Elmswell Community Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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124534 Unique Reference Number 02 November 2006 Inspection date Elizabeth Ellen Mackey 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 satisfactory. 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 1999. She lives with her son in a house situated in the London Borough of Croydon. All areas of the home, except for the master bedroom are used for childminding purposes.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. The family have two cats. The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years and she is currently caring for two children under three.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a Level 3 qualification in childcare.

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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 satisfactory. Children have opportunities for physical play through a range of activities, which contribute to their well being and happiness. They attend toddler groups, the park and a daily walk is part of their regular routine. The children are encouraged to collect falling leaves and conkers when out walking, this helps them to learn about their environment and the changing seasons.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a clean, well organised home. They begin to learn the importance of healthy lifestyles and personal care through established routines that promote good hygiene practices, for example washing hands before eating. Children enjoy a healthy balanced diet, which includes fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents to meet children's dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children share a close relationship with the childminder and a good sense of fun. They are confident in the setting and demonstrate a sense of belonging.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are procedures in place to promote children's health; however the procedures for administering medication do not have adequate information detailed, therefore they are not fully effective. The childminder's first aid certificate is expired. This means she does not have up to date information on first-aid practice, which could prevent appropriate treatment being given if a child had an accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a comfortable, effectively organised environment. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children, which means they are able to move around safely and access resources independently. Appropriate safety measures have been implemented in the home and the childminder supervises the children closely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy a range of activities and outings. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and risk assesses activities, resources and outings to ensure they are suitable and appropriate to the age of the children attending.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder promotes children’s welfare and with the exception of a current first aid certificate, has all the required procedures and documents in place. She has a secure understanding of child protection procedures and latest guidance in safeguarding children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the welcoming setting. They respond very well to the childminder who prioritises their needs consistently. The childminder knows the children very well and is aware of their developmental progress and the stages they have reached. She

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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 effectively supports their learning, taking into account their different stages of development. The childminder and the children also share a good sense of fun and there is frequent laughter and games between them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is skilled at promoting children's learning through levelling activities appropriately and becoming involved in their play. For example when children are playing with the role play kitchen the childminder joins in; she asks the children what they are making and pretends to taste it. Children clearly relish her input and beam when their efforts are acknowledged through the childminder's praise. Children enjoy a varied routine and their days are well planned to provide a range of different indoor and outdoor activities. They particularly enjoy craft activities and their work is displayed, which boosts their confidence and self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are cared for by a childminder who holds a Level 3 qualification in childcare; this means she has the knowledge and understanding to effectively promote children's development. However the childminder is not aware of the Birth to three matters framework, which would develop the provision for children under three years.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a good range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, children become more aware of their local community as they attend routine outings to the parks and local play groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder meets the children’s individual needs very well. She knows their likes/dislikes and abilities and considers this when planning their weekly routine. Children respond positively to the boundaries in place and they are encouraged to share and play together harmoniously. Behaviour management strategies are agreed with parents and are discussed and updated as children grow and develop.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder seeks parents views and works closely with them to meet their children's needs. The childminder has a positive approach towards caring for children with a range of different needs and abilities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children enjoy being in the setting and they are confident and occupied. Children's play opportunities are enhanced, because the organisation of the play space provides both messy and quiet play areas. In addition there are ample activities and resources available. Children's independence develops by being able to select resources freely and the organisation enables them to move safely from one area to another.

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Organisation

Most required documentation is in place and is stored confidentially. However the childminder has not updated first aid training or implemented the Birth to three matters framework.

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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 has taken steps to ensure children's safety in the home and most procedures are in place to safeguard their safety. The procedure regarding the administration of medication lacks essential information, which could compromise children's safety.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has increased the range of multi-cultural resources. Children can now access a satisfactory range of resources which reflect the diversity in society and promotes positive images of all people. This enhances their understanding of other cultures and faiths. The childminder has also obtained the relevant updated child protection information. This ensures her practice is up to date and she has a procedure in place, if she needed to take action to safeguard children.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • implement the Birth to three matters framework to develop the provision for children under 3 years • ensure adequate information is recorded prior to administering non prescription medication, including details of last does and reason why the medication is required

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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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