St Andrew's CofE Controlled Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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125144 Unique Reference Number 07 August 2007 Inspection date Stephanie Graves 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 1989. She lives with her husband and three adult children in Otford, Kent. The whole of the ground floor and two upstairs bedrooms are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part time basis. She walks and drives to local pre-schools to take and collect children and attends the local toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are provided with experiences, which help to promote their knowledge and understanding of good health issues. For example, the childminder encourages them to have their noses wiped frequently, and to learn about keeping their hands clean, for instance before

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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 eating food or after toilet visits. She has effective nappy changing procedures in place and uses antibacterial solutions on surfaces to ensure they remain hygienically clean. Children benefit from procedures which are followed in the event of them becoming unwell. For example, parents are contacted to take children home if they become ill at the childminder's and they do not attend the setting if they have an infectious ailment. These procedures all help to prevent the spread of infection. Accident and medication records are in place, although prior written consent to administer medication has not been recorded consistently. This means the required treatment and follow up may not be assured. Children's physical development is promoted well through regular outdoor opportunities and outings. The childminder also encourages good

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Helping children to be healthy

sleep routines for the young children she cares for, which helps to promote their sense of wellbeing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to drinks at all times to help keep them hydrated. Food is currently provided by parents and the childminder encourages children to eat nutritious options. They enjoy their favourite snacks together and learn about healthy foods during the activities provided. For instance, they learn that potatoes, cabbage and carrots make a 'tasty soup', during role play. This helps to promote their awareness of healthy eating. Children's dietary requirements are addressed because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure their needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being able to play and learn within safe boundaries. This is because the childminder ensures the premises are secure and supervises them closely at all times. She has effective emergency procedures in place and risk assesses regularly to help keep children safe. However, during a current period of re-decorating, potential hazards, such as trailing leads and stored equipment have not been secured sufficiently to ensure children's safety. There is plenty of unobstructed space for children to play and resources, including a safety gate, help to prevent children accessing areas not used for childminding. Toys and resources are checked regularly to make sure they are safe and appropriate for the children attending. The childminder has a written emergency evacuation procedure in place and practises this with older children to develop their awareness of fire safety. Children learn how to help keep themselves safe, because

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the childminder offers clear explanations, such as why they should not try to lift toys onto the slide in the garden and why they need to wear sun protection cream to help avoid burning their skin in hot weather. Procedures such as these help children learn about personal safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is considered well, because the childminder has a sound and up to date understanding of the procedures necessary to safeguard them at all times. For example, she understands the signs and symptoms of abuse and what to do in the event of a concern. All information is available to parents and includes current, local information and procedures. This helps to ensure that the welfare of the children in her care remains a priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children make themselves at home and thoroughly enjoy the range of toys and resources provided. They are settled within the childminder’s home and enjoy her company and involvement. They can access a full range of play experiences, indoors and out. These include garden toys and resources, such as role play equipment, climbing apparatus, ride on toys and small world activities. The activities provided promote all areas of learning and development.

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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 The childminder understands the developmental needs of all children and implements concepts from the Birth to three matters framework into the experiences provided. Children demonstrate confidence, for instance as they use a climbing frame and slide or manoeuvre their way through a play tunnel. They also develop their creative skills. For example, they use a ride in car to take toy animals to hospital and tell them to 'sit still' as they beep the horn and 'turn in the road'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The young children attending are developing communication skills. This is because the childminder talks with them as they play and encourages them to describe what they are doing. She asks many effective questions to help children think and respond. For example, during role play, the children talk about going on holiday and she asks where they are going. Children recall their own holidays then answer 'to Spain' and 'Scotland'. The childminder calls out 'bye then see you later' as they pretend to travel on a ferry and an aeroplane. She asks if she can have a 'cheese sandwich and a cup of tea' as children pretend to prepare food. This effective and meaningful use of questions and extending ideas encourages them to make connections and link ideas to real life scenarios as they play. Overall the childminder provides a good range of play experiences, which help to ensure that children's emotional, physical, social and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

intellectual capabilities are well promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated according to their individual needs and with equal concern by the childminder. The young children in her care are continually acknowledged and affirmed, which helps them develop a sense of self assurance and belonging. They have opportunities to learn about the differences between themselves and others through the toys and resources provided, which include positive images of diversity. They also have regular opportunities to learn about the local and wider community through visits to local places of interest and toddler groups. The childminder also takes them on outings with other registered childminders. These experiences also enable children to develop their social skills and learn about the similarities and differences between themselves and others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and play harmoniously together. They are encouraged to be well behaved and use good manners and the childminder has a list of house rules to help them understand what is expected of them. She is a good role model who praises children regularly, which helps to promote their confidence and self esteem. Children benefit from consistency of care, through an effective partnership with parents. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure parents are kept well informed about all relevant policies and procedures. Children's developmental needs are shared and the childminder informs parents about their children's progress. This helps to ensure children's needs are supported equally between home and the childminding environment.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for effectively within a well organised environment. They are comfortable and feel at ease with the childminder and their surroundings. Although improvements are required regarding safety and the medication procedure, the childminder demonstrates a commitment to improving the service provided. A good range of documentation and the required records are in place. These include daily attendance records, which show clear arrival and departure times for children, also when and why they may be absent. The childminder displays

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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 her registration certificate clearly and written information is beautifully presented for parents. Children's welfare, care and learning are promoted well. This is due to the childminder meeting their care needs and implementing a good range of policies and procedures, which underpin her professional practice. 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 received a recommendation to ensure Ofsted's contact details were made available to parents. All relevant information is shared with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken steps towards improving the service provided and ensuring children are safe and well cared for at all times.

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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 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): • ensure prior written consent to administer medication is obtained for each particular circumstance • review safety measures throughout the home, to ensure trailing leads and stored items in the utility area are inaccessible to 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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