St Christopher's School Trust (Epsom) Ltd

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 125331 Inspection date 24 August 2005 Inspector Freeda Wildon

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1995. She lives with her husband and four children all aged over thirteen years. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children between one and eight years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group.

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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. Good daily routines ensure children understand the need for personal hygiene. Routines such as hand washing after playing outside and after visiting the toilet, reinforce good hygiene practice. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. The childminder provides children with individual towels for hand drying and uses disposable wipes to clean surfaces. Children enjoy snacks and know that fruit is good for them. They are encouraged to make healthy choices through role play. For example, shopping in the supermarket, children are encouraged to buy fruit instead of cakes. The childminder provides fresh fruit daily and children have access to drinks through the day. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to good health. School aged children walk home from school each day. Children enjoy outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example they bounce on the trampoline

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Helping children to be healthy

and ride wheeled toys. An informal sick children's policy excludes children who are infectious and the childminder acts in the best interest of the child when he becomes ill. However, her first aid training is not up to date, as a result this may not to contribute to the children's wellbeing should an emergency occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home is secure. Effective procedures for the arrival and collection of children, the childminder's sound knowledge of child protection issues and her understanding of recommendations for sleeping babies all help to protect children in her care. Children learn about keeping themselves safe when they are away from the setting, for example, they know they must hold hands when walking on the pavement. Within the setting children learn how to keep themselves safe with kind but firm reminders from the childminder, such as simple rules about the garden swing. Fire blanket, smoke alarms and a fire evacuation plan promotes safety within the home. However, the practice of the evacuation plan with all children has not yet been established to ensure children know what to do in the event of a fire.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the care of the childminder. They have formed

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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 good relationships with the childminder and her family. The childminder consistently praises the children about their achievements. As a result they are secure and confident. They speak confidently to each other, the childminder and her family. Activities are well organised so children can access them easily. The children are involved in a good range of activities both inside and outside the home, which promotes their all round development. Children particularly enjoy outdoor play and are assisted when needed, for example, a young child requests to ride on the swing and is gently lifted onto the swing and pushed by the childminder. More able children are encouraged to be independent, for example, to swing themselves after the initial start from the childminder. Children receive opportunities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

from the childminder to be creative, such as making wind mills which are enjoyed in the garden on a windy day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They learn to share and to be kind to each other because the childminder is consistent and promotes positive attitudes. Children learn the importance of sharing through turn-taking when they use the garden equipment, such as turns on the swing. Children's self assurance is sensitively encouraged by the childminder, for example they learn to say no when they wish to play by themselves. Children receive good support from the childminder and are praised and encouraged appropriately. As a result children are well behaved, confident and secure. Children find out about the local environment and wider through resources that reflect positive images of our society, and outings, for example to the library, park, shops and beach. Parent's permissions and contracts are in place, detailing business arrangements. As a result children are provided with consistency of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures effective communication with parents through daily exchanges of information verbally and through text messages if necessary, so she meets the needs of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The daily routine is structured to include quiet times, outings, indoor play, meals and rest times. As a result children are secure and confident. Resources, toys and space are organised to enable children to make choices and move around freely and safely indoors and in the garden. The childminder uses information provided by the parents and daily discussion to

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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 ensure continuity of the children's care. Most mandatory documentation is in place. However, the childminder does not keep a written record of minor accidents but informs parents verbally. This may not always be in the best interest of the child or parent. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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): • keep a written record of all accidents • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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