Moorlands School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 108102 Inspection date 09 February 2006 Inspector Samantha Hunt

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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 was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband and three adult children in Maidenhead, Berkshire. The whole ground floor and one first floor bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five and one child over five, all on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to local parks.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn to become aware of their individual needs. They freely access drinks provided by the childminder throughout the day. Parents provide children with meals daily. The childminder ensures these are stored appropriately in the kitchen or fridge. She collates dietary information accurately, which includes parental wishes. This ensures she meets the needs of both the child and parents. Children are beginning to become aware of the importance of good hygiene. They have individual hand towels for drying hands and bedding when they sleep. Sleep takes place in an upstairs bedroom in a travel cot. The childminder further promotes children's good hygiene; she follows effective procedures when changing nappies, which includes wearing gloves. Good written records relating to accidents and medication are in place and parents sign to acknowledge them. Children have regular opportunities to access fresh air. They play with a good range

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Helping children to be healthy

of toys in the garden including ride on toys, a playhouse, bats and balls. The childminder takes them on outings and walks to local parks, the river, music and toddler groups. Outings to the park give children opportunities to access large equipment such as slides and climbing frames, which further extend their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around an environment which is well maintained and safe. The childminder has a clear understanding of the safety issues within her home. She carries out a daily check of all areas before children arrive and ensures any items of harm are inaccessible to the children. Children begin to learn to keep themselves safe through regular discussions and practise with the childminder. For example, they talk about how to evacuate in an emergency and practise road safety when on outings. This minimises risks to children’s safety. Children are able to self-select from a good range of age-appropriate toys. Most play takes place in a bright, welcoming playroom where children have space to spread out and enjoy the toys to their full potential. For example, the child is able to build a big train track on the floor. Toys and resources are well maintained and sorted into

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

clearly labelled boxes. The childminder encourages children to tidy up when they have finished playing. This helps the children to have respect for the toys. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of child protection through discussion and documentation. She is aware of the signs to look out for and the

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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 procedures to follow if she has a concern. A record kept of all visitors to the household helps to safeguard children's safety. However, the childminder does not currently keep a record of children's existing injuries to promote children’s welfare and safety further.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and clearly feel at home in the childminder's care. Children have good opportunities to form relationships with others both within the setting and through attending toddler groups and meeting up with other childminders. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of children's individual needs, which contributes to their wellbeing within the setting. Children are beginning to make choices as they independently select toys. The childminder plans a balanced routine of structured activities and free play. Children show interest in activities which hold their attention. For example, the child puts pegs in the board to form a picture and fixes trains together to go around the track. The childminder extends children's learning and enjoyment. She involves herself in their play and extends learning through discussions such as talking about the colours of the trains and the shape of the track.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to become aware of the wider community in which they live. They go on regular visits to friends, toddlers, local shops and parks. The childminder provides them with a good selection of toys and resources, which promote positive images of gender, culture and disability. This helps the children to develop a positive attitude and respect for others. Behaviour is good and children relate well towards others. The childminder establishes clear boundaries through example and discussion with the children. Children receive positive praise and encouragement from the childminder. This helps them to develop good self-esteem. The childminder has a sound understanding of how to care for children with special needs, although none currently attend. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder collates information with parents prior to children starting and she chats to parents on a daily

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Helping children make a positive contribution

basis to ensure she continues to meet the children's needs effectively.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation of the setting is good. Children have space to spread out and play effectively. They are able to choose freely from a good range of well-organised toys,

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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 stored in cupboards within the playroom. The childminder holds a first aid certificate which enables her to act in the children's best interest in the event of an emergency. She attends regular training to keep up-to-date with childcare practices, this helps her to review and improve her practice. The childminder is well-organised and all regulatory documentation which contributes to the children's wellbeing and care is in place. Overall, 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, it was recommended that the childminder should have a fully supplied first aid box. The childminder has made improvements to promote children's health by maintaining a first aid kit and ensuring she keeps it fully stocked for use in an accident or emergency.

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

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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): • improve documentation to include a record of children's existing injuries.

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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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