Colnbrook Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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110000 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2007 Inspection date Teresa Evelina Coleman 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 has been registered since October 1992. She lives with her husband and adult son in a three bedroom house, in Charlton in the London borough of Greenwich. The premises is close to local shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. The bedrooms are not used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for two children aged almost two and almost three years, on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has procedures in place which enable her to protect children from the spread of infection and the risk of illness. This includes the use of disposable gloves when changing

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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 nappies and informing parents that she does not accept children who are unwell. The childminder ensures that good hygiene procedures are in place in her home. She said that she encourages children to learn about how to keep themselves healthy by encouraging them to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating, also by ensuring that she washes her own hands regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

All necessary documentation for the recording of accidents and medication is in place. The childminder is aware of safe medication procedures, including the need to obtain prior written parental consent before giving any medication. Written records are kept of all medication administered and accidents are appropriately recorded. Prior written parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment is also sought and the childminder has an up-to-date paediatric first aid qualification. These measures help to ensure that she is equipped to take the necessary action in the event of an accident or emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder understands the importance of providing children with regular opportunities to take part in vigorous physical exercise and to develop and practise physical skills such as climbing, balancing and sliding. There is a garden at the premises and some outdoor physical play equipment is available, including a ball pool, slide and bikes. However, the childminder said that the children enjoy going on outings so she prefers to take them out to the nearby park and weekly toddler group. The childminder also recognises that walking is a valuable form of exercise and said that she ensures that the children enjoy regular walks in the local area.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is able to demonstrate, through discussion, that she is aware of the importance of providing children with balanced nutritional meals and regular drinks throughout the day. As the children she is currently looking after attend on a part-time basis the childminder only provides snacks and lunch. Snacks usually consist of fresh fruit and salad vegetables and occasionally vegetable crisps. The childminder said that she considers these to be a healthier alternative to potato ones as they are a much lower fat option. The childminder said that lunch is usually pizza or sandwiches, with a variety of fillings, accompanied by salad. She said that she takes account of parents' wishes, respects all cultural and religious dietary requirements and seeks and records information about any allergies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a safe, welcoming and child-friendly environment where children can play, rest and eat comfortably. She said that she maintains safety in her home by carrying out regular risk assessments to ensure that any risks are identified and minimised. Safety precautions include safety gates, window locks, socket covers, safety locks on all kitchen cupboards containing dangerous items and the safe storage of all medication and first aid. She understands the importance of keeping children safe by ensuring that appropriate levels of supervision are in place at all times, for example, when children are playing in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire safety is well-promoted because there are smoke alarms on each floor and a fire blanket and fire extinguisher on the kitchen wall. The childminder has an evacuation plan. She said that she practises fire drills, when looking after older children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Resources are well organised and many are stored accessibly so that children have opportunities to select activities for themselves. For example, resources for role play and creative play are stored in low level storage units and containers in the play room. Resources include an good range of provision across all areas of play. The childminder understands her responsibility to

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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 carry out regular safety checks on all equipment and resources. She said that she checks toys and equipment regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates an understanding of her child protection responsibilities to the children in her care and of the action to take if she has any concerns. For example, she knows what the areas of abuse are and has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. The childminder recently attended safeguarding children training to up-date her knowledge. She is aware that she must keep confidential written records and inform Social Services and Ofsted if she is worried that a child in her care may be being abused.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are provided with a good range of resources across all areas of play and development, including creative play. For example, the childminder has a selection of materials for arts and craft activities and for role play. Many resources are stored accessibly in low level units and containers in the play room, thus providing opportunities for children to making independent choices.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is able to describe a varied range of activities and demonstrates a sound understanding of the varying play needs of children of different ages. She understands the importance of talking and listening to children, being involved in their play and asking questions to encourage their language development. The childminder said that when she is childminding she plans the daily routine to make sure that it is well balanced and includes time for meals, play, outings and rest and takes account of children's individual needs. For example, she said that she does not insist on children having a nap every day but takes the lead from them if they are tired. The childminder said that she often plans one activity, such as painting, each day and then encourages children's free play. She said that she likes to include activities that the children particularly enjoy such as dancing to music, listening to stories and singing songs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder said that she also includes daily outings, for example, to the park or a toddler group because she knows the children love going out. She has attended training in the Birth to Three Matters framework and said that she takes account of this when planning activities for younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has suitable arrangements and recording systems for finding out about children's individual needs. For example, she said that she discusses all aspects of children's needs at the start of all minding arrangements and records these appropriately. The childminder said that she also promotes effective partnerships with parents by organising visits before arrangements start, so that the child can get to know her and become familiar with the environment. She said that she also recommends a settling in period, gradually increasing the period of time a child stays with her so that children can feel happy and settled. The childminder said that she makes time for daily chats with parents, so that she can keep them informed about what their child has been doing and their progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder said that she shares all records with parents. For example, she draws up written contracts and ensures that she obtains prior written permission for the administration of medication and taking children on outings. However, there is currently no system to obtain

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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 prior written parental permission for taking children on public transport. In addition, current information relating to how to make a complaint is out of date.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates an understanding of equal opportunities issues and said that she aims to ensure that she treats all children equally. She acknowledges the importance of identifying children's individual needs in terms of their language, religion and culture. The childminder said that she is welcoming to everyone and adopts a non-discriminatory approach in all aspects of children's care. Some multi-cultural resources are available, for example, some books so that children can begin to learn to respect others in the community. The childminder said that all children are provided with equal access to all resources, regardless of their gender, and that this helps to challenge stereotypical gender roles. The childminder has some experience of caring for a child with learning difficulties in the past and said that she understands the need to liaise closely with parents. She said that she aims to provide an inclusive service. For

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Helping children make a positive contribution

example, she understands that she may need to adapt some activities in order to include all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving good examples of strategies she uses with children, depending on their age, stage of development and level of understanding. These include distraction, redirection, reasoning and explanation and time out. She said that she always discusses behaviour management with parents in order to try and establish a consistent approach; she feels that this helps children to learn right from wrong. The childminder acknowledges the benefits of positive behaviour management. She said that she does this through acknowledging children's good behaviour and giving them frequent praise and attention. The childminder said that she also tries to encourage children to try and understand how they have made others feel through their behaviour. However, there is no system in place to record any significant incidents relating to behaviour and the use of

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall, evidence suggests that the childminder would meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The setting is warm, welcoming and child-friendly. Resources are accessibly stored and provide opportunities for children to take part in a varied range of activities and make independent choices. The childminder is able to demonstrate a professional and positive approach to her work. For example, she demonstrates a commitment to up-dating her knowledge by attending regular training courses, including Birth to Three matters and Safeguarding Children.

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Organisation

Documentation is generally well maintained and stored safely, accessibly and confidentially. The childminder has effective systems in place to record accidents and medication. Attendance is accurately recorded and the attendance record includes children's hours of attendance. Records are shared with parents and the childminder ensures that she has systems in place to obtain most necessary parental consents. For example, prior written permission for giving medication and taking children on outings. However, written parental permission for using public transport is not obtained. There are no systems in place to record any significant incidents relating to behaviour and the use of physical intervention or complaints from parents.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken steps to improve her knowledge about caring for children with learning difficulties by obtaining help and guidance from other professionals, including teachers who are qualified to teach children with additional needs. She is proactive in her approach and willing to attend appropriate training, if this becomes available.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder demonstrates a basic awareness of the requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act legislation.

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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): • obtain prior written parental permission for taking minded children on public transport • ensure that there is a system in place to record any significant events relating to behaviour and the use of physical intervention • ensure that parents have up-to-date information about how to make a complaint. This should take account of revisions to guidance to the National Standards made in October 2005. Ensure that a written complaints log is kept and made available to parents, on request. This should also be available for inspection by Ofsted.

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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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