Alverstoke Church of England Aided Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 116392 Inspection date 23 February 2006 Inspector Margaret Moffat

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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 satisfactory. 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 registered in 1992 and has been a childminder for 22 years. She lives with her husband in Marlow. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder's registration is to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and she is currently minding 12 children, 1 child attends full-time and the others are on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. The childminder runs a local toddler group and attends other toddler groups

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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 in the area on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. This includes visits to the local park and outdoor play in the garden. They have opportunities to develop their physical skills, exercise and have plenty of fresh air. For example, as they make daily walks to the local schools and toddler groups and play with the equipment in the garden such as a climbing frame and sit and ride toys. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where they learn the importance of appropriate hygiene routines from an early age. Children learn the benefits of a healthy diet from the meals and snacks provided by the childminder and parents. Weekly menus inform parents what children will be having for tea during the week and all special dietary requirements are discussed to ensure children's individual needs are met. The childminder ensures children have a variety of home

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Helping children to be healthy

cooked meals, fruit and vegetables. Children develop independence as they access their own drinks when they need one.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel safe and secure in their surroundings. The childminder keeps children under close supervision at all times, reducing risks and minimising hazards both inside and outside the home. However, not all smoke alarms are in working order. Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about road safety as they make daily walks to local school and toddler groups. However, they are not familiar with the emergency evacuation procedure. Children independently select toys and activities from the selection available. They have appropriate choices for their age and stage of development. The childminder has documentation and a first aid certificate to ensure children's safety and welfare within the setting. She has an adequate understanding of child protection issues to safeguard the children. However, she does not have relevant procedures and contact numbers readily available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and very at home in the childminder's house. As they arrive they make themselves comfortable and confidently choose toys and activities from the selection available. Children enjoy the activities on offer and show an interest in what they do and the childminder joins in and supports them. For example, when playing

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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 with the doctors set and toolkit the childminder explains to the children what the items are for and how to use them. They have fun as they try out the stethoscope on the childminder and use the screwdriver to join two items together; this helps them to acquire knowledge and skills. The childminder sings with the children, which helps develop their language skills and the children show pleasure as they join in with the actions and ask to sing other songs. The childminder has warm and affectionate relationships with the children helping them feel comfortable and valued. The children play well alongside each other and are beginning to share and join each other in activities. They have fun and enjoy themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with respect helping them to feel good about themselves. The childminder has a sound understanding of equal opportunities issues, and has a positive attitude towards diversity. The children access a range of resources that promote positive images such as books, dolls and dressing up clothes. They develop a sense of belonging as they make themselves at home when they arrive at the childminder's home and learn about the local community through outings and daily walks. Children respond well to consistent praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder. Younger children play well alongside each other and are learning to share and take turns through gentle reminders from the childminder. The childminder has a clear understanding of how to care for children with special needs, although none currently attend. Relationships with parents are professional but friendly. They receive information

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Helping children make a positive contribution

about their children through verbal daily feedback and constant discussions with parents ensures their children's individual needs are met. In addition, the childminder provides good support for individual children and their families. For example, she informs parents of children who do not attend on a regular basis that she has a space, giving the children the opportunity to come, play and have social interaction with their friends. Parents report they are happy with the care and support their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Relevant documentation and consents are in place to promote children's safety and welfare. However, the local child protection procedure and contact numbers are not readily available and Ofsted have not been informed of all persons living on the premises. Areas used for play are welcoming and there is sufficient space for children to play freely. Children are settled and happy within the environment and they receive good adult support as the childminder remains within her ratios at all

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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 times. 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 previous inspection, the childminder was asked to update documentation and ensure safety procedures were in place with regard to garden debris and toys and resources. Written parental permission is now in place to administer medication. Garden debris has been removed and toys and resources are regularly checked to ensure they are safe and in good condition. This has a positive impact on children's safety and well-being. She was also asked to plan a range of activities appropriate to the development needs of the children. The childminder ensures that children experience a balance of activities and developmental opportunities appropriate to their age and stage of development.

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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 satisfactory. 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 fire safety precautions by ensuring smoke alarms on all levels of the property are in working order and practising the emergency evacuation with the children • update knowledge and understanding of child protection issues by ensuring local procedures and contact numbers are in place • ensure Ofsted are aware of all persons living on the premises.

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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 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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