Monkton Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 118697 Inspection date 21 March 2006 Inspector Caroline Preston

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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 registered in 1988. She lives with her husband and 2 sons, aged 13 and 19 years. The family live in Rainham, Essex. She works in partnership with her husband who is also registered. The whole of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children aged under 8 years at any one time. She is currently minding 5 children under 8. She 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 are cared for in a warm and clean environment, they benefit from high levels of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the home and appropriate practices which effectively contribute to limiting the risk of cross infection. The childminder is a good role model for the children using appropriate hygiene practices during daily routines. For example, washing her hands after changing nappies and before preparing food. Children are given their own individual towels to help prevent the risk of cross infection. Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet, they are provided with substantial and well balanced meals which take into consideration children's dietary needs. Toddlers under three develop a healthy dependence on the childminder who is receptive to their individual needs. The childminder follows younger children's individual routines for eating and sleeping, this contributes to their well being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is well nurtured, the childminder ensures that they have daily opportunities for vigorous exercise making good use of the well equipped garden, local parks as well as indoor alternatives.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Space within the childminder's home is well organised and meets children's needs very well. They have access to a spacious playroom to play, a quiet place to rest and a comfortable safe place to eat and take part in a range of well organised activities. The childminder's vigilance and awareness of safety issues minimises risks and helps to ensure children's safety such as constant supervision of children at all times. The childminder's attentiveness means that she makes sure all available toys are safe and age appropriate. Children access toys easily and without risk of harm from the range made accessible to them. Good regard is given to fire safety, the fire blanket is readily accessible in the kitchen and smoke alarms are fitted on both levels of the home which are tested regularly. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues, she is clear regarding her role and responsibilities and of the procedure to follow if she had

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

concerns. Necessary contact numbers are readily available preventing delay in gaining appropriate advice to support children's wellbeing and safeguard their welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a warm trusting relationship with the childminder who knows them well. She ensures all children present are able to enjoy the play activities on

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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 offer. Many toys are stored on low level shelves where children are able to access them safely, this provides choice and promotes children's self help skills and ability to make decisions for themselves. The childminder plans her day well, providing a range of stimulating activities with a clear understanding of each child's age and stage of development. This helps each child to be kept interested, take part and have fun. However, there are too few opportunities for children to take part in creative play. Frequent outings to the park and day trips out provides opportunity for children to have fun as well as support their physical development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder helps children to settle by asking parents for appropriate information concerning their child's routine and individual needs. This contributes considerably to children's well-being while in her care. Daily feedback about their child's day keeps parents well informed and helps to provide children with continuity of care. Play materials and resources reflect positive images of all aspects of society. Children behave well and are learning to play co-operatively and to take turns. They respond well to the childminder's calm manner when reminding them of the behaviour boundaries within the home. Children with special needs are particularly well supported. The childminder's enthusiasm for her work and passion for the children she cares for is evident. She ensures children's inclusion by being aware of their individuality, age and stage of development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's good organisation of the premises providing them with sufficient space to play and access resources. Children benefit from the childminder's appropriate vetting procedures. Children feel at home and at ease, daily routines provide children with opportunities to rest and relax as well as be busy and actively occupied. She organises her time well, enabling her to offer children good individual support during their play and daily routines. Children are well supervised at all times to ensure their safety and well being. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Information kept about the children is relevant and paperwork is stored safely, all information and agreements are in place between the childminder and parents to support a professional relationship.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain written consent from parents regarding emergency medical treatment. The childminder now has written consent from parents for all children in her care. This improvement helps to ensure children's safety and welfare is well promoted.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted have received two complaints since the last inspection relating to National Standard 1: Suitable person and National Standard 6:Safety. The complaint related to children being cared for by an unregistered assistant and the inappropriate handling of a baby. Ofsted carried out an investigation in November 2005. Ofsted found no evidence that the provider was not complying with the national standards. Ofsted took no further action and the provider remains qualified for registration. In August 2005, the following concerns were raised relating to National Standard 1:Suitable person, and National Standard 11: Behaviour. The complaint related to the use of an assistant and management of children's behaviour. These concerns were addressed during an inspection carried out in November 2005. Ofsted found no evidence that the provider was not complying with the National Standards. Ofsted took no further action and the provider remains qualified for registration.

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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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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): • increase opportunities for children to take part in creative play.

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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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