Littledean Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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115631 Unique Reference Number 28 September 2006 Inspection date Linda Margaret Nicholls 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 has been registered since 1998. She is registered to care for four children and is currently minding seven, one of which is full time. The minder regularly cares for children over eight years. She lives with her husband and two children aged over eight years in Belvedere, the London Borough of Bexley.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Ground floor living rooms are available for childminding. Overnight care is not provided. There is a small fully enclosed garden. The provider has a dog and guinea pigs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has an NVQ level 3 in Child Care and Education. She is a network childminder with the Bexley Childminding Association and coordinates a local Sue Start group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are developing a growing understanding of good personal health and hygiene practice through a range of every day experiences. The childminder ensures the play equipment is clean

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 so that the risk of cross infection to children is minimised. She maintains good hygiene practice when changing nappies and encourages personal independence as children grow more capable.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive and enjoy regular physical activity within the home and outside as they play in the garden or take the dog for a walk. They develop positive attitudes to exercise and develop their balance and coordination. Children know how to relax. They go to the childminder for hugs and cuddles or lay on the sofa when they need a rest.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's appetites are successfully stimulated because their likes and dislikes are taken into consideration. They enjoy ham sandwiches, spaghetti bolognese, bananas and yogurt drinks. The childminder has experience of dietary allergies and encourages children to eat fresh foods and vegetables. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure individual dietary needs are met. Children have access to drinks including water throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children who have an infection do not attend which prevents the spread of contagious ailments. All required documents are clearly maintained and emergency contact numbers are held. Parents are effectively informed and prepared well for emergencies for example when children may be taken ill or there may be a serious accident requiring emergency treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and adults are welcomed into an organised and well maintained home. The floor space is uncluttered. Free standing toy boxes and individual items are accessible to the smallest child. There is good natural light and adequate ventilation. The home has comfortable modern furniture and clean bright décor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children select from a sufficient range and variety of toys which are checked for repair or replacement. Cleaning routines are followed daily as toys and equipment are tidied away.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children cannot access rooms or items that could be dangerous such as electricity points or cleaning liquids and powders because the childminder ensures these are secured. She routinely completes an informal risk assessment of her home. The home is secure and children play safely. Fire safety recommendations are in place and an exit plan has been considered. Parents are aware of the childminder's safety procedures. She is proactive in ensuring public liability insurance is current.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children feel cared for and secure as they are closely supervised at all times both in the home and at outside venues. They know to keep themselves safe. One puts on a helmet when they use a bike. Children learn the green cross code, to walk and not to run and to wait at the kerb. They enthusiastically colour road safety booklets the childminder has requested from a national agency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder is confident she has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Parents are informed of her professional role and she recently refreshed her knowledge by attending local child protection training in 2005.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are stimulated, supported and engaged in all areas of their development. Children are confident and proud of their achievements because the childminder praises their work unreservedly. 'That's a good helicopter.' Children make purposeful and independent choices regarding their play, they select Lego shapes from a free standing toy box and construct a range of vehicles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children extend their developing language skills. They chatter to the childminder engagingly as they play and confidently remind her of sights they have seen. 'We saw a double decker bus.' She aids the development of their language repeating words clearly for younger children. Children learn to communicate in a variety of ways, they sign for 'please' and 'thank you' in Makaton.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children explore their physical skills as they wiggle and stretch on the floor, pushing cars and other vehicles along and making engine noises during their play. They learn to use mark making equipment like crayons.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a strong sense of personal history and time. They know 'daddy goes to work on his motorbike' and 'mummy works at home'. They recognise people and toys in photographs. 'Its Pooh Bear, He's a teddy bear.'

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children receive gentle guidance from the childminder encouraging them to care for each other. They learn to respect differences, share toys and socialise with other children at daily visits to toddler groups. They have appropriate self control and understanding of right and wrong. Children are developing a sense of belonging as they name other children they meet at the childminder's home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is forward thinking and motivated to learn about child development. She has attended initial Foundation Stage training and uses the Birth to three matters framework as a coordinator for a Sure Start club.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children show confidence and have high levels of self esteem. They are respected and allowed to feel good about themselves because the childminder has a positive attitude towards physical differences and cultural diversity. She encourages children to acknowledge differences and provides a wide range of equipment, such as books, puzzles, dolls and small world toys for them to explore ideas of the wider world. Children receive consistency of care because individual requirements and family preferences are recorded and discussed at the initial interview. The childminder is aware of the supportive role she offers to families with learning difficulties or physical disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children know how to control themselves, are good natured and caring towards each other. They know the childminder's ground rules because she gives simple consistent explanations for the behaviour she wants. Children share toys and play happily together. The childminder encourages children to tidy toys away and to use social conventions such as please and thank you. Discussion of behaviour management methods is undertaken at an initial meeting with parents and a record of incidents will be maintained.

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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 The partnership with parents is good. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed about all relevant policies and procedures. Written agreements are used and individual details are recorded. For example, GP details, medical information and adults identified to collect children are recorded. Signed permissions are held as good practice and daily information is exchanged ensuring potential concerns are resolved immediately. The childminder is aware to maintain a record of complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children show an established self confidence and sense of belonging in an organised and welcoming home. They demonstrate strong self worth and contentment. Children's imaginations are stimulated and engaged because equipment is provided to meet their individual abilities.

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Organisation

The childminder has a professional attitude and keeps all documentation to a good standard. Records and information are securely held and readily available for inspection. Registered ratios are maintained and the record of attendance notes when children are present and why they are absent. The childminder has completed an NVQ level 3 Early Years Certificate in Childcare and Education and holds a current certificate in first aid for children and babies. The registration document is displayed. She is aware to inform parents and the registering body of any changes to her circumstances that may affect the welfare of children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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): • continue to develop and maintain required records to inform parents of the professional service provided.

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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 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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