Central Essex Pupil Referral Unit C.O. Alec Hunter High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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133563 Unique Reference Number 02 July 2007 Inspection date Sylvia June 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 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 registered in 1992. She lives with her two teenage children on a well established estate near the centre of Banbury, Oxfordshire close to local shops, pre-school, and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder uses all downstairs for childminding including rest and toilet facilities. One bedroom is used upstairs for rest. There is a garden available for children's outside play. The childminder takes children to the local pre-school and attends a toddler group on a regular basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a rat and a cat as pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children. She currently has seven children on roll.

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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 enjoy regular physical exercise and fresh air as they go for walks, play in the garden and visit the local park. They develop physical skills as they play ball and ride on bikes. Older children are appropriately supervised as they use the trampoline where they learn to control their own bodies.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is a good role model, keeping her home clean and encouraging children to learn good hygiene practices. For example, they wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating to stop the spread of germs. However, the children share a towel, which increases the risk of infection. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare through her knowledge, experience and her sick child procedures, which she shares with parents verbally. Records are in place to meet children's individual health needs and the childminder is in the process of updating her first aid qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder meets children's individual dietary needs through regular discussions with parents and she shares information with them about what children have eaten while in her care. Lunch boxes are stored appropriately and they are encouraged to bring healthy choices. Fresh drinking water is readily available for children throughout the day. The childminder gives individual attention and support to young children as they begin to eat independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a clean, bright and comfortably furnished home with sufficient clear space for them to carry out their activities. The childminder identifies and minimises risks using appropriate safety measures, for example, the use of stair gates and socket covers. This means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder supervises children at all times and has clear guidance in place to help them remain safe while on outings, for example, children are asked to hold the buggy and they learn about road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children easily access activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. The childminder, through careful supervision, ensures that all resources are safe and appropriate for children's age and stages of development. The childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare well through her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and has a good range of relevant literature available to consult. However, the childminder does not inform parents about her role and responsibility with regard to child protection and does not record pre-existing injuries.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a good relationship with the childminder and are confident and happy in her care. They enjoy the welcoming, child-orientated environment and this contributes towards their sense of belonging. The childminder has a lot of experience in caring for children over a number of years. She is skilled at identifying and meeting children's needs and consequently new children settle very well into the setting. The childminder is very aware of the younger children’s need to develop good communication skills; she talks with them, looks at books and

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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 reads to them, she repeats words so that they can copy them and uses facial and sensory stimulation. They enjoy physical interaction, cuddles, tickles and sitting on the childminder's knee. The children are gaining confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder involves all children in a wide range of good quality activities and experiences that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. She has a flexible routine and plan for each day that allows children to enjoy the anticipation of forthcoming activities or experiences. Consequently, children are able to progress in all areas of development, including imaginative and creative play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's confidence and self-esteem is promoted as the childminder offers praise and acknowledgment for their efforts and achievements. This helps children to feel valued. Children's independence is fostered as they make their own choices and decisions, for example, playing a board game together or playing outside in the garden where they have the opportunity to play with a good range of play equipment and resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder provides activities and experiences that help children reach their full potential and she treats all children with equal concern. Children are beginning to understand their own community through regular outings and walks. The childminder is beginning to support children's understanding of the wider world as she talks to them openly and honestly. However, there are limited resources and planned activities to reflect diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has house rules in place, which she explains to both children and parents. She gently helps younger children to know and understand them. She encourages children to be kind to one another and to say sorry when necessary. Children behave well and the childminder promotes good behaviour through praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures that she has sufficient information from parents to meet children's individual needs and their routines. She is flexible in her approach and works with parents to carry out their wishes. This helps children to feel confident and secure and promotes consistency of care. The childminder ensures that she gives verbal feedback to parents each day about the children's achievements and their activities. This contributes to the children's wellbeing and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. The space is organised to enable children to play confidently and appropriately and to make choices about what resources they will use. They have good adult support to help them feel confident and secure within the setting.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards, guidance and the updates. She is keen to attend further training to expand her knowledge, for example, updating her first aid certificate. This helps to keep children safe and promote their care and learning. The childminder has the required documentation and parental permissions in place for childminding and ensures that confidentiality is kept. She shares information verbally with parents on a daily

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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 basis to keep them well informed about the service she offers and their children's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder had a recommendation to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children and ensure that a current first aid certificate is maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder completed a first aid course, but this has just lapsed and the childminder is booked to attend another course that will be completed in two weeks.

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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 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 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): • provide a range of resources and activities that promote equal opportunities and help children understand about the wider world. • ensure that children have separate towels to prevent cross infection • ensure that parents understand the role and responsibility of the childminder with regard to child protection issues and that pre-existing injuries are recorded and countersigned by 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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