Birchover CofE Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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128624 Unique Reference Number 19 December 2006 Inspection date Susan Linda Capon 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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her partner and two children aged twelve and sixteen years in a home situated in the London Borough of Bromley. All areas of the home are available for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She also uses the local amenities including parent and toddler groups and local parks.

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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 spend their day in a clean environment as the childminder uses good hygiene routines throughout her home. For example, she uses specific cloths for cleaning work surfaces and different chopping boards for food preparation to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of infection. The childminder cleans her home thoroughly before the children arrive each day. She has a good nappy changing routine, ensuring all dirty nappies are immediately disposed outdoors.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing their awareness of good hygiene routines as they are encouraged to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before eating their meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

The family dog is fully immunised and healthy. It's food and drink is inaccessible to the children. The children know they should clean their hands after stroking the dog to prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive medication in accordance with their parent’s written consent. The childminder stores all medication securely and makes a record of any medication she administers to a child. Parents see this record.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive suitable treatment when they have an accident in the childminder's home. The childminder has a relevant first aid qualification and fully stocked first aid kit readily available. She records all accidents and shares the information with the parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents know they should not send a sick child to the setting. The childminder prevents the spread of infection through her good sickness procedures, which she shares with the parents prior to the child attending the setting. She informs the children's parents if their child becomes unwell. If they are feverish or infectious the childminder will arrange for the child to be collected early. This prevents the infection spreading to other children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical exercise and fresh air as they walk to and from the local school. Younger children particularly enjoy shuffling their feet through the fallen leaves in the autumn. Older children enjoy running freely in the local park and using the large apparatus to develop their climbing and sliding skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy healthy, nutritious meals and snacks. They are free from cross-contamination as the childminder safely stores, prepares, cooks and serves food. The childminder provides freshly prepared meals made from fresh ingredients, including fruit and vegetables. She encourages the children to develop their awareness of healthy eating as she discusses healthy options with them at mealtimes.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children's individual dietary needs are included in the information gathered from the parent. The childminder uses this information to plan the children's meals taking into account their individual likes and dislikes. For example, one child does not like milk to drink. A record of any food eaten by the children is available to the parents.

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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 The children sit together at the dining table to eat their meals. They enjoy the social occasion as they discuss their day with the childminder. The childminder encourages the children to use good table manners. For example, "please" and "thank you".

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Helping children to be healthy

The children have regular access to drinks throughout the day. Younger children have a beaker of water or juice readily accessible, enabling them to choose when to have a drink.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children spend their day in a warm, welcoming and friendly environment. The home is clean, bright, well-maintained and adequately ventilated throughout.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children move around the available space freely, safely exploring their environment. The childminder organises the space well providing suitable areas for young children to rest and sleep comfortably. All the home furnishings are clean, suitable and safe for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access a sufficient, suitable range of toys, equipment and activities. They are well-organised in a low cupboard and stored in small baskets, enabling the children to make their own choice and selection. The range of toys covers all areas of development and are suitable for the children currently attending. The childminder regularly checks the toys to ensure they are clean and safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children under two years old use an appropriate range of equipment to meet their developmental needs. For example, buggy and car seats. The childminder ensures this equipment is in good condition, clean and safe for the children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a safe environment as the childminder has identified the majority of the hazards within her home. She has minimised these to prevent accidents. For example, childproof locks are fitted to low kitchen cupboards and children only access the kitchen under the direct supervision of the childminder. However, the sharp kitchen knives are accessible to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are unable to leave the premises unnoticed as the childminder supervises the children well and all exits are fully secure. Younger children are learning to keep themselves safe, as the childminder reminds them not to put the sweet wrappers into their mouth in case they choke.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has good fire safety arrangements in place, protecting the children in an emergency. The smoke alarms on all floors are in good working order and regularly checked. There is a fire blanket and fire extinguisher available in the kitchen and a suitable emergency evacuation plan is in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are learning to keep themselves safe when they are away from the childminder's home. For example, they are learning about the dangers of busy roads and traffic and using the Green Cross Code. Children use suitable car seats when they use the childminder’s vehicle and all required agreements are in place. For example, parents have given written consent for their child to go on outings.

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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 The childminder protects the children through her sound awareness of child protection issues. She knows how to manage any concerns about a child and has the relevant information readily available for help and advice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children enjoy their time with the childminder and are very secure in the setting. Younger children enjoy playing with the childminder and are confident to ask for help.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to develop their independence and self-esteem. For example, they make their own collage from a range of materials and proudly show the childminder their creation. Younger children particularly enjoy making the Christmas bear play his music by pressing his paw.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder skilfully helps children to extend their mathematical thinking as they play with the resources. For example, she encourages the child to count the number of bricks in her tower and discusses big and small when the child puts her own shoes onto the doll.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children are developing good language skills as the childminder talks to them as they play together on the floor. They enjoy looking at books together and discuss the pictures they can see. For example, a cat and a horse. The childminder points out a giraffe and explains it has a long neck.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy colouring and drawing particularly using the stencils and drawing round their own hands with the childminder's help. They have good pencil control.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children particularly enjoy a range of computer games appropriate for their age. The childminder always seeks the parents' consent before allowing the children to play with these.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy attending local parent and toddler groups and the childminding drop-in. They play with other children of a similar age and stage of development developing their social skills and making new friends.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All the children have developed a good relationship with the childminder and her family members.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder welcomes the children and their families to the setting. She treats each child as an individual. She follows the detailed information provided by the parent. This includes incorporating children's individual routines into her day to provide continuity of care for young children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children access a suitable range of resources which reflect positive images for all areas of equal opportunities. For example, books and dolls. The children are developing their awareness of other people and their local community through attending parent and toddler groups.

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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 childminder is aware of the importance of including all children in her setting. Children with special needs will be made welcome and suitably supported to meet their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All the children behave well. They are aware of the house rules for the setting and their good behaviour is encouraged through regular praise from the childminder. The childminder uses suitable strategies to manage undesirable behaviour appropriate to the age and stage of each child. For example, distraction for younger children and a reminder of the rules for older children. All the children are encouraged to use good manners and share the toys and equipment with one another. Younger children are developing their understanding of the house rules as the childminder reminds them that they "might hurt someone if they continue to throw the bricks".

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children benefit from the good relationship developed between their parents and the childminder. The childminder meets their individual needs through following the detailed information provided by the parent. She keeps the children safe and secure at all times and will not release a child to an unknown individual.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The parents receive good information about their child's day through verbal discussion. The childminder also provides written information for parents of younger children. This includes information about the child's sleeping and eating habits. Parents only see the information relevant to their child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The parents are aware of the procedures for making a complaint and the childminder will make any complaint record available as required.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children receive good care in a well-organised provision. The childminder provides suitable areas for resting, sleeping, playing, eating, "messy" activities and time outdoors on a regular basis. The toys and equipment are good quality and suitably accessible around the home.

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Organisation

The childminder has a professional approach to her work as she ensures she updates her first aid qualification on a regular basis. When possible she attends additional training workshops to help her keep abreast of changes in childcare.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures all the people living on the premises are suitable to be with children. All household members over sixteen years have completed a criminal record bureau check and children are not alone with any unvetted persons. This ensures the children's safety at all times.

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Organisation

The childminder is always fully aware of exactly which children are in attendance at any time as she keeps an up-to-date register of the children's arrival and departure times. This helps to keep the children safe and secure at all times.

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Organisation

The children's information is well-organised in individual files. These are suitably detailed and secure to maintain confidentiality.

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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 Ofsted fully informed of any changes to her circumstances. For example, her recent house move. This ensures the minded children are suitably cared for in a suitable, safe environment.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps herself informed of any changes to the National Standards. For example, she displays her certificate when she is childminding. This enable parents to check she is working within her registration and their child will be safe.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has worked hard to make the improvements required at her last inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She now ensures all household members over sixteen years old complete a criminal record bureau check. This ensures the suitability of the household members and the safety of the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She has improved her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. The childminder now knows how to appropriately manage any allegation of abuse made against her or her family. She has the local instructions readily available for help and advice if required. This ensures the children's safety at all times.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She has improved her documentation and records, ensuring they are accurate and readily accessible for inspection. This ensures the safety of the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She now monitors all computer games accessed by the children to ensure they are suitable for their individual ages. Her own children do not play with older games when the minded children are present.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider of 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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Complaints 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

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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): • ensure all sharp knives are 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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