Ulcombe Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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118631 Unique Reference Number 04 September 2007 Inspection date Caroline Preston 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 1976. She lives with her husband in Upminster, in the London borough of Havering. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five all day and three children before and after school. The family has two cats .

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a range of healthy foods throughout the day including; breakfast and dinner consisting of roast beef, chicken, lamb, gammon, seasonal vegetables, lasagne, cod, salmon, fruit pie, water, milk and squash. Parents are shown written menus, so are aware of what their children eat. Children’s awareness of hygiene is promoted because they are encouraged to wash their hands after touching the cat, after playing outside and before and after eating. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, so is able to manage any

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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 accidents. Appropriate records are kept of administration of medicines and any accidents. This means children are kept safe and are well cared for.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to promote their physical development through playing in the outdoor garden, which is well equipped and secure. Children throw and kick balls and they climb and run around. They also visit the local park and use the many climbing apparatus, swings and roundabout.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues; she has also completed higher level training in child protection, therefore updating her knowledge. She is aware of the different signs children may show if being abused and what the different types of abuse are, she also has the relevant contact numbers to make a referral if she is concerned. The premises are well maintained and child friendly because appropriate plug sockets are in place and there are safety gates in the kitchen and at the bottom of the stairs. Smoke alarms, fire drills and a fire blanket in the kitchen supports fire safety and the front and back doors are locked to ensure children cannot escape. Children’s painting’s and other work are displayed in the hallway, adding to a warm and welcoming environment, toys are clean and accessible to children and age and stage appropriate, therefore children develop

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder observes children's progress and development so is aware of each child's abilities, however does not record it, this means parents do not see written records of children's achievements. Children are stimulated and busy during their day with the childminder; they are happy and show this through their body language, for example, smiling and chatting. They take part in outdoor play, climbing and playing with footballs. They sit and play with toys from the two large yellow toy boxes; they fly the large plastic aeroplanes and build using small Lego. Children have made firm relationships with each other and the childminder, and freely sit with her for cuddles. Therefore children feel valued and secure. Children make visits to the local park, Tower of London, Zoo and library, therefore learning about the environment, different animals and places of history

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about diversity through access to play resources that reflect positive images of people within society including; dolls, books and dressing up clothes. They learn to treat each other respectfully through house rules and clear boundaries. They behave well and care for each other, for example, taking turns using play equipment. Children with any learning difficulties have their needs met because the childminder take steps to work with parents and any other professionals to best care for their child. Partnership with parents is promoted through daily discussions, daily dairies and daily phone calls if necessary, therefore promoting continuity of care and building professional relationships. Parents have access to well written information about the service offered, so are fully informed.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a secure and organised environment, where they are kept safe. The childminder supervises the children at all times and is safe to care for children because she has had relevant police checks, including other household members. Organisation of the day supports children’s development, which include mealtimes, playtimes and sleep times.

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Organisation

The childminder has undertaken further training to update her knowledge of childcare, therefore improving her childminding practice. All records and other documentation which is required for the efficient and safe management of the childminding is in place. The childminder has developed a good range of policies and procedures informing parents of the service she provides. 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 was asked to make safe the window on the landing. This is now secure and inaccessible to children, these improvements ensure the safety and care of children.

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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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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): • develop systems to record children's progress and achievements.

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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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