Askham CofE School

Inspection report for early years provision

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128590 Unique Reference Number 11 July 2007 Inspection date Janet Marie Thouless 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 1990. She lives with her husband, eleven year old daughter and adult son in Forest Hill south east London. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children on a full and part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder drives to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to places of interest. 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 good. Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle and are well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill, because the childminder follows appropriate guidelines and procedures, and ensures high standards of hygiene throughout the provision. Children learn the importance of good health and hygiene practices, such as, washing hands before meals and after toilet visits, through the daily routines and by the childminder's good example. Children are extremely well supported, developing their understanding of personal care and independence effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their health and dietary needs appropriately met, because the childminder works closely with their parents. The freshly cooked meals are well planned and prepared to appeal to young children and to suit their individual dietary requirements. Children learn about the importance of healthy eating, with fresh fruit and vegetables included in snacks and meals. Children are frequently reminded to drink and are able to ask for drinks whenever they are thirsty so they do not dehydrate. Food provided by parents is suitably stored and food preparation areas are clean and well maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from plenty of fresh air and regular physical activity when playing in the garden, on walks and outings. Children have opportunities to use a good range of play equipment in the garden, at local drop in groups and in various playgrounds, developing their co-ordination and gross motor skills effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well organised, spacious home. This means they can move around freely and independently and choose resources that are suitable for their age and stage of development. These include, a broad selection of role play resources and craft activities, such as, play dough and cutting and sticking. They browse their current favourite story of Rapunzel from a wide and varied selection of good quality books.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder knows about potential hazards and has a number of safety measures in her house to protect children from harm. These include fire guards, smoke detectors, fire blanket and safety covers to ensure children's safety. The childminder has a written emergency evacuation plan. This means the childminder knows the routes she would use to evacuate her house in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is paramount on outings and when travelling in the car. The childminder ensures car seats are correctly fitted and they are appropriate for the age of each child. Children learn about keeping themselves safe on outings and during their play. For example, children learn to use play equipment in the park appropriately, in order to avoid accidental injury. Children have opportunities to meet challenges set within safe limits in their play, under the close guidance and supervision of the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder understands her role in safeguarding children. She is fully aware of appropriate procedures to put into practice if necessary.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed into a caring and child centred family home. They benefit from the stimulating environment and the good provision of resources, toys and imaginative activities. The childminder has a very good understanding of the children's individual needs, building warm, caring and positive relationships with them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy imaginative activities which are effectively planned and adapted for the children's stage of development. They enjoy making birthday cakes and candles from play dough, they develop their fine motor skills through the use of scissors and spatulas within craft activities and enjoy many number, colour and shape recognition games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have many opportunities to interact in free play, such as role play in the playhouse, they enjoy making imaginary cups of tea giving them to adults, changing and putting dollies down to rest. Children play happily with each other, building good friendships. They benefit tremendously from the good interaction they have with the childminder and love snuggling up to share favourite stories together, such as, the fairy tale of Rapunzel. After school children have access to a good range of toys and resources, together with age appropriate activities planned to suit their needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder recognises the importance of play in children’s development. She is confident in her knowledge gained through her experience of working in childcare and is fully aware of the differing needs of various age groups. She refers to guidance such as Birth to three matters and a statement of educational aims - 19 basis targets she expects children to meet before they leave her care. Children are well cared for and enjoy a broad range of activities which are fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are very well supported, because the childminder is fully aware of children's individual needs. Children benefit from the good partnership the childminder has with their parents and regular exchange of information. Parents are kept fully informed about their children's care and progress through daily discussions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest, such as, local drop in groups, parks and organised trips. The childminder provides a broad range of resources to promote the children's learning about the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. The childminder has a positive approach and experience of caring for children with a range of different needs and abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages children's behaviour very calmly and appropriately and this enables them to know what is expected of them. Children benefit from guidance and support, and the childminder is a good role model. She sets clear boundaries and uses effective strategies that help children to understand acceptable behaviour.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a very well organised environment and daily routines. They receive good support and attention from the childminder to make them feel happy and secure in their surroundings. Space is used well and children are able to initiate their own play from the good range of resources and play materials on offer.

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Organisation

Children's care and learning is greatly enhanced by the childminder's good organisational skills and professional approach to childminding. The childminder has completed relevant childcare courses to keep her knowledge up to date to enable her to plan effectively for each individual child's development and learning.

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Organisation

The childminder has developed all mandatory records along with clear comprehensive policies and procedures that support her childcare practice. The childminder has knowledge and understanding of the recent changes to regulations relating to complaints. However, the current complaints procedure does not show how any complaint received will be investigated as required. The childminder has high regard for children's well-being and their personal development. Her good practice promotes opportunities for children to be effectively supported in all aspects of their care, learning and play. Children benefit from her commitment to providing good quality childcare.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no recommendations set at the last inspection.

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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. 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): • update the complaints procedure in line with current legislation.

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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 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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