Kirkdale Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 104606 Inspection date 24 April 2006 Inspector Janet Butlin

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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 lives in a three bedroom terraced property on the outskirts of Newton Abbot in Devon, and shares the house with her husband and two children. She has been registered since 1993 to provide care for up to six children aged up to 8 years. There are currently six children enrolled in this age group. The ground floor of the house is mainly used for childminding activities although children may go upstairs to sleep and to use the toilet. Family pets comprise two dogs, a cat and two rabbits. There is a rear garden and a dedicated playroom.

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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 house where good standards of hygiene are followed. They are effectively protected from cross infection as the childminder ensures that each child has their own paper towel to dry their hands. Children's health is promoted well as the childminder has a first aid qualification and implements appropriate systems to record accidents and the administering of medication. All necessary consents are in place to enable the childminder to respond in an emergency. Children who are sick or infectious do not attend and this further protects children from catching each others illnesses. Children enjoy a healthy and well balanced diet and the childminder helps them to become aware of healthy eating, for example by encouraging them to eat fruit. They also play games which help them to develop an awareness of healthy food groups. Children remain well hydrated as they have frequent drinks, for example when they

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Helping children to be healthy

wake from their naps. Children develop their muscles and enjoy the health giving properties of fresh air as they go on daily walks to the park and places of interest. They also enjoy playing in the childminder's garden, where they are thoughtfully protected from the harmful effects of the sun.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a well presented environment which is suitable and safe. They benefit from dedicated space to play and a specifically designed playroom is nearing completion. This will enhance their experiences. They sleep safely in their travel cots and the childminder monitors their safety closely. The children play outdoors in a secure and well maintained rear garden. Children play with a wealth of good quality toys, all of which are suitable, clean and in good condition. They stimulate the children and are appropriate to their ages. The children access their playthings easily and whenever they want to. The children are kept safe as the childminder has a high regard for safe practice. For example, the register of attendance is accurate and very well maintained. Also, the children's walks, to and from school, help them to learn about road safety and the importance of following the rules. They are kept safely under the supervision of the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder by a secure system of stair gates. The house is undergoing some refurbishment and the rear garden is accessed by steep steps. This means that the children's safety is maintained by rigorous risk assessment. The ongoing nature of the work means that risk assessments have to be regularly updated to ensure that all hazards are addressed.

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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 The children's safety is further supported by the childminder's good understanding of the child protection procedure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for extremely sensitively by a caring and thoughtful childminder. They demonstrate a warm affection towards her and are clearly secure and comfortable in her care. Children enjoy an extremely worthwhile range of activities which promote their development, and which are very well matched to their individual stages of development and interests. For example, young babies enjoy stimulating activities, interacting very well with the childminder and becoming skilful communicators. The childminder knows each child very well and plans her day so that these lively and interested children are able to fall naturally asleep and have periods of calm essential to their well-being. The Birth to three matters framework is used effectively to help the childminder plan the activities she will provide to help the children make very good progress. Children delight in exploring and investigating treasure boxes and make

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

connections in their play, for example, working out that a toy plays a tune and that cotton reels can be hidden under a cup. They laugh with delight at their rediscovery. Children use and enjoy books, appropriate to their ages. They also benefit from specially planned projects such as cooking and creating artwork for Easter. The childminder diligently ensures that these activities progress, and are presented, according to the child's individual stages of readiness. This, along with the stimulating interaction and support of the childminder, ensures that children develop an interest in their surroundings and become competent learners. The local environment is used very well to enrich the children's day. They meet playmates in the park and at local groups, where they play ball and use equipment. Older children, attending before and after school, play age appropriate games and enjoy activities that interest them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are known and respected. They learn about cultural diversity by playing with a range of suitable toys and looking at books and the childminder takes advantage of naturally occurring situations to inspire discussion. The childminder is able to provide good care and attention to children with special needs as she has a secure understanding of working closely with parents to provide appropriate support. Older children are sensitive to the needs of younger children and the childminder encourages a caring environment, where all children's needs are met. Children are very well behaved. They respond well to the childminder's consistent and sensitive approach. Appropriate strategies are used, such as distraction and

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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 ensuring that the children receive appropriate positive reinforcement. Children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes and they benefit from the good communication system that exists between the childminder and their parents. For example, daily discussions and a regular newsletter. There is a good system for communicating news and information to parents regarding policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised environment and the childminder ensures that the children do not come into contact with any unvetted persons. Children enjoy worthwhile activities and are cared for sensitively. Their care is enhanced as the childminder conscientiously attends training to support her practice. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The organisation of documentation is good and children's care is well supported by a secure system of recording attendance, obtaining all necessary consents, and ensuring that all regulatory paperwork is in place. The system for logging any complaints that may be made is being developed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was required to clarify the procedure for administration of medicine, and parental consent to ensure that this is in line with requirements. There are now good systems in place to support this element of care and this has had a positive impact on keeping children healthy. She was also required to extend the range of toys and books to reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity and disability. Children now benefit from the good range of toys and books that help them to learn about cultural diversity. Finally she was required to maintain the register in line with registration requirements. The clear and accurate registration system is rigorously maintained and children's safety is underpinned by this good practice.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted have received no concerns. 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

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 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): • establish a complaints log • continue to develop risk assessments to ensure children are protected from hazards

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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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