Brookfield Community Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

119226 Unique Reference Number 13 August 2007 Inspection date Carol Patricia Willett Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2000. She lives with her husband, who is registered as her assistant, and two young children who are both aged under eight years and are at primary school. The family live in a house on a housing estate close to local schools in Sandhurst in Berkshire. The ground floor is used for childminding. Children only go upstairs for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a cat.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for four children under eight years. The childminder does not provide overnight care. There are currently five children attending on a part-time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local toddler group on a weekly basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has current first aid certificate.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Suitable measures are taken to promote children's health. For example, the childminder obtains a good range of information from parents to enable her to understand and meet the child's dietary and health needs. The childminder has not obtained written consent from parents should their children need emergency aid or treatment and this could delay treatment in an emergency. The childminder does not have prior written consent to give children pain relief medication though she would try and contact parents before giving children the medication.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides a very clean, healthy environment and this ensures the areas the children use for resting, eating and play are suitable and promotes children's health. There are effective hygiene procedures in place including when changing nappies and hand washing and this prevents the spread of infection. The childminder uses gloves and wipes the changing mat between uses to minimise the risk of cross infection. Nappies are placed straight outside.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to develop their physical skills as the childminder provides a good range of garden toys and garden play. They enjoy outings to local parks and toddler groups to further promote their skills and enjoy regular fresh air and running off their energy. The space indoors provides good opportunities for children to move freely and use toys and resources to develop their manipulative and coordination skills. Babies have plenty of space to roll and crawl to obtain the toys they are eager to play with. Children have opportunities for quiet and restful activity as the childminder recognises the children's need to have both busy and quiet times.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good understanding of how to promote healthy eating though parents currently supply the food for their children's meals and snacks. The childminder stores it appropriately in the fridge and reheats it accordingly. She ensures the children have regular drinks in order to maintain good health. Children wash their hands before they eat their lunch.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of safety. She takes positive steps to minimise risks, for example, there is a safety gate on the stairs and sockets are covered so children stay safe. Security is good and children cannot leave the premises unsupervised. However, risk assessment procedures are not fully effective as there is a large gap under the hedge to the neighbour’s house and children could fit through this. There is no catch on the cupboard where cleaning materials are kept but the childminder ensures children do not have unsupervised access to the kitchen as there is a safety gate in place. The childminder encourages the children to develop their understanding of how to keep themselves safe through daily experiences. For example, they learn about not climbing on the furniture as they may fall and hurt themselves and also not throwing toys as they may hurt another child. They discuss how to cross the road

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

when they are out walking. The childminder has suitable safety measures regarding smoke detection. She has discussed fire evacuation to develop children's confidence and awareness in an emergency. These have not been recorded.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a comfortable, well maintained family home using the ground floor which provides sufficient space. The childminder has organised the space well so they can play and

p.3

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 explore freely. There is a garden for outside play which is mostly safe and secure. Arrangements for children to have a rest are good as the childminder uses a travel cot in the bedroom upstairs in order for the babies to sleep peacefully. She closely monitors when babies sleep. Children have access to a range of toys and equipment which are suitable for their age and of good quality. They are stored in wooden boxes in the sitting room so children can explore them independently and initiate their own play. The childminder selects some toys for babies and these are arranged so they can freely select and play with them as they crawl and roll around the room.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's security is promoted well as they are always in the childminders care and they are closely supervised when out. They are unable to leave the premises unsupervised. The childminder has a sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and of the action she needs to take if concerned about a child in her care. This ensures children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder ensures parents are aware of her responsibility to protect children through discussions and the sharing of records such as accident reports.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and at home in the childminder's house as she has a warm caring manner. They enjoy a suitable variety of toys and activities that are appropriate to their ages. They confidently choose toys and resources for themselves from the easily accessible toys boxes. The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework but she does not use it effectively to develop her practice with children under three years, such as in the provision of a treasure basket with natural sensory materials for babies. Whilst the childminder completes contact books for the parents these do not effectively show links to all the learning and development outcomes. The childminder does not use these to plan for children's next steps in development. The children enjoy the childminder's interaction with them. She joins in with their play and makes suggestions and helps the children to develop their play ideas. For example,

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

she sits on the floor and plays with the train set and looks at books with the children involving them in the story to develop their vocabulary, language and thinking skills. The childminder encourages imagination and language development as the children play with the tea set and small world people. The childminder is able to effectively divide her time between the children catering for all age ranges.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is friendly and affectionate making children feel comfortable and valued. They like to sit with her and listen to stories. The childminder forms good relationships with the children and quickly gets to know them well so they feel comfortable and secure in her home. She spends a lot of time talking and playing with them, consequently children are supported in their play. Children enjoy a good variety of activities over the childminding week which ensures they have fun and make progress in all areas of development. They meet with other childminders and visit toddler groups and parks. This enables them to meet other adults and children and develop their social skills and knowledge of the local community. The childminder ensures the children enjoy their day as she provides suitable opportunities for activity, rest and nourishment in their daily routine.

p.4

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

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has some basic written policies and talks to parents about her procedures to inform them of the service offered. They sign written contracts and appropriate records to keep them informed of accidents and any medication given in order to safeguard the children's welfare. Parents sign the register of attendance. They provide written consent for a variety of care issues including outings and use of sun cream and medication. The childminder has not obtained some written consents, for example, she has not obtained prior consent for children using the trampoline in the garden, to seek emergency treatment or to give pain relief medication. The childminder has a written policy to inform parents of the procedures to follow should they have a complaint which includes contact details of the regulator, Ofsted. However, she does not have documentation to record any concerns from the parents, should there be

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children regularly meet with other childminders and children so they become aware of differences and develop their social skills. The childminder provides some resources to promote positive images of different cultures. However, she does not have resources to develop children's awareness of disability. Children undertake a variety of suitable activities in the home and in the local community which increases their awareness and understanding of different people and society.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a sound knowledge of the children as she finds out about their individual needs at initial meetings with parents and through ongoing daily discussions. Good relationships are formed with parents and they are kept informed of the children's time at the childminder's home as they are collected. The childminder provides contact books for all parents that wish to have them, which include written information and photographs of their children at the childminder's home. The childminder works effectively in partnership with parents to ensure children's needs are met. Parents provide positive written feedback and thank you cards about how happy they are with the care their children receive.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children generally behave well. They are learning to share and take turns using the toys and resources. The childminder acts as a good role model. The children are praised and encouraged frequently as they play, reinforcing their positive behaviour. The childminder ensures the children are becoming aware of unacceptable behaviour, giving them explanations, such as when they throw toys or takes things from the baby. These measures ensure children develop an understanding of right from wrong.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder generally organises her day well to ensure she provides the children with the attention and care they need so they are happy and secure in her care. The childminder has a generally sound understanding of the requirements of registration and maintains correct ratios at all times so children are well supported. Through a misunderstanding she accepts children under one year for which she was not registered under her current conditions; these have now been amended.

p.5

Organisation

Resources are used effectively to promote the children's care. They can access toys and resources easily and independently and have sufficient space for their play. The childminder generally maintains suitable documentation to underpin her practice and keep parents informed. They

p.5

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 sign appropriate records and discuss the children's needs daily. Some written consents are not in place for the children. Children's records are stored well and maintain confidentiality. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to provide evidence of activities undertaken with the children. The childminder has made some progress with this as she completes a record of children's time in her care for all parents that require this. She includes written information and some photographs of the children. These do not show children at daily play activities or include all areas of learning and so a complete picture of development is not maintained. This is carried forward for further improvement.

p.6

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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • obtain written parental consent to seek emergency treatment or aid and to give emergency pain relief medication • ensure children are safe in the garden with regard to the gap in the hedge • develop practice with children under three years, planning activities with regard to the Birth to three matters framework. Plan activities for all children's development linked to outcomes and areas of development • provide a range of resources to include positive images of disability • ensure Ofsted are informed of all significant events and changes.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6