Coberley Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 115617 Inspection date 05 July 2005 Inspector Justine George

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 good. 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 1999. She lives with her husband and two daughters, aged five and eight years, in a three bedroom, semi-detached house in Blackfen, Sidcup. She is registered to care for four children under eight. She currently minds a two-year-old, two days a week and a five, six and eleven-year-old, after school. There are two fish and a rabbit. The home is close to schools, parks, shops, library, bus and rail links, the nearest

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 train station is a ten minute drive away. Minded children have access to the through-lounge, kitchen/dining room, a downstairs toilet and upstairs bathroom, children's bedrooms, a safe garden and the summer house. The childminder is a member of the NCMA.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have access to a very clean and hygienic home and there are good procedures in place to help them learn about personal hygiene. Explanations are given about the importance of washing hands and eating healthily helping children to learn about and make healthy choices. Children are well fed according to parents wishes. The childminder has good knowledge of nutrition. She has attended a course in healthy eating for children under five. Children request raisins as a mid morning snack and enjoy lunch which includes cheese sandwiches, ham, cucumber, tomato and a yoghurt. Children are independent in feeding themselves using fingers and cutlery. Meal times are sociable occasions as children sit together at the table or breakfast bar and talk about their day. Children have regular drinks provided throughout the day. Children benefit from and choose to take part in physical activity. They regularly use

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

the garden, and equipment that promotes large motor skills. As a result, children experience and develop a positive attitude towards exercise. Children are well rested as they sleep during the day, in line with parents wishes. Children's health is well fostered as the risk of infection is minimised. Waste such as nappies and tissues are suitably disposed of and good written policies are in place detailing the procedures to follow if children are unwell. However, the childminder needs to ensure specific details are recorded with regards to medication.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment. Children settle well, are confident and make the most of their time in the childminder's home. Children have access to a good selection of resources which are in good condition and suitable for the different age groups of children. Children enjoy using the safe garden and ask to go outside, they are well supervised and younger children receive support when needed, for example, when using the steps. Children are never left alone and are always within the childminder's sight or where they can be heard.

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 The home is well organised and free from clutter. Toys are plentiful and some are kept in the garage, giving children more space to play. Children are supported in learning about how to keep themselves safe from harm, as the childminder has rules in place to ensure children's safety which they understand and comply with. Children's safety is well fostered as the childminder has kept her first aid knowledge up-to-date. She has a first aid box in the kitchen and is aware of her responsibilities in recording accidents. Children are well protected due to the childminder's good knowledge of child protection. She has good awareness of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and has a written policy in place to share with parents, outlining her responsibilities. She is aware of, and has details of, the local authorities guidance

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and as a result knows who to contact in the event of concerns being raised.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are making good progress in all areas of their development and the childminder identifies and meets their individual needs. Children under three are well cared for and their learning is promoted through different play activities, however the childminder is not familiar with Birth to three matters. Children enjoy periods of free and outside play with the good selection of outside equipment including, see-saws, climbing frames, slides, wheeled toys, trampoline and sand pit. Children have access to a good range of toys and they enjoy their play. Children enjoy small world activities such as playing with dolls. As a result children develop a caring attitude towards others and develop awareness of care routines. Children are involved in using play dough, rolling it out and exploring the texture. Learning is further developed as the childminder interacts well with the children, playing

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

alongside them, asking questions and introducing concepts such as number and colour. Children are given responsibilities which include helping others in play and as a result develop confidence and self esteem. Children make independent choices and decisions. They move around the home confidently. They choose or request toys, converse with others, are focused and enjoy their play. Children benefit from the exciting range of resources which include dressing up clothes, mark making tools, messy activities, games, books and puzzles. As a result children are stimulated and interested in what they do.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a good range of resources that promote equal opportunities. There is a good selection of books and puzzles to reflect different cultures and special educational needs. Toys challenge gender stereotypes and include dressing up clothes, cars and dolls. All children have equal access to the provisions on offer. The childminder has a positive attitude and helps children feel good about themselves by giving praise and showing interest in them.

p.4

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 Children are well behaved as they are stimulated and have consistent boundaries in place to keep them safe. Children take responsibility in sorting out conflicts, or the childminder will intervene if necessary. Children are given explanations to help them learn between right and wrong and praise is used to encourage positive behaviour. Children benefit from the childminder's partnership with parents. There are well written policies in place that are shared with parents, informing them of her practice. The childminder shares information verbally with parents. Information shared includes how children have been during the day. Written contact books are used for younger children.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have access to the whole of the house. The lounge is used for play and there are comfy sofa's for relaxing. Children use the kitchen/dining room for eating and to access the garden. Children are well organised according to their day. They are taken to school or onto a playgroup. Children are given lunch and have the opportunity to rest. Older children are collected from school and they choose to play in the garden or in the home. Tea is provided, then parents collect their children. The childminder is a member of the National Child Minding Association and uses their documentation to meet regulatory requirements. A daily attendance record is used to ensure ratio's are met. The childminder is well qualified, she has completed all regulatory training requirements and has a level three National Vocational Qualification in childcare, obtained in 2003. Children and parents benefit from the childminder's well written policies and

p.5

Organisation

procedures. As a result they are well informed about the service and the childminder's responsibilities. All children have records in place with contact details recorded which are kept in separate wallets to ensure confidentiality. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children she cares for.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, two recommendations were made for the childminder: to ensure parents have details of how to contact Ofsted, should a complaint regarding the service arise and, record details of specific medication to be administered, when seeking written parental permission. This should include times and dosages to be administered. The childminder has made some progress in addressing the recommendations as she has devised a permission slip for parents to sign which includes emergency medical treatment, taking children on outings and administering medicines such as Calpol, creams and anti-biotic medicine. However, specific details need to be recorded in the medication book.

p.5

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 The childminder has been sent a poster with Ofsted's contact details and will ensure parents are aware of the details.

p.5

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 good. 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): • record details of all medicines in the medication book • develop knowledge of the care of young children, for example through the use of Birth to three matters

p.6

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

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