Crofton School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

149621 Unique Reference Number 28 November 2006 Inspection date Sarah Catherine Jex 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 was registered in 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and 12 years old in a village near Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding for one child at various times and days.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene from an early age through well organised routines, practice and good role modelling from the childminder. They understand the need to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Children contribute to their own good hygiene practice by covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing and the use of tissues when noses need to be wiped. They are protected from infection because the childminder is well informed about children’s health care matters and has procedures in place regarding children who become ill or have been diagnosed with an infectious or contagious condition. Potentially children may not receive appropriate treatment following accidents because the childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate. Although accidents are recorded and signed by parents, suitable documentation is in place to record any medication administered

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

to children following written parental consent being given.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Parents supply the children’s meals. Children have access to drinks throughout the day. They are becoming aware of what foods are good to eat and the impact healthy eating has on their body. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and works with them closely to provide nutritious snacks that appeal to the children as well as meeting their dietary needs. For example, rice cakes and fruit.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of energetic physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They have access to plenty of fresh air as they enjoy regular walks in the local community and access local facilities. They are developing self confidence in their physical skills as they use a range of indoor and outdoor toys and equipment. Children are able to fully participate in the activities as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child development to adapt these to suitable level for each child. Children are able to play, rest, sleep and be active according to their needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The home environment is warm and welcoming. Appropriate furnishings and equipment which are clean and in good order enable children to feel comfortable and settled. Children are cared for in the downstairs area of the house where they move independently between the lounge and kitchen/dining area. Toys and play materials are of good quality. Effective storage of equipment, in low level boxes, provides children with opportunities to make decisions about what they want to play with. Children have opportunities to play with a range of toys because the childminder rotates the toys and activities on a daily or weekly basis she also acts upon what the children say they would like to play with.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder places strong emphasis on safe supervision. Discussion with the childminder suggests that she has taken positive action to ensure risks in her home have been minimised so children can play safely. The childminder promotes children's awareness of keeping themselves safe. She introduces road safety awareness when walking, showing children how to cross the

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 road safely, she ensures children hold hands and walk close by her when on outings and know why they must stay away from the kerb. She establishes clear rules for safe use of large play equipment in the park. She has a written safe evacuation procedure in place, this enhances the children’s ability to keep themselves safe in an emergency. However there is no evidence of this.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities within child protection procedures, which enables her to safeguarded children's welfare appropriately. She shows a willingness and confidence to record any concerns and to discuss these with parents. All relevant documentation to support this is in place.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children access a variety of appropriate activities and play opportunities which are incorporated within their daily routine. Children's independence skills are constantly developing as they take part in and initiate child-led activities using their imaginations. For example, when playing dressing up as a fairy and having a magic wand. The childminder is skilled in listening to the children and introducing new language which they imitate in role play experiences such as shopping and becoming familiar with the value of coins and using the till. Suitably challenging and fun activities are available for all children and with the childminder's knowledge she is able to adapt these to suit children’s individual needs. Children show an interest in the activities available. The childminder has knowledge of the needs of the children under three and is aware of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have very positive relationships with the childminder. The childminder interacts at the children's level, encouraging communication and independence skills. They have opportunities to think for themselves, express their thoughts, ideas and interact with others by sharing and taking turns to explore their environment and wider surroundings, either individually or with each other. They are able to ask questions and are absorbed in whatever they choose to do. They initiate their own play and constructively use the resources available. Children approach her for physical comfort and reassurance which contributes to their sense of belonging. Children have opportunities to socialise with others as they visit friends and enjoy trips in the local community. They are encouraged to talk about their experiences being out in the community such as going for cake in a coffee shop and about their experiences at pre-school. Therefore,

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's confidence and self-esteem is generally promoted.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others is promoted because the childminder provides a suitable range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. For example, in books, dressing up and imaginary play and puzzles. They begin to learn about the wider world because the childminder is confident to talk and answer questions about people who are different to themselves. Children learn about their local community as they travel to and from pre-school, visit friends and local parks.

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 Children respond well to the childminder's clear guidance and praise. The childminder employs distraction and reasoning strategies for children. Children are aware of and accept the realistic boundaries in place and these impact positively on their behaviour. Through gentle discussion and reassurance the children are beginning to understand and appreciate the feelings of others. Children are beginning to know what is expected of them and they are encouraged by having simple explanations when being asked to do something. This has a positive impact on the children's self-esteem, confidence and behaviour.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good working relationship with the parents. Children's needs are met through the daily routine as discussed with their parents. The childminder ensures that daily discussion about the care she provides keeps the parents informed about their child's achievement and progress. All relevant documentation regarding the children is in place which contributes to the well-being of the children whilst in her care. Parents are aware of how to make a complaint. However, although the childminder has not received any complaints from parents she does not have a system in place to record any concerns parents raise that relate to the National Standards.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her time well to ensure children's needs are met and they receive good levels of attention. Children are relaxed and happy within the environment provided. They benefit from flexible routines and support offered by the childminder which makes them feel secure and helps encourage the children's confidence and independence. Children are able to play, eat, sleep and rest as they need to. Children are happy and confident when initiating their own play and exploration activities and when sharing these with others, they seek adult support when needed. This contributes to the children's well-being.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder's practice and procedures effectively promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Verbal information is provided regularly about their child's achievements and progress. Some written procedures are in place and are shared with the parents to inform them of the service she provides. This contributes to a trusting relationship which impacts positively on the children. The childminder has followed appropriate procedures to ensure that all members of the household are vetted and suitable. Overall children's needs are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that records for individual children contain sufficient information and provide a policy for the exclusion of children when they are ill.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder stated she has completed all her recommendations by ensuring that all the children's records contain sufficient information such as having contracts, all parental consents required and information about the child's health. A procedure is now in place which is shared with the parents regarding sick and infectious children.

p.5

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

p.5

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.

p.6

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.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.6

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): • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children to ensure a current first aid certificate is maintained • ensure children develop an understanding of the fire evacuation procedures and provide evidence of this in your practice • ensure a system is in place in the event of a complaint being made.

p.6

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