Nursteed Community Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 132832 Inspection date 23 March 2006 Inspector Dawn Biggers

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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 1989. She lives with her husband and two adult children, in the Saltford area of Bristol. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 5 children, under 5 who attend on a part-time and full time basis. She attends the local toddler group, library and park. The family has a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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's health is promoted well. They learn about good hygiene practices through well-planned daily routines. Clear procedures, such as for children who are unwell, and appropriate nappy changing and hand drying facilities sustain effective levels of hygiene and prevent the spread of infection. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they begin to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care from a young age. For example, they begin to develop self help skills whilst using the toilet and washing their hands. Clear procedures for the care of animals is maintained to safeguard children, for example, the cat is inoculated, wormed and food bowls are inaccessible to children. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has arrangements for the administration of medication and for documenting accidents. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. The childminder provides

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Helping children to be healthy

a menu sample, although presently takes account of the wishes of parents to provide their own healthy meals in meeting children's individual requirements. They enjoy nutritious snacks, for example, fruit and toast. Drinks are provided and children start to develop awareness of their own fluid intake. For example, they are asked if they would like a drink and young children begin to develop independence holding the beaker. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their health. Daily walks and outings improve children's physical skills and provide plenty of fresh air. Physical play opportunities are available outdoors in the warmer weather to help them develop control of their bodies, for example, ride on toys, slide and a tunnel. All are able to rest and be active according to their needs, for instance younger children sleep and quieter activities include stories and television.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe as they move around confidently in a warm, secure and well maintained home. They are encouraged and supported to independently select activities from a good range of quality toys and equipment. These are organised well and stored in accessible boxes, situated at the children's level around the room. These are all suitable for the age and developmental stages of the children and meet good safety standards. Children are protected from potential hazards, as risks have been identified and minimised, for example, socket covers, stair gates and safety equipment and smoke alarm checks. The childminder has a thought through written emergency evacuation plan and this is practised with the children. Children begin to take some responsibility for their own safety, as they are reminded about potential hazards, for example, about the toys on the floor behind them. They are able to share some aspects of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safety, for instance that they may fall and hurt themselves when standing on the sofa.

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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 childminder gives priority to maintaining children's safety outside the home. They are supervised and encouraged to hold the buggy. She uses good safety equipment, age appropriately, for example, a buggy and reins. Young children begin to learn about road awareness through discussion and are able to share the procedures, for instance, that they stop, look and listen. Children are safeguarded. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and her role and responsibility, and shares this information with parents. These have been discussed with parents and therefore they understand how children are safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children generally progress well, they are settled and happy. They have access to a good range of organised resources. They concentrate for a reasonable period at each activity, for example, building rows of wooden bricks or a tower. Most children are inquisitive, being encouraged and supported to make many choices. They are shown and given ideas of things they would like to play with, for example, they make a dinosaur park and ask for the bricks. Within the secure, warm relationship, children receive consistent attention and support. Young children respond to the childminder's cuddles and affection and sit on her lap. They laugh when tickled. This increases their sense of wellbeing. They begin to develop hand and eye co-ordination with the pop-up toys. Young children begin to communicate using vocal sounds and enjoy rhymes, for instance, 'incy wincy spider' and 'pat a cake'. Children enjoy action

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

rhymes, using their bodies to make gestures, for example, whilst singing 'Miss Polly has a dolly'. They begin to interact with each other and use language to express their needs and wishes. They ask for help and begin to negotiate, sharing the bricks. Children are responsive to the childminder's good interactions and questions, which encourages their communication skills. They use language imaginatively sharing their knowledge of under sea animals and the childminder extends this by introducing new vocabulary. Children begin to develop self-esteem and confidence, being praised and encouraged for their achievements. For example, they share what they have made with the duplo and younger children begin to demonstrate their early walking skills balancing with the trolley and repeat practising this. Children develop awareness of colour and number as the childminder incorporates this while they play, for example, with the bricks and duplo. Exploration with a range

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of creative resources help children represent their feelings. They use their senses to explore the different textures while painting and cooking. The childminder has a good awareness of their individual needs and provides activities that offer suitable challenges and stimulation for most age children. However, the activities for younger children do not always fully extend their play and development and therefore they become restless and lose interest.

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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 Children develop their awareness of diversity as the childminder provides a meaningful range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. For example, she uses a good range of books, figures with disabilities and some discussion. Activities include some celebrations and festivals, for instance Chinese New year, Christmas and Easter. Children make cards and Easter nests. Children begin to learn about the local community as they go on routine outings to the library, river, cycle track, shops and toddler group. Additional trips in the summer provide opportunities for children to go on the bus and train to the park and seaside. Children talk about the wider world referring to the dust cart on the CBeebies programme. They talk about their family and recent experiences and feel valued as the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder discusses this. They begin to learn about how things grow, visiting the allotment to pick the vegetables. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder has a sound knowledge of caring for children with special needs and liaising with parents and other professionals, within an inclusive environment. The childminder provides consistent boundaries, uses re-direction appropriately and has a sensitive, caring approach. Therefore younger children are generally well behaved and are co-operative. Praise and encouragement is used effectively to reinforce good behaviour and this boosts children's self-esteem and confidence. Therefore children begin to help tidy away, share and take turns with guidance and support, for instance with the wooden bricks. They show some care and concern for a younger peer playing with the pop-up toy, for example, they ask the childminder, 'would you like me to help you?', and play with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good relationships are established with the parents and they are happy with the care provided. There is daily discussion and written information provided about children's day. Therefore children are secure and parents feel included in their child's experiences. There are written agreements although these are not routinely reviewed and the complaints procedure is not fully effective and does not include systems for recording future concerns.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy, being familiar with the home. They are relaxed playing with a good range of resources. The childminder has a clear but flexible routine. She organises her time appropriately to give children individual attention. She liaises with parents and this supports children's care, but also allows flexibility in meeting their individual needs. The childminder shares most of her policies and procedures with parents from the start and keeps them informed about the service and their child's activities. The documentation is organised and appropriately maintains children's confidentiality. All of the consents are in place to promote children's welfare, care and learning. However, some aspects of younger children's development do not always effectively promote their wellbeing. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved children's safety and general practice. Children do not have access to the bedrooms on the first floor, as there is a stair gate and the doors are closed safeguarding them. The childminder has further developed knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities within her practice and purchased more resources reflecting positive images, therefore promoting a more positive view and extending children's awareness of diversity.

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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): • improve the outcomes for children under three by using an approach in line with the Birth to three matters • develop systems for recording and sharing the complaints procedure.

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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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