Whitmore Infant School and Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 114816 Inspection date 16 February 2006 Inspector Jill Steer

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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 two children aged 10 and 14 years in Worthing, West Sussex. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children after school and in holiday times. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children, and she attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have one rabbit and three guinea pigs.

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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 supports children with special educational needs. She is a member of the Worthing Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children spend much of their time outdoors in the fresh air, enjoying a broad range of activities which contribute to their good health. They are able to develop their co-ordination and learn to control their bodies, for example as they create dance routines indoors and hold their own sports days in the garden, jumping in the sack race and throwing bean bags. Children receive consistency of care as the childminder incorporates their individual routines into the daily planning, and adjustments are made to ensure children can rest and play as they need. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene and self care skills through the daily routines. For example, they know to wash their hands before meals as well as after handling the pets. When children are unwell their parents are expected to keep them at home to protect all children from the spread of infection. However, not

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Helping children to be healthy

all written parental consent is in place to ensure children's wellbeing. Children are encouraged to eat a nutritious selection of meals which are provided by their parents, and the childminder offers a healthy range of snacks. Whenever children are thirsty, they can drink from their own cups which are made accessible to them, allowing them to become independent.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a warm and comfortable environment where they can relax and feel at home, and most risks have been identified and minimised. However, some step ladders are stored at the top of the stairs, which are unsafe for children to walk past, as are the broken drawers in the kitchen. Children enjoy the wide selection of activities on offer in the secure, enclosed garden, but the drain in an uncovered hole is a hazard to them. The arrangement of the childminder's home allows children to develop independence as they move around freely. They are able to choose from a good range of resources which are suitable for their ages and provide sufficient developmental challenge. Children have sufficient space to be either energetic, or sit quietly, whichever their mood requires. Children benefit from a high level of supervision on outings, enabling them to enjoy a wide range of experiences safely and with confidence. This allows them to protect

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

themselves and each other, and develop a sense of danger, reassured that the childminder is close by. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role and responsibility regarding children's

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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 protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. They have warm relationships with her and benefit from her participation in their play. The childminder is attentive, guiding and supporting children's play, which extends children's interest and builds their confidence in expressing their own ideas. Children enjoy a broad range of activities which are suitable for their own stage of development, whilst offering sufficient challenge. For example, after colouring skeletons, older children negotiate and agree to help younger children to cut out the shapes ready for sticking. Children develop good communication skills as they readily engage in conversation with the childminder. She uses open ended questions which encourage them to think and make decisions for themselves. Children are listened and responded to affectionately by the childminder, which helps to build a relationship of mutual

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

respect. Many opportunities are provided for physical activities. In the garden, children develop co-ordination and large muscle control as they play swing ball and hold sports days, whilst indoors they choreograph dance routines together. Outings to local venues, such as the cinema and beach during school holiday times, ensure children enjoy a wider range of experiences which keep them fully entertained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle well and are encouraged to build a trusting relationship with the childminder. She develops effective relationships with their parents, taking time each day to share information about children and their changing needs in order to maintain continuity in their care. The childminder acts as a link between home and school, ensuring information is efficiently shared with parents. Children behave well due to the consistent guidelines in place which encourage them to respect each other and play co-operatively. The childminder is a positive role model, listening to children's view point, considering their thoughts and taking their ideas seriously. Praise and encouragement from the childminder helps children to feel valued and develops their self-esteem. Regular outings provide children with a view of the local community, and a selection of resources is available that reflects a positive view of the wider world. The

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder's attitude towards diversity helps children to learn to be tolerant and respectful. She is prepared to adapt the service she provides to meet the additional needs of some children. The childminder is happy to work with other agencies to ensure they receive the appropriate care and support for their individual development.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well organised daily routine, which is planned around their individual needs. They are relaxed and at ease in the childminder's home, which gives them the confidence to initiate their own play and learning. They are well supported at all times, ensuring they are protected from unvetted persons and kept safe. The childminder is suitably qualified and experienced to care for children. She continues to develop her skills and knowledge through the completion of training which enhances the service she provides to children and their families. The regulatory documentation which is in place is maintained appropriately ensuring the childminder's practice promotes children's welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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): • seek permission from parents to administer medication. • ensure risks and hazards are identified and reduced effectively both inside and outside the home

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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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