Hebden Green Community School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 111505 Inspection date 06 February 2006 Inspector Lynn Reeves

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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 has been registered since 1997. She is registered to provide care for five children aged under eight years and is currently minding four children aged under eight years on a part time basis. Children aged over eight years are also minded. The childminder lives with her husband and their two children in a residential area of Purbrook in Hampshire. The property is within close proximity to schools and parks and about two miles from Waterlooville town centre. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding including rest and toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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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 are protected from the risk of infection as they follow good hygiene procedures, for example hand washing at appropriate times. The childminder has daily cleaning routines in place to safeguard children from cross-contamination, for example not wearing outdoor shoes on the carpets, keeping worktops and toilet areas clean. Children experience a range of outdoor activities, which contribute to their good health. They enjoy regular outings to the park, dancing and walking, where they benefit from fresh air and gentle exercise. Their physical development and large muscle movement is promoted as they access the garden where they kick footballs, skip and ride sit-on toys. Children follow a healthy diet as they are provided with fresh fruit and healthy options for snacks as a supplement to the meals they bring in from home. Parent's wishes are respected regarding children's dietary needs, which are

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Helping children to be healthy

then recorded on children's records. Children learn about healthy eating as they take part in cooking activities, experiment with different foods and discuss their likes and dislikes. The childminder has effective procedures in place for recording accidents and the administration of medication which ensures children's well-being.

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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 welcoming, comfortable environment, where toys and play provisions are stored on low level shelving and in storage boxes, enabling children to make choices and to be independent. Evidence of children's work is displayed on the walls, offering them a sense of pride. Children make their own choices throughout the day; they play and move about easily whilst being supervised at all times. Children are provided with a good range of play provisions, which are suitable for their age and stage of development, these are regularly checked for damage and cleanliness to ensure children's safety. Children enjoy a secure environment where they learn to stay safe, they are reminded why they should not run around indoors or climb on the furniture as they might fall and hurt themselves. Children are made aware of dangers through general conversation and daily routines; for example discussing road safety issues when

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

walking to school, being reminded not to run off and to hold hands. Children are protected as the childminder has a good understanding of the child protection procedures. She is able to recognise the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and is aware of whom to report her concerns to.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a relaxed environment where they benefit from the warm relationship they have with the childminder. Children have many opportunities 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 develop a range of skills and progress well in all areas in a stimulating environment. They are able to participate fully, make their own choices and feel valued, as the childminder takes time to interact with their play and learning, for example helping them with fitting together the wooden train track pieces. Children are encouraged to work things out for themselves as they use the spanners and screwdrivers to fit the plastic Meccano strips together using the nuts and bolts. Children gain good self-esteem and confidence as they work together to lift and carry the box of train track from the shelf from one room into another. Children are praised for their efforts and receive help and encouragement when they do things well, which supports their self-esteem. Children's needs are met effectively as the childminder adapts activities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to ensure all children can participate and to keep them interested in their play. Children experience a range of activities, for example, messy play, dressing up, free-play, looking at books, cooking, watching the television and outings, which keep them stimulated and interested in their play and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals and are made to feel valued and respected as they receive lots of praise; they enjoy sitting beside the childminder to have a cuddle, especially when they are tired, which promotes their self-esteem and sense of belonging. Children gain knowledge of the wider world through discussion, topics and playing with a range of toys that reflect diversity for example, books, puzzles, ethnic figures and dressing up clothes. Children gain a good understanding of the local community as they visit the library and places of interest, for example Staunton Country Park, Portchester Castle, soft play areas and the beach. The childminder maintains a very positive approach in dealing with special needs. The childminder has realistic expectations from children, consistent methods are used for dealing with unwanted behaviour so children learn and understand consequences. Children learn

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Helping children make a positive contribution

what is acceptable through discussion, praise and encouragement and the methods and strategies are discussed with parents to ensure a consistent approach. The childminder maintains good relationships with parents, which ensures children's individual needs are catered for. Parents receive information via the written policies and procedures and are shown evidence of what children do through photographic evidence, however parents written permission is not in place for this. They are also provided with information regarding the children's well-being at handover and collection time.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are fully occupied and engaged with many play opportunities during their time at the setting. The childminder knows the individual children well and adapts activities and resources to meet their needs. The childminder provides a friendly environment where children feel at home and at ease. The childminder is very experienced in her role and demonstrates a good understanding of how children learn and develop. Children benefit from a well-organised, secure and stimulating

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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 environment, where their health, safety and well-being are promoted through good clear policies and procedures. Most documentation is in place, although the daily register lacks required information, which impacts on children's safety. 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 provider was asked to provide a selection of multi-cultural toys. Since the last inspection, the provider has purchased a range of toys that reflect diversity, which enable children to learn about the wider world.

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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 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): • obtain written permission from parents to keep photographic materials of the minded children • maintain daily attendance registers with accurate times of children's arrival and departure times

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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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