Chatburn Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

119418 Unique Reference Number 03 May 2006 Inspection date Janette Elaina Langford Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1986. She lives with her husband and child aged eight years. She also has one adult child and a seven year old foster child living on the premises. They live in a house in Leigh-on-Sea, close to local shops, parks and schools that are within walking distance.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The main house is used for childminding but children do not have access to the adjacent annexe where the childminder's parents live. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play with a pond which is fenced in.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder co-minds with her mother who is also registered at the premises. Her father provides additional cover as an occasional assistant.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently caring for two children, both aged three years and two children who are over eight years.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes steps to help prevent the spread of germs in the home by having regular cleaning routines. Children are learning to wash their hands with soap and water but do not have separate towels.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for appropriately when they are ill because the childminder acts in their best interests and medication is recorded. Although the childminder has a current first aid certificate and several first aid boxes, she does not have written permission to seek emergency treatment.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about their own health needs, for example, recognising when they are tired. The childminder encourages them to lie down and choose a blanket to have a nap.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides lunch for children. She uses different strategies to help them vary their diet by offering a choice of healthy and nutritious foods and regular drinks.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities play in the fresh air and benefit from climbing apparatus at the park, which helps with their balance and large muscle skills. Children enjoy rolling down a hill and chasing each other, learning that exercise can be fun.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides safe and comfortable areas in which children can play and learn. There is an annexe on the premises but children do not have access to this area. Children sometimes play in the enclosed garden and the childminder has taken steps to minimise risks by fencing in the ornamental pond.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can access a range of the toys and equipment, which are safe and suitable for their needs. There is an alternative range of toys stored upstairs in a bedroom. The childminder provides equipment such as suitable car seats to ensure children are safe on outings.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to be safe around animals when they are out, particularly when they go to the park. On the way there, the childminder talks to them about safety on the roads. Children follow some simple safety rules around the house. In addition, the childminder explains how they can keep themselves safe. She shows the children the smoke alarms and activates them so they are familiar with the warning.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Although the childminder has up-to-date Public Liability Insurance, a copy of her certificate is not available.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has had training on child protection and is aware of signs and symptoms that cause concern. She teaches children not to talk to strangers when they are out to help them to learn to protect themselves.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children mostly have free play but if they share their ideas with the childminder, she will follow their lead so they learn to be resourceful. The childminder also plans some activities for children, such as taking them to the park to feed the ducks or to the farm to learn about animals.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy making cards and decorations for celebrations, using glitter, glue and natural resources such as pinecones. The childminder helps children to learn during their everyday routines, for example, children look for different coloured cars when they are out walking.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have their favourite toys and activities and use their imagination well to play alone or with others. They are confident and concentrate for increasingly long periods of time on their chosen activity. Older children prefer board games and the play station, table football and air hockey when they come home from school.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning about the natural environment through collecting frogspawn and watching it develop into tadpoles and then frogs. They watch the birds in the garden and talk about nesting.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning to value others because the childminder provides toys and resources, which help them to appreciate diversity. Children also watch selected children’s programmes depicting children with different backgrounds.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is highly aware that some children may have special needs and has extensive experience in this area through being a foster carer. The childminder has recently undertaken a Makaton sign language course as a proactive measure to be able to communicate with a wider range of children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are rewarded and regularly praised by the childminder, who fully understands the importance of encouragement. Children behave very well and demonstrate a sense of confidence and trust by talking to childminder about their homes and families or about what they are doing.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The parents tell the childminder what has been going on at home so the childminder can adjust her care and understand changes in children’s behaviour. She offers flexible hours and long-term care, which helps the parents to be able to work, and gives the children stability. The childminder talks to the parents everyday about what their children have done so that children feel a sense of belonging. She understands the importance of logging any complaints from parents and addressing them in a timely manner.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her childminding alongside her role as a foster carer. She works with another registered childminder and has an occasional assistant. Although all the adults who live or work regularly in the home have been through the vetting process, the childminder has not checked one of her adult sons and his wife who are currently staying with them on a temporary basis.

p.5

Organisation

The child minder keeps up-to-date with current childcare practices through attending some relevant courses and she has extensive experience from being a childminder for many years. She provides a comfortable and safe environment for children and works closely with parents to provide a sound childminding service. Overall, children’s needs are met.

p.5

Organisation

All records are in order, kept in accordance with the National Standards and easily accessible, with the exception of her Public Liability insurance certificate and permission for emergency treatment.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

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

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • send a copy of the current public liability insurance to the regional centre

p.5

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 • ensure all adults living or staying in the home are vetted.

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6