Westrop Primary & Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 126253 Inspection date 07 February 2006 Inspector Vanessa Wood

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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 registered in 2000, she lives with her partner and two teenage children in a house in Allington close to the town of Maidstone. The whole of the ground floor of the childminders home and one room upstairs are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and when working with her partner, who is a registered childminder, she can care for a maximum of eight children. The childminder is also registered to care for one child overnight. She is currently minding four children during the day on a part time basis

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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 and five children before and after school. The family have a dog and a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from illness and infection because the childminder offers a clean and tidy home which is free from clutter. She helps children learn good personal hygiene skills and the reasons for them. For example, she reminds children about washing their hands after using the toilet and explains about the spread of germs. Children learn about healthy eating as they can ask for fruit to eat from the fruit bowl on the kitchen table. The childminder provides regular opportunities for children to engage in vigorous physical activity as they walk to and from pre school every day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a clean, well maintained and organised environment which is thoughtfully arranged to allow children to play safely and securely indoors. The garden is secure, although the childminder usually takes children to the park to play. Children are well protected from potential hazards and risks, for example the childminder keeps stair gates in place, the front door is secure and electrical sockets covered. Children choose from suitable, easily accessible play resources and equipment which are in good condition. They learn how and why to keep themselves safe as they follow well established routines for crossing roads. The childminder has a reasonable understanding of child protection issues and how to report concerns which promotes children's well being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a stimulating range of interesting activities which the childminder plans to ensure the needs of all children are met. They choose their own play materials from easily accessible storage units which promotes their independence well. They have opportunities for well organised play that the childminder plans to promote their learning. Children gain a great deal from the play materials and books available because the childminder plays with them and talks about what they are doing. The children are confident, friendly and at ease. They develop close, affectionate relationships with the childminder and her family and with each other and talk well to both familiar and unfamiliar adults. The childminder has done some training on the Birth to three matters framework but has not put this into practice to

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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 enhance the care for children under three years.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to value themselves and each other because the childminder helps them feel positive about themselves. They learn to do things for themselves within a safe, supportive atmosphere. They respond well to the childminder's realistic expectations and positive behaviour management techniques and behave very well. Children play well together and develop an awareness of their own needs and those of other people. Close partnership with parents supports children's needs effectively including those with special needs. Parents appreciate the quality of the care and education provided and value the way the children are involved in the childminder's family.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides a welcoming, well organised environment that meets children's needs. Children benefit from the training she undertakes to enhance her skills and improve the service she offers. Children receive high quality care and attention to ensure they are developing and learning well. All documentation is in place to support children's welfare, although the complaints policy does not follow the new legislation. Records and documents are stored discreetly and the childminder is aware that all information is confidential. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to make all low level glass safe and to make ornaments inaccessible to children. She also agreed to get parents permission to take children in her car, to ensure she had a record of visitors and to make a wider selection of resources available to children. The childminder has made steady progress and all low level glass has been made safe, ornaments are appropriate and the childminder has written permission from parents to transport children in her car. She has a record of visitors and has several large boxes of toys available for children to independently choose what they want to play with.

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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

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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 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): • ensure knowledge of the Birth to three framework is put into practice to enhance the care offered to children under three years • update the complaints policy to include the new legislation

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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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