Saltwood CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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118744 Unique Reference Number 13 September 2007 Inspection date Amanda Gill 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 was registered in 1992, she works with her sister who co-minds with her. The childminder works outside of the home every other week, during this time her sister cares for the children independently. The childminder lives in a house in the residential area of Rainham, in the London Borough of Havering where parks, shops and schools are all within walking distance. The whole of the premises is registered for use but childminding mainly takes place on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 1 child under 3 all day and 7 children over five before and after school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment, where the childminder teaches them the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines, such as regular hand washing. This encourages their independence and promotes their good health. The children's health is well maintained because the childminder implements effective procedures to ensure the risk of cross infection is minimised. For example, she wears disposable gloves when changing nappies and disinfects changing area after use. Written information is obtained from parents regarding children's medical history, allergies and special dietary requirements ensuring their individual needs are fully met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has some knowledge of first aid and has a fully stocked first aid kit, however, she does not hold a current first aid certificate but has a place booked for October. There are appropriate systems in place to record accidents and medication. There are clear procedures in place if children are taken ill while in the childminders care and parental consent has been obtained to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder follows children's individual routines for eating and sleeping. This ensures continuity of care and contributes to emotional well-being. Children enjoy and are well nourished by the healthy and nutritious lunchtime meals provided. Healthy snacks and regular drinks are provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have frequent opportunities to take part in physical activities and to get fresh air. The childminder states that the children play daily in the garden and enjoy riding bikes, playing on swings and slides, pushing buggies, making assault courses and obstacle races. The childminder also ensures that children have the opportunity to be active indoors, moving to music, singing songs, dance mat competitions and putting on shows.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Space within the childminder's house is suitably organised, and meets children's needs appropriately. Children have room to move and play freely. Children are at ease and well settled. Children are able to freely access the toys and resources from the playroom. Resources on offer are in good repair and the childminder regularly washes the toys to ensure they are hygienic. They are stimulating, fun and provide sufficient challenge. Children are able to access a good range of play resources including a wide range of creative play resources. Toys are stored in plastic drawers in the playroom; all the play equipment is safe and suitable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safety measures are in place, to ensure children's safety and well-being, for example, a fire blanket is mounted in the kitchen and smoke alarms are in place on both levels of the house. The childminder completes a visual safety check of her home daily to ensure it remains safe. The front door is kept locked, plug sockets are covered and cleaning agents are inaccessible. Safety gates are in position, in the hallway to prevent young children accessing the stairs and in the lounge to prevent children accessing the dining area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection issues. She has an appropriate understanding of the signs and symptoms and knows what action she needs to take, if she has

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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 any concerns about a child in her care, however, existing injuries or incidents are not recorded. Satisfactory systems are in place to ensure the safe arrival and collection of children, which ensures their safety is not compromised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop warm and trusting relationships with the childminder and enjoy their time in her care. They are happy and content. Children confidently play and enjoy the activities provided. Children enjoy a range of activities that take into account their individual development, for example, recognising animal sounds and recognising colours. Children relate well with the childminder and show affection by seeking comfort, hugging and assistance if required. Good questioning and repetition of children's responses encourage language development. Children's creative and tactile skills are encouraged through such activities as painting, play dough and cooking. The varied range of activities help children to develop their imagination and address diversity, examples are dressing up and the small world dolls house.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a good balance of free play and adult directed activities on offer. Children play well together and the childminder encourages them to develop an understanding of sharing, taking turns and securing relationships with their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder uses effective methods for managing behaviour, this helps children to understand the needs of others. She considers it important for children to receive praise for positive behaviour, such as helping to tidy up. The childminder promotes positive behaviour, which impacts on children's confidence and self esteem and the relationships they build with one another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of equality issues. Children develop a positive awareness of the diverse community they live in from the range of resources they play with. The childminder has no experience of caring for children with a disability and/or a learning difficulty. She demonstrates a positive attitude towards caring for children with a disability. She is aware of the importance of working closely with parents, and would ask parents for a routine of care and discuss issues with professionals involved in the child's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the secure informal relationships between the childminder and their parents enabling them to settle well and feel self assured. Detailed information is exchanged verbally, including details about what children have eaten, activities they have been involved in and outings ensuring parents are informed about what their child has been involved in on a daily basis to ensure continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children receive good support from the childminder. She interacts positively with them and knows them well, helping them to feel secure and confident. Parents are informed about their child's day through informal discussions which details what their child has eaten, how long they have slept for, nappy changes and activities. this contributes to continuity in the children's care.

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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 The childminder has an understanding of the National Standards for Childminding, and required policies and procedures are implemented. Although the childminder has some knowledge of first aid, she does not hold a current first aid certificate. The childminder stated that she was booked to attend a course in October and demonstrated that children receive appropriate medical attention when in her care. The children feel at home and at ease in the environment and approach the childminder with ease.

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Organisation

The home and daily routines are organised well to meet the individual needs of each child. Mandatory records are in place and stored confidentially. Children benefit because the childminder has many years experience of looking after young children. 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 was asked to ensure that the daily attendance registers were accurate and kept up to date. The childminder has taken positive steps to update her registration procedures. She completes a register daily which includes details of all the children in her care, with accurate arrival and departure times for each child. This helps the childminder to promote the children's safety and provide a satisfactory level of care for all 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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 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): • consider developing a confidential system to record pre existing injuries or concerns • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training for infants and young children

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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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