Ripley Endowed Church of England School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 121580 Inspection date 09 June 2005 Inspector Ceri Ann Mills

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 1995. She lives with her husband and three adult children in a semi-detached house on the outskirts of Redhill, Surrey. The childminder regularly works with an assistant and when working together is registered to care for a maximum of seven children at any one time. There are currently 12 children under eight years on roll, of whom two are full time. The childminder collects from local schools and pre-schools. Childminding is undertaken in the lounge, dining room and conservatory. There is a

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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 ground floor toilet and the upstairs is used for sleeping purposes only. A fully enclosed rear garden is available for outside play. The childminder has one dog and two cats. The childminder has the Diploma in Pre-school Practice qualification (DPP) and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well-maintained home environment where they learn about good hygiene and personal care. Older children recognise when they need to use the toilet and wash their hands independently. Good provision is in place for nappy changing. The childminder wears gloves and cleans the mat after each nappy change to prevent the spread of infection between children. There are effective arrangements in place regarding care of children around animals. Food and water bowls are inaccessible to children and the garden is checked before children use it. Children are beginning to learn the importance of sun safety. They recognise when they need to wear hats and why sun cream is important. Children have daily opportunities to play in the garden and enjoy a range of physical activity. They use a range of wheeled toys and swings and visit the park regularly where they

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Helping children to be healthy

use climbing apparatus and fixed equipment to develop their physical skills. Children's individual dietary needs are met well. The childminder takes accounts of the wishes of parents and offers children foods which meet their religious dietary requirements. Younger children sleep comfortably at times which meet their individual sleeping patterns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely as the childminder ensures children are protected from potential risks, for example, children cannot access the stairs unsupervised and all toys and equipment are regularly checked to ensure they are fit for use. Children play freely within a secure and spacious environment under the close supervision of the childminder and her assistant. Older children learn the importance of safety as the childminder explains to them why they must be careful around babies and tidy away their toys. Effective arrangements are in place to maintain safety levels when children are on outings. Children benefit from high levels of individual attention and clearly understand where they can and cannot go. The childminder and her assistant have clear procedures in place to safeguard children in an emergency. Children are protected well as the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

issues and is very aware of her responsibilities.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop close relationships with the childminder and her assistant and receive plenty of cuddles and affection. Children are settled, friendly and at ease in their play. They enjoy a wide range of daily play experiences and benefit from the childminders experience of caring for children and providing activities which are age appropriate and offer suitable developmental challenge. Children gain independence and self-confidence as the childminder encourages children to make choices, develop their own interests and initiate their own play. Children use a good variety of play materials and have their individual favourite toys. Children's knowledge of the world around them is effectively extended because the childminder takes them out to feed the swans at the lake and to the park. There are many opportunities for children to socialise with a mixed age group of children. They interact well with one another

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and learn to share and co-operate within their play. Older children are aware of the needs of younger children and respect their developing needs. For example, older children show patience and tolerance when playing with younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel welcome in the childminder's home and benefit from the positive relationship the childminder builds with their parents. Children's individual needs are consistently met as relevant information is obtained from parents. There is a daily verbal sharing of information and for younger children a formal system is in place to enable parents to be fully aware of their child's personal care routines. The childminder tells parents about her policies and procedures, however these are not yet in written form. Children are treated as individuals and in accordance with parent's wishes. The childminder has obtained necessary parental permission for aspects of care such as travel consent and emergency treatment. Children have access to play materials and books which help them develop positive attitudes towards diversity. They also benefit from being cared for and mixing with people of different ages, gender and ethnicity within the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and clearly understand the childminders expectations. They gain self-esteem as the childminder praises them freely and promotes a calm, happy and positive atmosphere.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminders organised and professional approach to childminding. The childminder and her assistant effectively organise the daily routine around the children's varying needs. For example she ensures older children are

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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 taken to and from school and playgroup without their routine compromising the younger children's mealtimes, sleep and play needs. The childminder recognises the importance of keeping her childcare knowledge and skills up to date and intends to refer to the Birth to three matters framework, when planning activities for younger children. Children receive good levels of support and attention as the childminder fully understands her conditions of registration, such as ensuring the correct adult: child ratio is maintained and is compliant. The childminder efficiently maintains all mandatory documentation and prepares a daily report for parents of younger children which ensures they feel fully informed about their child's day and achievements. As a result of this the childminder and

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Organisation

parents keep abreast of the child's developing needs and can cater for these accordingly. This means that, overall, the childminder meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has put in place a system for recording what children do. The childminder completes a daily record sheet which keeps parents informed about their children's personal care routines and achievements.

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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): • consider devising written information for parents regarding policies, procedures and service provision

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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 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

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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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