St John the Evangelist CofE Primary School Macclesfield

Inspection report for early years provision

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111331 Unique Reference Number 11 June 2007 Inspection date Nigel Lindsay Smith 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 was registered in 1997. She lives with her husband and one child aged 11 in Southwood, Farnborough, Hampshire. The whole of the premises are used for childminding and 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding four children, most of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes children to the library, for walks to feed the ducks, and to local parks. The family has pet rabbits and goldfish. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from infection through the childminder's good routines, such as regularly cleaning the toys and equipment. They gain self-care skills to promote good hygiene, for example through learning about the importance of washing their hands. Children are safeguarded in the event of an accident as the childminder has a current first aid certificate,

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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 and she obtains written permission to seek emergency treatment so that she can seek appropriate help without delay. Any accidents are clearly recorded and written details shared with parents. The childminder has appropriate procedures to ensure that parents give written consent and guidance for any medication administered. Written confirmation is shown to the parents afterwards, although an entry was not signed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy meals and snacks provided by the childminder. Older children enjoy their lunches of sandwiches, fruit and yogurt sitting together at the dining table; younger children are fed attentively by the childminder. Children's health is protected through the childminder taking account of any known allergies. Children's drinks are regularly replenished so that they have a good fluid intake.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities for fresh air and exercise as they use the garden, go to the local park and go for walks to feed the ducks. They rest according to their individual needs in an upstairs bedroom.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are very happy and secure in rooms which are welcoming and stimulating, with toys and equipment at low levels. They enjoy a great amount of freedom to move around and explore as a result of the childminder's excellent awareness of safety issues and rigorous procedures to reduce risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can evacuate the premises safely in the event of a fire as the childminder has developed an appropriate procedure. Thorough precautions such as windows with restricted opening in the bedrooms ensure that children are protected from falling. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as the childminder teaches them about hazards. They can safely access and use the play equipment as it is chosen to meet safety standards. Children are safe when on outings as the childminder uses appropriate equipment such as reins. They choose from an extensive variety of play and learning equipment, which provide a balanced range of activities for all ages. Equipment available in the garden includes a playhouse with a kitchen for imaginative play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well safeguarded by the childminder's very good knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. She ensures that she has access to guidelines to make a referral to the appropriate agency in order to protect children. She ensures that children are not left unsupervised with anyone who has not been appropriately vetted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and make good progress because the childminder provides a range of stimulating and challenging activities. Children enjoy exploring and discovering for themselves, for example a child learns how to complete a jigsaw puzzle and delights in receiving praise as they are applauded by the childminder and another child. Children thrive with the childminder's active support.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the childminder planning a daily structure to give them variety. They learn to socialise with their peers, and they also have individual time with the childminder when

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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 others are sleeping. They receive very good attention and stimulation as the childminder gets down to their level and plays with them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are strongly encouraged to make choices about their play, from readily accessible equipment. They enjoy close, warm, relationships with the childminder which makes them happy, secure and confident; for example before a younger child gets up from a rest the childminder checks that the room is safe for them and when they come downstairs they safely negotiate their way round the room.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have some access to some resources which reflect different people and their needs, such as a book with pictures of people from a range of cultures. Children learn about a range of foods from around the world, although there is limited access to activities promoting knowledge of other cultures. All children have equal access to resources and activities with appropriate support made available. Children from different cultures to the childminder have their needs and values respected. The childminder has had experience of caring for children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties and has a good knowledge of planning to support their learning and development in partnership with parents and other professionals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well, encouraged by the childminder's calm, kind, patient interaction with them. She calmly negotiates when there are disagreements, and has appropriate strategies available to deal with any unacceptable behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's arrangements to build good working relationships with their parents so that they settle well, such as making written policies available. The childminder shares information with parents about their children's care and learning so that the children benefit from a shared understanding of their needs and development. There are appropriate arrangements in place in the event of a complaint being made.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides a consistent environment where children feel safe, are encouraged to practise learned skills, and are not afraid to try new activities.

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Organisation

The childminder has thorough written policies to cover her practice. They are clear and effective in ensuring a safe and stimulating environment for children. All documentation is shared in confidence with parents and stored securely for the required time.

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Organisation

Adults in the household have been vetted and children are never left unsupervised with anyone who has not undergone checks.

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Organisation

The childminder investigates appropriate reference materials to increase her knowledge and understanding of aspects of childminding.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop written policies and procedures; this has been achieved as she has a good range. She was also asked to ensure that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised, which has been achieved.

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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.

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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): • further develop activities to increase children's understanding of different cultures and religions • ensure that parents sign all records of medication

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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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