Chesterton Community College

Inspection report for early years provision

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110865 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2007 Inspection date Michelle Ann Parham 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 has been registered since 1992. She is registered to provide care for six children under eight years. At present the childminder cares for three children on a part and full time basis. The childminder lives with her husband and two older children. They live in a house in a residential area of Havant in Hampshire. The home is in walking distance to local shops, parks, pre-schools and Fairfield and Bosmere Schools. The ground floor of the property is used for minding with the first floor accessed for toileting only. There is a fully enclosed garden area available for outside play and the family currently have one pet cat. The childminder visits local community provision on a regular basis, including various groups for children throughout 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 satisfactory. Children experience a clean and hygienic environment because the childminder has effective procedures in place to promote their good health and to prevent the spread of infection. They are required to wash or wipe their hands at appropriate times, for example after using the toilet, before meals and after outside play. The childminder ensures that toys and play provisions are cleaned regularly to prevent cross contamination. She protects children as she does not accept them into her care with infectious illnesses.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise because the childminder takes them out on a daily basis. They enjoy a number of visits each week to various parent and toddler groups, to feed the ducks at Emsworth mill pond and to soft play areas. As a result their physical fitness is well promoted and children extend their knowledge of the world around them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs met as parents supply their main meals. The childminder provides children with regular snacks of breadsticks and rich tea biscuits and also ensures children have regular sugar free squash or water throughout the day which they can access whenever required. Consequently children are nourished and hydrated at the setting which has a positive impact on their energy levels and concentration.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive an appropriate care package for their needs because the childminder has the required documentation to identify allergies and dietary requirements. However their good health is not fully protected as the childminder does not have a relevant first aid qualification. She does, however, record accidents and the administration of medication effectively and has a maintained first aid box to deal with accidents and ill health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s benefit from a safe and generally secure home as most hazards have been made safe. For example electric sockets and chemicals are inaccessible and the rear garden is secure. However weakness has been noted in regard to children’s ability to open the front door. Most fire precautions have been met with the exception of the fire blanket being appropriately sited for ease of use in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected within the house as effective procedures are in place to prevent them leaving with an unidentified adult. For example, arrangements are agreed beforehand with parents and if required a password would be used if circumstances change at short notice. Children benefit from the childminder having a child sized table and chairs in the dedicated playroom. They are able to use the equipment and environment safely as furniture and play resources are maintained and conform to safety standards. Children are well supervised during their play and toys and activities are appropriate for the stage development which ensures they do not present a hazard.

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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 are gaining an increased understanding of safety when outside the home, as the childminder helps them learn road safety rules, uses safe places to cross and discusses dangers of talking to strangers and approaching unfamiliar animals. She also uses buggies and wrist straps to promote safety when walking for younger children and appropriate seating and restraints when travelling in the car. Children’s welfare is maintained as the childminder has the required documentation in place to record existing injuries. She is aware of signs and symptoms that could cause concern and of the relevant agency to contact in regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are becoming skilful communicators because the childminder gives her time and attention to them and includes herself in their play. She makes good eye contact with the children, repeats simple sentences and is enthusiastic. As a result children’s communication skills are developing well. Children respond well to simple instructions and participate fully such as when asked to help tidy away toys or choose what they would like to do next. They are confident in the home and show a good sense of belonging as they engage in natural free play such as taking care of the dollies or working on jigsaw puzzles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children love their daily outings and are confident with the routine of the day. They benefit and build good levels of self esteem from the praise and encouragement they receive for helping or for achievement which has a positive impact on their behaviour and how they feel valued. They enjoy the childminder’s company and often seek out cuddles or ‘pop’ themselves on the childminder’s lap as they play with dollies or look at books, evidencing how they feel happy and secure in her care. Children also enjoy the company of their peers and happily give a cuddle or sit and share crayons at the table when they are drawing. As a result they are developing their social skills and confidence with others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have an appropriate selection of play resources suitable for their stage of development. They are generally accessible from the wooden toy box, bag and plastic box in the playroom and children are able to self select and initiate their own choice of play. This has a positive impact on their independence and responsibility. Children are becoming competent learners as the childminder extends their learning through play. For example, she introduces colour as they stack and sort the threading bobbins, helps children to learn to spell their name using the magnetic letters and learn to count as they put resources away. Therefore children are making progress in the learning through daily routines and practical free play which is fun.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled in the home, relaxed in childminder's care and benefit from an attractive comfortable environment where they are encouraged to enjoy and achieve.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive care in an environment where their individual needs are met. They become aware of a wider world as the childminder has some basic resources such as a doll, books and

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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 dressing up clothes that reflect diversity and are non stereotypical. The childminder maintains a positive approach to caring for children with additional requirements and where possible is happy to provide for their care needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well in the setting and display good manners. They know what expected behaviour is through discussion and simple house rules such as no jumping on furniture or running around the home. The childminder has realistic expectations from children; she has a warm, friendly manner and uses methods that are positive such as discussion, distraction, occasional time out to think, reward and praise and encouragement. Strategies used are age appropriate and discussed with parents to ensure a consistent approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is not fully promoted as not all required documentation is in place. The registration certificate is not displayed effectively when childminding and there is no complaints log in place for parents to view on request. Consequently parents are not fully informed of the childminder’s service. However, they are welcomed into the home and given time to discuss the day’s event which strengthens links with home and promotes continuity of care for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children are protected from unvetted persons as they are never left unattended and ratios are maintained at all times. Most of the required documentation is in place and used correctly, although weaknesses have been noted in regard to the complaints log which is now required. Paperwork is stored confidentially and is shared with parents as necessary. The home is well maintained, organised effectively and suitable for use to ensure a comfortable environment for children. However with minor weakness noted in regard to security and fire safety. Play resources are organised appropriately and are fun and interesting for the children. At the time of inspection the childminder’s first aid qualification had just expired which does not ensure that she is able to deal with children’s accidents and ill-health effectively.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection visit the childminder was required to ensure the contents of the first aid box are checked frequently and replaced as necessary, improve practice with regard to children's access to animal food bowls and make sure the register is an accurate record of children's attendance.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now has a sufficiently maintained first aid box, the pet food is now situated in the entrance hall away from children's play areas and the register is an accurate record of children's attendance. These improvements have a positive impact on children's good health and overall organisation of the setting.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require 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 • ensure the complaints log is in place and available for parents on request.

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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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