder has a range of suitable documentation in place which enables her to meet the children's needs. However, she does not currently record details of existing injuries when a child arrives at the setting. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended that the childminder should ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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 The childminder has since developed her range of resources to include, more books, videos, dolls and puzzles. She has also purchased an excellent range of doll accessories, such as a wheelchair, guide dog and crutches.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children gain a well developed respect for themselves and others as children's differences are discussed and appreciated. The childminder encourages children to learn about foods from different countries and plans activities to celebrate both familiar and unfamiliar festivals, such as Easter and Diwali.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints 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

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): • further improve documentation in order to safeguard children's welfare and care by ensuring any existing injuries when a child arrives at the setting are recorded

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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