Caldicot Green Lane Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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401471 Unique Reference Number 10 July 2006 Inspection date Ann Doubleday 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 April 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and 10 years in Richmond. The whole of the childminder's home except for the master bedroom is used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children and is currently caring for two pre-school children full time and one pre-school child for one day a week. She also cares for one child aged five years before and after school for one day a week. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder attends the local childminder group and toddler groups with the children.

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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 enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to their good health. Daily activities include opportunities for children to be outdoors as they play in the garden or go for a walk. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is supported by the encouragement of appropriate personal care routines which also allow them to develop their independence. Children know to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet and the childminder sets a good example as she washes her hands after dealing with a first aid incident. Children learn how to keep themselves healthy due to the good support and guidance offered to them. For example, they learn not to put toys in their mouth as they may contain germs from being on the floor.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. This contributes to their good health and sense of security. The childminder has appropriate hygiene routines in place to protect and promote children's health. She has clear procedures in place regarding sick children, medication and accident recording.

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Helping children to be healthy

Arrangements for snacks, meals and drinks are discussed with parents so that children's individual dietary needs are met appropriately. Varied and nutritious meals and snacks are provided to the children to ensure they remain healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where risks are identified and minimised. This means that they are able to move around safely. The childminder gives priority to help children understand how to keep themselves safe; for example, she teaches them how to cross roads safely and why they need to sit on the chairs safely when having their snack. Appropriate fire safety equipment is in place. An emergency evacuation plan is in place and is practised regularly with the children. This means that they are safe in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a range of good quality toys and equipment, which is appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. She ensures that they are clean and safe for children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the legally required documentation in place to ensure that children's welfare is promoted. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate, food hygiene certificate and has a sound understanding of child protection procedures. However, she has not fully developed her understanding of the procedure in the event of an allegation of abuse being made against herself.

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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. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and this means that children's personal, social and intellectual development is well fostered and supported. Close and caring relationships have been developed between the childminder and the children, which increases children's sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a range of interesting activities, which take into account children's individual interests and contribute to their development. They experience a varied range of activities, which contribute to their development, inside and outside the home. Children's self-esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they have to offer. Children are very settled and happy in the childminder's care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's communication skills are developing well as a result of the childminder talking and listening to them. She encourages them to talk about what they are doing and sensitively supports their language development. The childminder is interested in what the children do and say and becomes actively involved in their play, for example, as she takes part in their role play of a cafe. As a result, children are interested, motivated and their all-round development is promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed into the setting and participate fully in all activities because the childminder values and respects their individuality. Children play with a range of resources and take part in activities which promote positive images of the wider world. They learn about the local community as they take part in outings to the library, swimming pool and local museums.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved. The childminder acts as a good role model and manages behaviour well, promoting children's self-esteem and confidence by giving appropriate and sincere praise and encouragement. She has high expectations and sets consistent boundaries for all children, encouraging them to share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with their parents. Parents' views about their child's needs are actively sought before the child starts. Parents are kept well informed about their child's day and activities both verbally and in writing. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the childminder and in the environment. This means that they are confident to initiate their own play and learning. Adult to child ratios are maintained with good organisation of time to allow children one to one attention to meet their individual needs.

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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 The childminder keeps her own knowledge up to date by attending further training, the knowledge gained is used to enhance the care that is given to the children. Policies and procedures are in place and support good practice, this ensures that parents are well informed of their children's progress. All legally required records are in place and well organised. This means that children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to continue to develop her knowledge and understanding of childcare. She has attended training courses and gained a level 2 qualification in childcare. She uses the knowledge gained to improve the care offered to the children.

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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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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): • develop your knowledge of the procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse being made about you or other people who have access to a child while the child is in your care.

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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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