Pikemere School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 145036 Inspection date 22 February 2006 Inspector Beverley Blackburn

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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 lives with her husband and two daughters on a modern estate on the southern edge of Trowbridge. She uses the downstairs for children to play. The toilet and sleeping space is upstairs. Children can play in the lounge, dining area and conservatory. An enclosed garden provides access to outdoor play equipment. The family have three cats, two of whom do not come near the children. One rabbit and a guinea pig.

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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 childminder's husband is a named assistant. He plays with the children and assists in school and pre-school collections. He collects children from the Grove School. The childminder does not drive. Children travel in her husband's vehicle. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently caring for 9 children mostly part-time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities that contribute to their good health. They are involved in regular exercise through outdoor play, music and movement, Tumble Tots and regular walks to the local school. These activities help the children to control their bodies and improve their physical skills. Children are cared for in a secure homely environment, where they learn to understand the importance of good hygiene practices and personal care through a well planned daily routine. Children use wet wipes to clean their hands before eating, and hands are washed after using the toilet, children are aware that clean hands help prevent the spread of bacteria. Children benefit from snacks that are nutritious and healthy, such as fresh fruits, cheese and crackers. They are provided with drinks throughout the day which is easily accessible to them. The childminder takes account of the children’s

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Helping children to be healthy

preferences and parent’s wishes. The meals provided by the parents are appropriately stored, for example yoghurts and sandwiches are stored in the fridge. Children are encouraged to develop their social skills by eating their snacks and lunches together at the table.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a safe and welcoming environment. They play freely without restriction in an environment, where risks are identified and reduced. The childminder helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe outside and inside of the home, by showing them how to cross the road safely. She carries out regular emergency evacuation practices with the older children; and younger children are securely strapped in their pushchairs when out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a very good range of good quality toys and equipment that are mostly stored at their level. The toys are safe and in good condition, appropriate and suitable to the age and stage of development. The children's welfare and safety increase through the childminder's good understanding of the procedures she follows if she has concerns about a child or suspected child abuse. She has all the required procedures and documents in place, and is aware of keeping accurate and clear recorded information on any concerns.

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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 outstanding. Children are settled and happy and feel at home and at ease in a warm, caring and well-organised environment. They benefit from an excellent range of stimulating and purposeful indoor and outdoor activities. For example, craft activities making birds and painting bird boxes, children are given the opportunity to learn about the different birds, by discussion with the childminder and looking at books which explains who they are and why they have feathers. The well-planned activities contribute to children's development and learning. They provide a high level of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development, such as putting on a puppet show or growing sunflower seeds. Children are extremely confident, animated and enthusiastic about their play. They enjoy looking at books together, listening to stories and joining in games that encourage imagination and role-play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take pleasure in each other’s company. They play together co-operatively, share and take turns. This promotes their sense of achievement and helps them to learn to negotiate. Children receive consistent support and meaningful praise and encouragement from the childminder, which helps to enhance their self-esteem and confidence. Children are listened to and have their questions answered. The childminder is very attentive to them, she clearly enjoys being with them and helping them to learn. For example, looking at the scrapbook together that the children help to make and identifying the different events that have happened in their lives such as a birthday party. Children are treated as individuals and their individual needs are met. They are cuddled and made to feel secure, which enhance their sense of well-being. The childminder has a good understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

incorporates this into her practice to support children's learning and development such as planning activities that involves all the children including babies, for example water play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have access to a good range of activities and resources that promote a positive view of the wider society. This increases the children's understanding of others and the differences and similarities. The children can independently select toys from a good range of activities suitable for both boys and girls. Their individual needs are met through the childminder working with the parents. The children benefit from the childminder's good working relationship with the parents which involves sharing information and regular feedback about the child's day. The parents often show their appreciation for the good care their children have received

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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 through letters and cards. The childminder has good behaviour strategies in place, this encourages the children to be well behaved and polite. The children play well together and value each other.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's safety is maintained as a result of a well organised setting. The childminder's documents are well organised. The policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare of the children. The children benefit from the childminder maintenance of an appropriate child to adult ratio; which ensures they are happy and well cared for. The space is utilised to meet the needs of the children effectively. The childminder meets the needs and range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to expand the range of musical instruments available to the children and to improve the quality of the sit and ride toys used by the children. The childminder has since expanded the range of musical instrument such as castanets, wood xylophone and a mouth organ. She has also improved the quality of the sit and ride toys such as sturdy bikes. Children are now able to enjoy the equipment in their play.

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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 the complaints made by the parents, which they can see on request. The complaints records 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):

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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 • improve the recorded evidence of the children's activities by ensuring all entries are dated

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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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