Pathways School

Inspection report for early years provision

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148842 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2006 Inspection date Alison Large 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 2001. She lives with her partner and 2 children aged 7 and a baby in the Thornhill area of Southampton. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 1 child under 5 years all day and 3 children over 5 years before and after school. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The family have a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the Southampton 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 are cared for in a warm clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands before eating, after handling the dog and after using the toilet reduces the risk of cross contamination. The childminder's support and guidance helps children gain a good understanding of hygiene and they become increasingly independent in their own personal care. Children's health is well promoted as the childminder has the relevant first aid training and has implemented effective hygiene procedures to minimise the risk of infection, for example, when preparing meals. However, the childminder has not maintained her medication records correctly, which affects children's well-being whilst in the childminder's care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and provides a variety of healthy snacks and meals. Children are offered fruit regularly and the childminder takes into account the wishes of parents and meets each child's dietary needs to ensure they remain healthy. Children enjoy a good range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Garden games and regular trips to parks and play areas improves children's physical skills. The childminder recognises the benefits of daily exercise for the children and they have opportunities to develop large and small muscles. The childminder provides a good range of outdoor interests for the children, including a slide and wheeled toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a bright spacious environment. The main playroom is laid out with resources stored accessibly to allow children to move around safely. The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues and pays high attention to ensuring risks and hazards are minimised and children's safety is promoted. The developmental needs of the children are met by the good range of equipment that is made available to them, which is clean, safe and well maintained. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place and gives top priority to ensuring the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has a good knowledge of child protection issues and recognises her role and responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder, they enter confidently and settle well. They make themselves at home and enjoy the range of experiences and activities offered to them. The children build close and caring relationships with the childminder, which increases their sense of trust. The childminder recognises the value of play in a child's development and introduces a range of activities, enabling children to play together as well as independently. The children enjoy the childminder's company, she joins in their play, which encourages their social skills. Children are interested in a good range of developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys,

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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 books and resources which appeal to all. Older children are able to enjoy different activities from the younger children, which are more suited to their developmental stages, which ensures their individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are valued and respected as individuals. All children are welcomed and play a full part in their time with the childminder, as she respects each child's individuality. Children have time to relax as well as be active and develop confidence in selecting and making choices. Children are able to access resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase an awareness of diversity, which helps them develop an understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's good relationship with the parents. Effective communication takes place between the childminder and parents and they work together to meet the children's needs. Information is shared daily, which ensures children benefit from the consistent links with home. Behaviour is good, the childminder sets boundaries and children develop confidence and self-esteem as the childminder praises and values their achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are able to move around freely in the indoor and outdoor space, which maximises their play opportunities. This means children are confident to initiate and extend their own play. Policies and procedures are used to promote the welfare and care of the children. They are made available to parents, which contributes to the continuity of the children's care.

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Organisation

All the required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place, stored confidentially and regularly reviewed. The childminder shows a commitment to ongoing training and updating her skills. 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 last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure al necessary signatures on documentation; to ensure confidentiality at all times and of documentation and to ensure space is used creatively. The childminder has moved house since the last inspection and now has a designated play room for the children, confidentiality is assured and all documentation now has the required signatures. This has ensured children's welfare is well protected.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints 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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children and keep a written record signed by parents of medicines given to children.

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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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