St. John's School (Seaford)

Inspection report for early years provision

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114677 Unique Reference Number 26 April 2007 Inspection date Jacqueline Crawford 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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her partner, her two children aged 11 and 13 and her adult child. The family live in a house in Littlehampton, West Sussex. The whole of the ground floor and part of the first floor of the house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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. She is currently minding two children under five part-time and four children over five, after school and during school holidays. The childminder takes children on outings and walks to local schools to collect children. The family have a dog, cat, parrot and various other small animals.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle in a well maintained home, where high standards of hygiene and cleanliness are a priority. They are well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill, because the childminder follows appropriate guidelines and procedures, however, her first

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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 aid certificate has expired. The childminder is fully aware that she must book onto and complete a relevant first aid course as soon as possible, in order to provide the best possible care for children and to meet the National Standards. Children are protected from cross infection, as pets are well cared for and good hygiene routines are followed. The childminder ensures children do not have access to the garden until it has been thoroughly checked for cleanliness and safety. Children become aware of simple good health and hygiene practices through the childminder's good role model and daily routines. They learn the importance of washing hands at appropriate times throughout the day, for example after playing in the garden and following toilet visits. They become aware of protecting themselves from the sun when playing outside

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure children's health and dietary needs are met. The childminder makes sure that food provided by parents, is stored and served appropriately to protect children's well-being. The childminder ensures that children have access to regular drinks throughout the day. Children rest and sleep according to their needs in quiet and safe surroundings. They take part in regular physical activity and benefit from plenty of fresh air during daily walks and outdoor play. Children use large play equipment in the garden and on visits to parks and playgrounds, developing their control, co-ordination and gross motor skills effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well protected from harm and cared for in a secure and safe environment. The childminder is aware of potential hazards in the garden for the younger children, such as the small water feature flowing into the securely covered garden pond. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety, she ensures they are closely supervised at all times and positive steps are taken to identify and minimise potential hazards. Children enjoy playing on a large trampoline with a safety net, understanding the 'rules' in place that apply for safety, such as only one child using it at a time. Children use suitable and age appropriate equipment and safety resources in the home are used well. Evacuation plans are in place to ensure children's safety in the event of an emergency, however, the fire blanket is not fitted appropriately in order to be effective. Children have access to a good range of toys and play equipment, which are maintained in a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

clean and safe condition and support the needs of the children being card for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is paramount on outings, when walking near roads and when using public transport. Children learn about keeping themselves safe and avoiding accidental injury, as they learn to use play equipment appropriately and become aware of the rules for road safety. Outings further a field, such as to the beach or on a train journey, are often organised with another childminder to ensure children are safe and supervised effectively. Children are well protected because the childminder understands her role in safeguarding children. She has appropriate knowledge through attending awareness training and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and settled in the welcoming home environment. The childminder has an extremely good understanding of the children's individual needs, developing warm and close relationships with them. Children's care is enhanced by the good levels of support they

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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 receive and the excellent interaction they enjoy with the childminder. All children benefit from the well-organised day and activities planned around their routines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a good range of stimulating play and fun activities, both in the home and on outings. They have opportunities to learn about their environment and living things, on visits to various parks and the beach, train journeys to places of interest and through the diverse range of pets in the childminder's home. Children enjoy a variety of opportunities to interact with other children and their carers on many social occasions. Activities and toys are rotated effectively to suit the children's ages and their stage of development. For example, younger children enjoy role play with puppets and play people, stacking bricks to build towers and sharing books and stories with the childminder. They learn through every day routines, such as counting steps with the childminder when walking up the stairs. Children enjoy a wide range of craft activities using a good variety of resources which they can select themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is confident in her knowledge of child development and recognises the importance of play in children’s learning and enjoyment. She is fully aware of the differing needs of the various age groups, through her experience and training. The childminder is familiar with delivering nursery education relating to the Foundation Stage in a pre-school setting, however, she does not refer to guidance such as Birth to three matters to support her provision for younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals and benefit from the childminder knowing them well and responding to their individual needs. The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure that all children are made welcome and are fully included in the life of the setting. Through the childminder's inclusive approach, children become aware of diversity and learn about valuing each others differences and similarities. This enables children to feel settled and secure, developing a sense of belonging and understanding that their contribution matters. Children have access to a very good range of resources which reflect positive images increasing their awareness of diversity within society. For example, a good range of books, multicultural hand puppets and play people reflecting disability and additional needs. They clearly enjoy these resources and develop their understanding through play and meaningful conversations with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents. Children benefit from the friendly and positive relationships she has with their parents. Parents are kept well informed about the provision, their children's care and the activities they enjoy. They receive basic written information about the provision, but this does not include contact details of the regulator or information about a complaints procedure. Children learn to understand responsible behaviour effectively, as they become aware of their own needs and the needs of others. The childminder agrees with parents how children’s behaviour is managed by working together to provide a consistent approach. The childminder uses effective strategies when dealing unwanted behaviour which children understand. Children are effectively supported through positive praise and the good relationships they have with the childminder.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are familiar with the daily routine and are comfortable and at ease in childminder's home. Space is organised appropriately to ensure that the children's needs are met. The childminder's good practice and procedures in place, ensure children are well protected and cared for. She provides parents with some information about the provision and is aware to inform them further of the contact details of the regulator. The childminder keeps a portfolio which provides information to parents about the provision, but her registration certificate is not displayed in order to inform them of the conditions of her registration. The childminder understands that this is a legal requirement and that a current first aid certificate must be maintained. All other legally required documentation and records are in place. The childminder understands of when to inform the regulator of significant changes in the household and in

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Organisation

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development, which is reflected in her practice. She has a high regard for the well-being of all children in her care, by promoting children’s health, safety, enjoyment and achievement and their ability their to make a positive contribution.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was made to ensure that potential hazards in the garden, are made safe or inaccessible to children. The building work being carried out is now completed. The childminder uses appropriate health and safety checks and effective supervision when children are playing outside, thus ensuring children's welfare and safety.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A further recommendation was made to ensure that children have access to an appropriate range of activities and resources which reflect diversity. The childminder has introduced an extremely good range of play and learning resources and positive images, which increase children's awareness of diversity within society and the wider world.

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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. 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 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): • ensure a current first aid certificate is maintained • ensure the certificate of registration is displayed to inform parents

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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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