St Edmundsbury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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124762 Unique Reference Number 10 July 2007 Inspection date Christine Jacqueline Davies 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 lives with her two children aged fourteen and nineteen years. The family live in a four bedroom house in the London Borough of Croydon. All of the property is used for childminding purposes except for the dining room. A fully enclosed garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children over five after school and in school holidays. The family have no pets

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's risk to cross infection is minimised because the childminder ensures that the premises are cleaned on a daily basis and that children wash their hands before handling food or after using the toilet. Satisfactory procedures are in place to notify parents if children become unwell in her care and a record of accidents and medication administered is in place. This helps to promote children's health and well-being. Children enjoy a sufficient range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. For example, children play outdoors on a daily basis and

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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 also have opportunities to visit the park where they can access larger play equipment. The childminder's first aid certificate has recently expired, but she has taken positive steps to rectify this by enrolling on an updated first aid course, helping to safeguard children's welfare. Children benefit from a generally healthy diet, however, some snacks provided does not always reflect healthy eating. This means that children sometimes eat snacks that are not nutritionally balanced or meet their dietary requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are generally safe because the childminder has ensured that the home is kept free of most hazards. However, children's welfare is not entirely safeguarded, because alcohol located in the living room, is easily accessible to children. Toys and equipment are well maintained and meet safety standards. Systems are in place to ensure that children travel safely when going to and from school. For example, appropriate car restraints are in place and permission has been sought from parents to transport children in a vehicle. An attendance register is in place, but the childminder has not recorded the actual hours of attendance, which is a breach in regulations. Furthermore, children may not be accounted for quickly in the event of an emergency. Children are protected from harm because the childminder talks to children about keeping themselves safe. For example, making children aware of strangers and general

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

dangers in their environment. The childminder has a sound awareness of child protection issues and has guidelines which are in line with local safeguarding procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children respond well to the childminder and are happy and settled in the environment. Children benefit from individual attention from the childminder and enjoy discussing their day at school with her. The childminder has developed a sound relationship with children and gets to know them well, promoting their confidence and self-esteem. Children are encouraged to develop their individual interests and enjoy a selection of activities which include, books, games and arts and crafts. Additional equipment is stored in the cupboard which the childminder rotates to provide interest and variety. They enjoy playing in the garden and regular visits to the park. Children also have many opportunities to go on planned outings to places such as the cinema or the coast, promoting their sense of enjoyment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes time to talk and listen to the children, which helps them feel valued and respected as individuals. She has developed a strong relationship with parents and regularly shares information about their child's development and progress. This helps children's individual needs to be met. The childminder has a sensitive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She is happy to work in partnership with parents to meet individual needs and provide an inclusive environment. Children are aware of rules and boundaries which contributes to their good behaviour, confidence and self-esteem. Resources that promote a positive view of the wider world are limited but the childminder encourages children to develop a respectful, positive attitude towards others.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder provides a flexible service for children and her home is organised so that sufficient space is available, enabling children to engage in a selection of activities. This helps children to settle well and feel confident within their surroundings. Appropriate records are kept relating to childminding activities, which enables children's needs to be met. However, the attendance register has not been accurately maintained. The premises are generally safe, but steps have not been taken to minimise hazards in the living room which means that children's welfare is not entirely safeguarded. The childminder is due to complete an updated first aid course and written policies regarding complaints and child protection are in place. This contributes to children's overall well-being. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous care inspection recommended that the childminder improve fire safety precautions by providing a smoke alarm, which conforms to BS EN safety standards, at every level of the house. In addition to this it was recommended that she include the actual hours of attendance in the daily attendance register.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the provider has made some improvements to the standard of care provided. Smoke alarms are now installed on the premises. However, the actual hours of attendance are still not being recorded. This has a potential impact on children's safety.

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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): • ensure that alcohol is kept out of reach to children • develop resources reflecting positive images • ensure that children's actual hours of attendance are recorded at all times

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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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