Mrs Ethelston's CofE Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 141525 Inspection date 22 February 2006 Inspector Maxine Coulson

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1988. She lives with her husband and three adult children in a four bedroom semi detached house, on a residential road in the centre of Newport Pagnell. The whole of downstairs is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for children's outside play. Her home is within walking distance of local parks, shops, pre-school and schools. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of 6 children under 8 years. She is currently caring for 5 children, of these 1 is over 8 years. Children attend for various days and sessions.

p.2

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 and one dog.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. There are regular opportunities to participate in outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies. For example, riding on wheeled toys, learning to kick balls and walks to and from school. Regular visits to local parks improve and develop children’s physical skills such as climbing steps on slides or using climbing frames. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through appropriate hand washing, for example after using the toilet or before eating. Children benefit from a well-balanced diet and sit down together to eat healthy snacks and meals in a relaxing and social atmosphere. They have access to drinks at all times to prevent them from becoming thirsty.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a secure environment because the childminder identifies and minimises risks through vigilance and the use of different safety measures, for example socket covers, fire guard and stair gates. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children are under constant supervision when off the premises and car seats owned from new are fitted into the childminder's car. Children are learning about road safety. For example, when walking to and from school children know the green light allows them to cross the road and the red light means they must wait. This helps to ensure they stay safe at all times when on outings and routine trips. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. The childminder, through careful supervision, ensures toys and equipment are safe and appropriate for children's age and stage of development. The

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare well through her sound knowledge of child protection issues and procedures. She provides a written child protection statement for parents information to ensure they are aware of her duties as a registered childminder.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children relate well to the childminder and are confident and happy in their surroundings. They are able to easily access and choose from a very wide range of toys, equipment and resources, helping them to develop their independence.

p.3

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 Children are beginning to develop social skills by having opportunities to play with other children of a similar age through attending local toddler and childminder groups. Children have access to a variety of fun activities to encourage them to progress in all areas of development, including imaginative and creative play. They enjoy art, craft and play dough where they are able to use pens, pencils and tools to help develop hand/eye co-ordination. Children have access to a good amount of space that the childminder organises well allowing them to move around freely and take part in spontaneous play. Children clearly enjoy playing with the toys and resources that are provided helping them to learn and progress through their play. However, the childminder is not making full use of the Birth to three matters framework, which

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

helps development and progress of children under the age of 3.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are active, interested and enjoy a variety of different types of play, which means they behave well. The childminder helps children to be aware of their actions and to begin to understand right from wrong, for example, learning to share. They are beginning to develop their independence through making their own choices of toys and activities. They have opportunities to learn about their local community through visits to parks, farms and libraries. Children have regular access to toys and resources that help them learn about different lifestyles and promote a positive view of the wider world. The childminder has a good understanding of meeting the needs of children with special educational needs although none currently attend. The childminder has discussions with parents and carers to ensure she meets children's individual needs and routines, helping children feel confident and secure.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

She gathers this information and keeps it within the children’s records to help meet their needs on a daily basis. Children receive good support and appropriate care through the childminder's good practices. For example, she verbally feeds back to parents on a daily basis to inform them of how their child is settling in and progressing.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home within a relaxing and homely environment that contributes to their sense of belonging. They have good adult support to help them feel confident and secure within the setting. Children have access to a good amount of space that the childminder organises well, allowing them to move around easily and to be able to express their ideas during free play. The childminder effectively uses policies and procedures and has all the necessary documentation and parental permissions in place to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. However, some parental contracts have not been updated for two years. She provides parents with an informative portfolio about her services and

p.4

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 they regularly share information, which contributes to continuity of the children’s care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to: record children's full names in the attendance register; make written policies and procedures, including a complaints procedure, available to all parents; obtain written permission from parents to administer short courses of medication; and agreement from parents regarding household members smoking. The childminder now: includes all the necessary details within her attendance register; shares policies and procedures with parents that includes Ofsted's details in the event of a complaint; has written permission to administer short courses of medication; and written agreements that parents are aware of household members who smoke, but not in the presence of minded children. This ensures children's continuing care, welfare and safety.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • develop children under three's progress through further use of the Birth to three framework. • ensure all parental contracts are regularly reviewed and updated.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

p.5

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 concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.6