Rayne Primary and Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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114842 Unique Reference Number 01 August 2006 Inspection date Bridget Richardson Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 1995. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and nine years in Horsham. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler groups and takes children to the local library and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding three children full time and two on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has two guinea pigs, two budgerigars, a hamster and fish.

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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 play in a clean environment where the childminder has a clear understanding of the importance of suitable personal hygiene. For example, toys and equipment used by the children are cleaned regularly to minimise the risk of cross-infection and liquid soap and paper towels are accessible to children in the bathroom. The childminder takes wipes with her on outings, to clean children's hands prior to touching food.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a sick child policy, which she shares with parents. She holds a current first aid certificate. This means she is able to give appropriate care if there is an accident. Children who are infectious do not attend, which helps to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Parents give prior written consent to administer medication that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. The childminder understands the need to record all accidents a child may have whilst in her care and to gain parental signatures.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder prepares suitable meals for children, which takes into account their cultural and individual needs. The childminder gathers all relevant information regarding diet and medical history. This ensures children's individual and medical needs are met. Fresh drinking water is available at all times and the children attending are encouraged and reminded to drink. This encourages them to think about their personal needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a worthwhile range of activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. For example, the childminder takes children on regular walks and outings where they have opportunities to move in different ways.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder utilises the space in her home well to offer a wide range of experiences for children. The environment is warm and welcoming for children and they have easy access to an extensive range of toys and resources appropriate for their age and stage of development, which are well maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are secure and there are clear procedures in place to prevent unwanted visitors gaining access and for the safe arrival and departure of children. She talks with children about their own personal safety within the home and on outings, which encourages children to think about their own personal safety, for example, when on outings talking with children about how to cross the road safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an understanding of minimising risks to children within the home. For example, she ensures kitchen cupboards where unsuitable items are stored are kept locked, the gas fire is made inaccessible to children by placing a guard around and stair gates are suitably placed to prevent access to the first floor and the kitchen when the childminder is preparing the evening meal. However, a rug in the hallway between the conservatory 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 kitchen is not suitably maintained and poses a tripping hazard to children and the childminder when carrying a young child. Fire-fighting equipment is in place and clear procedures mean children would be able to evacuate the premises in the event of an emergency. This minimises the risk to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if she has a concern about a child in her care. This supports children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children in the childminder's care benefit from a caring and friendly relationship. The childminder works closely with parents to help children attending gain a sense of belonging. Children enjoy a good range of activities that are stimulating and well balanced to meet their developmental needs. The childminder ensures toys and resources are easily accessible to children to promote the children's independence and freedom of choice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder recognises the individual needs of children attending and acts on this knowledge to support children in self-chosen activities. She organises her day to ensure that individual needs are met and children have opportunities to complete a wide range of activities to promote all round development, for example, outings both local and those further afield, free play and planned activities in the home and times to rest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children well and talks with them about different parts of their lives. She shows great interest in all the children attending and in return, they are confident and relaxed in her company, for example, a child attending talked happily with the childminder about different family members and the animals that they had in their home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is aware of individual needs and respects children's differences. A good range of resources help children to develop an understanding of the world in which they live. The childminder provides children with opportunities to appreciate and value each other's similarities and differences, through planned activities and outings locally and further afield. The childminder has clear systems in place to support children with special educational needs. Close liaison with parents helps to ensure the individual needs of the children attending are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder offers children attending lots of praise and encouragement in their everyday activities. She encourages children to play co-operatively through appropriate supervision and support of each child. This helps to support children’s positive behaviour and encourages them to think about others in their play. She has some basic ground rules in place that are consistently applied, which helps children feel secure and understand the boundaries within the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is suitable. For older children there are informal systems in place for the childminder and parents to share information about what children attending have completed whilst in the childminder's care. This is supported by a regular newsletter sent out

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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 by the childminder giving information about her service. However, for younger children the childminder maintains a diary giving parents information about how the child's needs have been met whilst in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children attending are at home and benefit from the organised play space provided. However, the rug in the hallway between the conservatory and the kitchen poses a tripping hazard to children and the childminder. The childminder knows and supports children well, which helps children to feel secure and confident in the surroundings. There are flexible routines in place that offer a balance of activity and quiet play to meet children's individual needs.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed a wide range of relevant childcare courses and a first aid course that includes training in first aid for babies and young children. These have enabled her to develop her childminding practices within the home. Her registration certificate is displayed, so parents are aware of her registration status. Documentation is well organised and maintained confidentially. However, the childminder has not informed Ofsted of a significant event that happened in her childminding practice. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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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.

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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 the rug in the hallway between the kitchen and conservatory does not pose a tripping hazard

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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 • ensure Ofsted is informed of any significant events that happen to children.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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