Brimscombe Church of England (VA) Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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115690 Unique Reference Number 29 August 2006 Inspection date Justine George 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 lives with her husband and four children aged 22, 20, 16 and 12 years. They live in an extended semi-detached house in Sidcup. Minded children have access to the ground floor area of the home. Play mainly takes place in the back living/dining room. There are downstairs toilet and wash facilities and a ground floor bedroom for sleeping purposes only. A fully enclosed garden is available for outside play. The home is close to local shops, groups, parks, school and transport links.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been caring for children since 1992. She cares for four children aged two and three years. Children are cared for various days of the week.

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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 have access to a clean and hygienic environment and steps are in place to minimise the spread of infection. Bathroom areas are clean and the provision of soap and fresh towels are provided to encourage children to wash their hands after toileting. The childminder ensures children's good hygiene by reminding them to wash their hands, and using wipes so they can wipe their hands before eating. In the event of a child becoming unwell, parents are contacted and children are excluded from the setting until well. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities in administering medication in which the required details are recorded and parents sign entries at the end of the day. However, prior written parental consent to administer medication is not obtained. Children's health is well protected in the event of an accident as the childminder has kept her first aid knowledge up-to-date. Children are given appropriate

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Helping children to be healthy

first aid treatment and details are recorded and shared with parents. Although, details of the treatment given are not consistently recorded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with healthy snacks throughout the day. They sit at the table and enjoy apples and bananas. This is set out on a plate and children choose what they would like to eat, and request more banana. Regular drinks are provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Regular outings to local parks are planned and children play in the garden. Children benefit as they have a good range of toys and equipment to use. They enjoy using the trampoline and develop their large motor skills as they jump around trying to resume their balance.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children benefit from opportunities of rest and relaxation. The childminder knows their routines and children use quieter areas of the home for sleeping. Children sleep in a travel cot or use a buggy, which is placed in the garden in finer weather. Children who do not sleep are encouraged to rest on the sofa or participate in low key activities to keep noise levels to a minimum. Children rest with their special comforters of a blanket or dummy which ensures they feel secure. As a result, children's physical wellbeing is fostered.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's emotional wellbeing is well fostered as the environment is warm and welcoming. As a result, children are secure and settled. Children show confidence as they access available areas, choosing to go into the dining room or garden. Children are also confident in making their needs known. For example, asking to use the toilet or communicating their feelings to others or the childminder. Children relate well to the childminder, seeking cuddles and interacting in play. Children are also happy to play alongside other children, with minimal support from the childminder. As a result, children develop healthy dependence and positive relationships have developed outside the family home. The childminder plans activities and toys are set out in boxes or where they can be easily accessed by children. Toys are safe for children to use as they are in good condition and suitable for children's age and stage of development.

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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 Children play in a safe and secure environment where most hazards have been identified and minimised. Stair gates prevent children from running around the home, toys are tidied away after use to minimise tripping hazards and fire detection equipment is in place. Evacuation procedures are also planned to ensure children can leave the premises quickly. Children are supervised at all times where they can be seen or heard. Rules are in place to ensure children use equipment safely. For example, if using the trampoline, children are supervised and use it one at a time. The garden is secure, all gates and outbuilding have locks fitted. However, the large raised water feature is not made safe or inaccessible to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's wellbeing is well fostered as the childminder has kept her child protection knowledge up-to-date through training. She has good knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and the referral procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a varied range of toys and provisions to ensure they are well stimulated and occupied in the setting. Toys include a range of dressing up clothes, bricks, dolls, exploratory pop-up toys, books and puzzles. Children also experience art and craft activities of cutting and sticking, cooking and play dough. Children enjoy playing in the garden with the good range of equipment including a trampoline, wheeled toys, see-saw and balls.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show good levels of concentration and are able to manage jigsaw puzzles with minimal help. Children also enjoy using the threading cards and again demonstrate good concentration focusing on the activity at hand. Children show delight at being able to sew the thread through all the holes in the card. As a result, children practise their fine motor skills and develop their eye and hand coordination.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show awareness of number and colour and the childminder exploits such situations through play. When putting away the puzzles, children count the pieces to ensure none of it is missing. Children count up to and beyond 10, and they also recognise a range of colours. This is practised as children choose what colour thread they would like to use during the threading activity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy small world and pretend play using the dressing up clothes. They put hats on and tell each other ''you can be the police officer'', and ''you mustn't be naughty''. As a result, children's imagination is developing and role play develops their knowledge and understanding of the wider community and those who help us.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children very much enjoy outdoor play and benefit from the range of resources available. Children practise their large motor skills of jumping and enjoy bouncing on the trampoline. Children are beginning to play cooperatively and enjoy kicking the ball to each other then running around chasing after it.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Equal opportunities are well promoted in the setting as children have access to a range of resources suitable for both boys and girls. These include dressing up clothes, and small world role play equipment. Children have equal access to all resources where they can select what they would like to play with. As a result, children make independent choices to develop their play ideas and gender stereotypes are minimised. Children have some resources that reflect positive images of culture. These include books and puzzles. Children are also taken out to various places in the community, developing their awareness of the multi-cultural society in which we live.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has some experience in caring for children with additional needs and ensures they are supported in the setting. The childminder is open to caring for children with learning difficulties/disabilities, (LDD) and is aware of the considerations to take into account. For example, the home environment and regular communication with parents. In supporting children with LDD, the childminder ensures information is shared with the parents to promote continuity of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. Many 'Thank You' cards praise the childminder's good care of children and thank her for making them feel part of the family. Parents are well informed of how their children have been as regular communication takes place at the end of the day. Open and honest relationships have developed as the childminder has written policies and procedures to share with parents. As a result, parents are well informed of the service and the childminder's responsibilities in caring for children. In the event of a complaint, parents are advised to share their concerns with the childminder in the first instance. Good practice of providing Ofsted's contact details are available should parents want to take the complaint further.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good as consistent boundaries are in place which support them in learning how to behave. The childminder is aware of children's needs and backgrounds to ensure appropriate strategies are used when managing behaviour. Children receive clear explanations as the childminder is firm in her approach, but manages any unwanted behaviour calmly. Children are encouraged to respect others as they use their good manners of 'please' and 'thank you'. To ensure fairness children are encouraged to share and take turns which helps them to think about the needs of others.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has completed the required level of training including first aid. The childminder ensures her care reflects current practice as training opportunities are explored. The childminder has recently attended training in safe guarding children and is planning to attend a fire risk assessment course. The childminder has had all the required checks carried out to ensure suitability. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities in informing Ofsted of all those who have reached the age of 16 living on the premises. This ensures appropriate checks are carried out. As a

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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 result, children are cared for by suitable adults. Furthermore, children are never left alone with others at any time.

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Organisation

The childminder complies with her certificate of registration. This is displayed during hours of operation as required. Adult to child ratios are adhered to and the daily attendance record consolidates this. The childminder ensures the efficient management of the setting as written policies and procedures are in place. The childminder has the required paperwork in place of child and parent record forms. This ensures children's needs are met and parents can be contacted easily if required.

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Organisation

Children play in the open plan kitchen and dining room, they also have access to the downstairs bathroom and bedroom which is used for sleeping purposes. Children also have access to an enclosed garden. Children benefit as the childminder ensures she manages her time to meet their needs. Time is planned for children to explore the wider environment as they are taken on outings to local parks. Children also spend time in the home playing with the range of resources on offer. As a result, children enjoy their time with the childminder.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, a recommendation was raised for the childminder to explore training opportunities. The childminder has recently attended a safe guarding children course and plans are in place to attend training in fire risk assessment. The childminder also keeps her knowledge up-to-date by reading materials sent through from Ofsted. Information is accessible and can be referred to easily, if required.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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):

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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 • obtain written parental consent to administer medication and ensure details of first aid treatment is recorded in the accident book • ensure the water feature is made safe or inaccessible 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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