Chase Grammar School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 124486 Inspection date 09 May 2005 Inspector Lisa-Marie Jones

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered to care for children since 1991. She lives with her husband and four grown up children the youngest being 14 years of age. They live in a three bedroom house in a residential area of South Norwood, which is a suburb of the London Borough of Croydon. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The family have a pet dog.

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 At the time of the inspection is was requested and agreed that her daughter would act as her assistant, mainly during after school and in the school holidays.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are garden activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example as they dig in the sand and ride on wheeled toys. Garden games and regular visits to local parks and playgrounds improve children’s physical skills. Children develop their fine motor skills through activities such as Duplo, Lego and activities that concentrate on hand eye co-ordination. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after handling the dog, playing in the garden and after using the toilet reduces the risk of cross contamination. Appropriate measures are taken when children are unwell to prevent the spread of infection. Children are beginning to understand the importance of a healthy diet. They can help

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

themselves to milk and drinking water and a range of juices throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. Children under the age of 12 months have their food provided by their parents, the childminder has suitable heating and storage facilities to cater for this.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently, as the childminder identifies and minimises risk for children in the home. Children learn how to keep themselves safe when inside and outside of the home as the childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children’s safety outside the home, for example road safety and stranger awareness. Children independently select activities from a range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare and has all the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They are confident and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups and play centres. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all. They freely move between the garden and the house and are well supported in their play by the childminder. The childminder is considering incorporating the Birth to Three framework into her planning of activities for younger children to enhance their learning and development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a meaningful range of activities and resources which promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, the children discuss celebrations, festivals or changes within their homes or what they are celebrating or learning at nursery or school. The childminder is able to demonstrate and reflect her knowledge by using resources including local facilities such as the library. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the children’s needs well; she follows their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children show care and concern for each other, and play together harmoniously. They behave very well, and have consistent rules and boundaries to follow. All children needs are discussed with parents prior to them starting the placement, and the childminder ensures that she is able to meet all children's needs

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

fully. Good settling in procedures are followed and adapted regarding children's and parents needs. Children's needs and achievements are discussed on a daily basis with parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder effectively uses the policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares them regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. All records and documentation are up to date and fully completed and stored securely to ensure confidentiality. Overall, the needs of the children are met.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved documentation. She has consent forms from all parents to seek emergency first aid treatment or advice should the case arise and all children's individual records are up to date and include children's dates of birth.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • have regard to the Birth to Three framework, to ensure that activities are planned and progress is recorded for children under 3 years.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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.5