All Saints' CofE Primary School NW2

Inspection report for early years provision

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101315 Unique Reference Number 23 August 2005 Inspection date Ruth Tharme 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 registered in 1996. She lives in a three-bedroom, terraced house in Charlton Kings on the outskirts of Cheltenham. She lives with her husband and their two children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the property is available for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the house, available for outside play. There are shops and local amenities within walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has several pets including a guinea pig, rabbits, a hamster, a dog and three cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has 10 children on her books who are currently aged between 1 and 8 years. Care is provided throughout the year on a full or part-time basis. An assistant works alongside the childminder.

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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 The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification in Childcare and Education level 2 and has completed food hygiene, first aid and child protection training.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Documentation is clear and up to date so an accurate record of any medication administered and any accidents is suitably maintained. First aid equipment is readily available and the childminder has completed relevant training. Parents have been asked to give written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment so children are treated appropriately if they are ill or injured.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are well-established procedures in place which promote good hygiene standards. Adults and children wash their hands before meals and after visiting the toilet. Children have individual towels. Nappy changing arrangements are generally sound but nappies are sometimes changed in the kitchen which leads to some risk of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Sugar free squash is available at regular snack and meal times and the childminder responds positively to children's requests so they have regular access to drinks. Relevant information is requested from parents to ensure that particular dietary needs are effectively managed. The childminder works with parents to make sure that lunchboxes include a balanced and nutritional meal.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular access to fresh air and physical exercise. They make good use of the garden and large play equipment on a daily basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The use of available space is well considered so children can move around freely. The premises are generally well maintained and some sound precautions have been taken to minimise the danger to children. Socket covers are in place, stair gates are used and door stoppers prevent fingers being trapped. A fire blanket is readily available, smoke alarms are in place and there are written evacuation procedures which reduce the risk from fire. The premises are kept secure so children cannot leave unsupervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues. She is able to recognise some of the possible indicators of abuse and has effective procedures in place for dealing with concerns. She has not considered the possibility of an allegation being made against herself or any other adult living or working on the premises. She has not considered procedures for dealing with such a situation, so children may not be appropriately protected.

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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 enjoy a wide range of activities both in and outdoors. The childminder organises a variety of craft activities, play opportunities and outings. Children learn to care for animals as they feed and look after family pets. They make good use of a varied selection of resources which supports their play and development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to make choices for themselves as equipment is readily available. The childminder responds positively to their suggestions for activities, building on children's interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children benefit from a strong relationship with the childminder. She is warm, affectionate and responsive so children feel happy and relaxed in her care. She provides a stable routine so children feel secure. She is sensitive to children's changing needs and is flexible in her approach so children's individual requirements are appropriately met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is well informed about individual needs. She speaks with parents on a regular basis to ensure that care is appropriate. Readily available resources and stimulating activities are provided which promote children's knowledge and understanding of the diversity within the community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with special needs are effectively supported. The childminder is well informed about their individual requirements and takes positive steps to ensure that activities can be accessed by all. She has attended specific training so medical needs are managed properly. The childminder has made contact with other professionals to ensure that additional support is available if needed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has implemented appropriate strategies to ensure that children behave well. She praises children appropriately and models good behaviour herself.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a strong partnership with parents. The childminder takes time to ensure that she is well informed and speaks with parents on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has relevant qualifications and experience to provide appropriate care for young children. She has undertaken additional training and has been successfully minding for nine years.

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Organisation

There are effective procedures in place to ensure that all adults living or working on the premises are suitable to do so. Appropriate ratios are maintained so children receive good levels of adult support.

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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 All necessary documentation is in place and is suitably maintained but parents are not asked to countersign all entries so there is no evidence that medication records have been shared with parents. The certificate of registration is not currently displayed.

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Organisation

Children's confidentiality is given due regard. Individual records are kept and documentation is appropriately stored.

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Organisation

Overall, the needs of the range of children attending are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there were two recommendations made. The childminder has made significant progress in addressing these.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The first recommendation was to request written permission from parents to allow an assistant to be left in sole charge of the children. Permission is now routinely requested in writing at the time of placement. A clear record of consent is now on file for all children attending. No child is left in the sole charge of an assistant without the prior written consent of parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The second recommendation was to provide children with access to an appropriate range of resources to promote equality and anti-discriminatory practise. The range of toys has been appropriately extended to include equipment for imaginary play and a selection of books. The resources are available to children throughout the day and their knowledge and understanding is actively promoted through activities such as preparing meals from a multi-cultural recipe book.

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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 that hygiene standards are maintained, with particular regard to nappy-changing procedures. • consider further procedures to be implemented in the event of an allegation of abuse being made against anyone living or working on the premises.

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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 • ensure that written records are routinely shared with parents and that the certificate of registration is appropriately displayed.

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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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