Ilketshall St Lawrence School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 124592 Inspection date 15 July 2005 Inspector Rebecca Elizabeth Khabbazi

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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 1996. She lives with her partner and three children aged 5, 9 and 12 years old. The family live in a four-bedroom house, in a residential area within the London Borough of Croydon. The ground floor and one of the bedrooms on the first floor are the main areas used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder attends local toddler groups, library and parks on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 is registered to care for four children at any one time and there are three children currently on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Play sessions in the garden and regular visits to the park keep children active and improve their physical skills. For instance, when they scramble up the climbing frame, bounce on the trampoline, ride bikes or run races. Children learn about good hygiene practices when they wash their hands before meals and after using the bathroom, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination. They benefit from a varied diet and begin to learn about the importance of eating healthily when they are encouraged to try options such as fruit when they have a snack.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move freely around the home and garden because the childminder takes effective steps to reduce potential hazards. For instance, she makes sure access to the front door and the stairs is restricted and children cannot open cupboards that contain cleaning materials. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted because the childminder gives priority to maintaining their safety. For example, children are supervised at all times and the childminder has increased her knowledge of child protection issues by attending a course. Children learn how to keep themselves safe when the childminder shows them how to use equipment carefully or talks to them about road safety. Children choose from a wide range of good quality resources which the childminder makes sure are suitable for their age and stage of development. This means children can play safely. Toys are organised so that children can choose things for

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

themselves, which helps create a welcoming play environment. For instance, some toys are stored in low level boxes in the area they are used, and there is clear space for toys to be set out.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop strong relationships with the childminder, who is responsive to their individual needs and joins in with their play. This helps children settle quickly and feel at home. Children's confidence and self-esteem is fostered because the childminder responds to them warmly and recognises their achievements, such as when they

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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 build a tall tower of bricks, make models with the play-dough or behave nicely. Children take part in a good variety of interesting activities and first hand experiences that support their development. They benefit from regular outings, for example to play in the park, socialise with other children at pre-school playgroups, or listen to story time at the library. Children take part in planned activities at home, such as cooking and art and craft, as well as choosing their own toys and play materials for freeplay. They become absorbed in activities such as making models at the table, and show excitement at the prospect of cooking cakes in the afternoon.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from good communication between their parents and the childminder, who talk to each other every day when children are brought and collected. This helps children experience consistent care and contributes to their overall well-being. Children respond well to the childminder's consistent expectations and guidance. They begin to learn about the effect of their actions on others, for example when the childminder explains why it is unkind to snatch, and when she praises them for behaving well. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are taken into account which means that they can all enjoy taking part in the activities provided. Children are encouraged to develop a positive view of the wider community, for instance through books and stories and by playing with toys that reflect diversity.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder keeps most of the records that contribute to children's health, safety and well-being. These are kept up-to-date and are readily accessible. However, the childminder has not asked parents to put in writing that they have given her permission to take their children in the car or to seek emergency medical treatment. This means there is no clear record of their wishes regarding these issues. Children are comfortable and at home within the well organised environment, which helps them gain confidence and settle quickly. They can make the most of the play and learning opportunities provided because there is plenty of space for them to play and they can easily access toys and resources. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to review her strategies for managing children's behaviour. Since the inspection the childminder has continued to revise and adapt the strategies she uses for managing children's behaviour in line with their individual needs, and in consultation with parents. This means she is able to manage

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 a wide range of children's behaviour in a way that promotes their welfare and development.

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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): • request written consent from parents to transport children in the car and to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment

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The quality and standards of the care

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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