Water Hall Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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143264 Unique Reference Number 02 May 2006 Inspection date Sue Williams 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 1988. She lives with her adult son in Milton, Portsmouth.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The entire home is registered; however, the childminder chooses to use the ground floor only, with use of a toilet on the first floor, for childminding purposes.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is a secure garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time. There are currently 9 children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks or drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children.

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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 are protected from becoming ill because the childminder takes strategic measures to limit the spread of infection and disease. For example, she maintains a clean and tidy home. She cleans surfaces and apparatus by using antibacterial sprays and wipes. This includes, toilet seats, high chairs, baby walkers and changing mat. Nappies are disposed of hygienically. Children are learning to manage their own personal hygiene. For example, children are helped to use the disposable wipes for their hands, and learn to throw them away as they do with tissues. The childminder talks to the children about what she is doing and why it is important to be clean, to stay healthy. Babies are chatted to as they have their nappy changed, they hold a favourite toy and engage with the childminder laughing and gurgling as she makes them comfortable again. Children are further protected because written consent is in place for

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Helping children to be healthy

emergency treatment and first aid. Detailed procedures are in place for administration of medication, but the sick child exclusion agreement with parents is only verbal.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children take part in physical and more robust play each day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a balanced diet. The childminder prepares both meals and snacks for the children. Some parents opt to supply packed meals for their children. The children have a balance of fresh foods, carbohydrates and protein; such as, cheesy pasta, and fresh fruit salad, which they help to prepare. Children have water, juice or squash, with no additives, to drink. Healthy eating is promoted in a variety of ways. For example, children chat about what is in their lunch box or what they have made or been presented with. This is reinforced by specialised table top games such as 'Greedy Gorilla and 'Tummy Ache'. For example, if a child picks up a card with junk food on, it goes in the greedy gorillas mouth and he makes a very interesting noise. Whereas the healthy foods which are good for you, go on your plate (rather like a lotto board), and when you have a full plate of healthy food, you are the winner. 'Tummy Ache' is similar and is

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Helping children to be healthy

also a good game for turn taking. Good manners are demonstrated by example. Meals are a happy and social time for the children as they chatter and interact with the childminder and one another. Dietary needs are recorded and addressed, and religious persuasion is respected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a comfortable homely setting. They see their photographs and craft work displayed on the walls, which gives them a sense of belonging. The childminder knows the children well. They use the entire ground floor, extending their play throughout the house and into the garden, weather permitting. Children use the toilet on the first floor and are helped according to need, although the aim is for autonomy for the children. Children have a designated play room, a comfortable lounge, a kitchen where they have their meals and a secure garden for outside play. The front door is locked and parents knock to gain entry.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have all the facilities they need to be comfortable during their time in the setting. There are high and low level tables and chairs with booster seats, a high chair with restraints

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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 is available if preferred. Children opt to sleep in their buggies or relax and snuggle on comfortable sofas, under a throw. Buggies have safety restraints as do car seats. Toilet facilities are clean and children have all the accoutrements they need to manage their own personal hygiene. The babies have walkers and suitable toys to promote their development. Resources are plentiful and meet the developmental needs, across the birth to eight age range.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe and well supervised. The childminder carefully risk assesses her home to minimise potential accidents. For example, she has screwed the lid of the rain barrel down and elevated watering cans to collect rainwater, yet remain safe and out of the children's reach. Harmful substances are secure, stairs are gated and there are no visible attached trailing wires. Fire safety procedures are met and there are three exits for emergency evacuation, all of which are clear. Smoke detectors are appropriately sited; however, the fire blanket is not affixed to the wall for rapid accessibility and operation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to stay safe both in the home and on outings. For example, they watch and listen to the older children and the childminder as they learn about 'hot' things and road safety drill. They know they must hold hands or the buggy, and not run until they reach the park or other safe destination. Reins are available if necessary. Buggies, car seats, and high chairs have safety restraints; booster seats for the table do not. Written consent is sought from parents for outings. Sleeping children are regularly checked, and supervision of children is vigilant at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from abuse because the childminder has a good working knowledge of possible signs and symptoms of abuse. She understands her duty as a professional child care provider, to safeguard the children in her care. Parents are not made fully aware of this duty, and through discussion the childminder aims to provide a written statement of intent regarding child protection, for them. Recording of accidents is a two way process. For example, accidents or injuries occurring either in the setting, the child's home or en route to the setting are discussed, recorded and countersigned by both parties. This is not recorded in respect of confidentiality as incidents are recorded in linear style rather than on separate pages for each child. The childminder takes any action necessary to promote and maintain the safety and welfare of children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and settled. They are welcomed into a provision with a designated play room, which houses a vast range of resources. All apparatus is of excellent quality and meets the developmental needs of the children across the age range. A teddy bears' picnic is in full flow on arrival. Teddies and dolls are seated about the low level table and a child is feeding them and pouring tea into cups, busily engaged in the tea party and chatting happily. Another child wearing beads, is engrossed in building a train track, later placing the trains on it with accompanying train noises. Children play without inhibition totally absorbed, playing alongside one another or enjoying snacks together, as they sit at the dining table later in the morning. Children select from a wealth of table top games and engage in purposeful imaginative play, with home corner resources such as mini Dyson and ironing board, dolls and buggies. A doctors

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

kit, toolkit, magnifying glass and many other interesting toys are available for children to select

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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 from. Among the art work on the walls there is evidence of a collage with many materials. Fabric, glitter, painting and printing, careful colouring, template drawings, uninhibited scribble and emergent writing. Children point to photographs of themselves and other children who attend the setting. A child decides enough of the teddy bears picnic and opts to be a fairy. The childminder helps with an exquisite dress complete with wings. "Do you want the crown?", the child returns with crown and sparkly shoes, and the childminder helps complete the outfit saying how lovely the child looks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

In the garden, children use a slide, sand and water, there are bikes and balls, cars and a toy petrol pump. Babies join in all activities if they are awake. They snuggle into the childminder for story times and sit in the high chair or on the childminder's lap, if the older children are absorbed in art and craft. Babies are given safe things, similar to the older children's materials, which they examine and scrunch. If children are enjoying cooking, the babies have a piece of dough or ingredients which are safe. Children make fairy cakes, muesli flapjacks, rice crispy cakes or toast and spread. The childminder sometimes puts candles on the cakes they have made which causes great excitement. Children enjoy many outside visits. They go to the beach where whey collect shells to bring home and paint or add to a collage. Buckets, spades, rakes and diggers are taken. In the park the children use the safe enclosed play areas. They sometimes

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

take their push along cars and bikes. Children play cricket or run freely, and in the autumn collect fir cones and conkers. Sometimes the childminder's friends come on outings, which gives the children opportunities to interact with other children and adults. The children respond to adults' interest. They explore with growing confidence, they are involved in their play, well supervised, happy and secure throughout their time in the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning about the wider world. They use multicultural dolls, puzzles and books. They talk about where food comes from, and consult an atlas to see that the pasta they are eating comes from Italy, and their noodles are a favourite dish for people who live in China. Children discuss people they see when out and about. They walk with a blind lady in the park and talk about the 'elderly carriages' for mobility, for those people who have difficulty walking. The childminder is very sensitive and aware of the changing family structure, when making greeting cards for special days. Children value and understand diversity because it is represented within their everyday play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children who may have additional needs are well supported in the setting. The childminder works with parents and other professionals to maximise children's potential and development. She adapts resources to meet children's individual needs, and understands the importance of early intervention and support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are considerate and well behaved. They are learning the rules of the setting and know how to behave when on outside visits. Younger children learn by watching and listening to both the childminder, and the older children, who provide excellent role models for them. The childminder has a good awareness of the differing levels of children's understanding and behaviour. She awards praise for achievement, good behaviour and kindnesses to one another.

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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's needs are met through the childminder's partnership with parents which she highly values. Contracts, consents and record forms are carefully negotiated to ensure a care package is in place to meet the differing needs of each child in her care. Information is shared and consultation is an ongoing process. The childminder has a mobile phone with a photographic option. She often sends parents photographs of the children playing or on the beach crabbing. The childminder presents as a professional to their parents, tempered by a balance of friendship. The childminder operates an in house complaints procedure in accordance with the regulatory framework. She is fully aware of the correct procedures. Parents have access to the regulators details.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for because the childminder is suitably qualified and experienced to do so.

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Organisation

Her first aid qualification is up to date 2004-2007. She protects children from unvetted people because she supervises children at all times. On outings to public places she never lets children use the toilets unsupervised. There is no evidence that a household member aged over sixteen, who is currently living at home, has undergone necessary clearance.

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Organisation

Children are well supported because the childminder ensures her allocated ratios are maintained, and children receive good quality care. The childminder has excellent organisational skills, she uses her time well and has a clear vision of what she wants for the children in her care. For example, she arranges wonderful outings to local beauty spots and places of interest. Children go to the beach with buckets, spades, diggers and rakes. They look in the rocks and pools for crabs and creatures to discuss and examine, taking care to return them properly. They see helicopters, naval vessels, cruise liners, sea birds and windsurfers. They bring home shells to paint and glue. Children have picnics in the park and play on the apparatus there. Children enjoy outings to look at the Hovercraft. On special occasions the childminder takes the children to a café for a treat. Children benefit further because the childminder has arranged membership

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Organisation

to the library and toy library, which in turn enhances her provision, and extends the resources she provides for the children.

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Organisation

The childminder uses records effectively to ensure children's individual needs are met.

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Organisation

Most information is filed securely in respect of confidentiality.

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Organisation

All records can be easily accessed and are readily available for inspection at any time.

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Organisation

Information is shared with parents and regularly updated, and reviewed annually in January.

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Organisation

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

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children and to improve her knowledge and understanding of Area Child Protection Committee procedures. She was also asked to seek written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children are now safeguarded because the childminder demonstrated she has a sound knowledge of child protection and referral procedures. Written permission together with a detailed procedure for administration of medication is now in place, together with parental consent in writing for emergency medical advice and treatment.

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Complaints since the last inspection

With the exception of a warning reminder to update insurance cover in 2001 there have been no complaints to report 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 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): • affix the fire blanket to the kitchen wall. • devise a format to record accidents and injuries in respect of confidentiality. • obtain necessary clearance on household members aged 16 and over.

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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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