Caldecott Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 129755 Inspection date 12 September 2005 Inspector Jane Mount

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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 has been registered since 1990. She lives with her husband and two daughters, aged 12 years and 16 years in a four bedroomed detached bungalow. All areas are registered and includes a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The property is within walking distance of a local park, schools and shops. The family have two dogs and overnight care is not provided.

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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 The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of 8 years at any one time. She is currently minding three children, all of whom are under the age of 5 years and they attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are involved in a varied range of activities which contribute to their physical fitness and good health. They regularly visit an indoor soft play centre or the local park, where they can climb, run and jump. They enjoy walks along the nearby canal to feed the donkey and impromptu dancing sessions. Children are becoming aware of how physical activity can affect their body. For example, when out walking, they talk about the muscles they are using and how the exercise is making them stronger. Children are cared for in an environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Effective support and guidance from the childminder helps children to gain a clear understanding of good hygiene practices. Children are reminded to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before meals and they know it is important to wipes their noses when they have a cold as this stops the germs

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Helping children to be healthy

spreading. Children stay healthy because the childminder has a clear understanding of how to prevent the spread of infection. She has clear and consistent cleaning procedures which she follows. For example, using anti bacterial wipes to clean surfaces within the home and on outings always takes wipes for cleaning children's dirty hands. Children have their dietary needs met effectively by the childminder which ensures they are well nourished. She works closely with parents regarding children's food intake and special dietary requirement they may have. Children are beginning to understand how certain foods can make them healthy. They are learning about healthy living and diet through regular discussions about what they are eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's development is promoted in a safe and inviting environment where they are welcomed and feel secure. Children are able to select independently from a varied range of developmentally appropriate resources. The childminder monitors and supervises the children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are interested and absorbed by the resources available. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home where risks are identified and minimised. Children are able to move around safely and independently and are beginning to learn how to keep themselves and others safe. Sensitive reminders, such as a request from the childminder to pick up a dropped toy from the floor to prevent someone tripping, increase children's awareness of safety in their play.

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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 When out walking, children know not to walk near the road and to hold the childminder's hand when crossing the road. Children learn about what road signs mean and a child is able to say confidently that when looking at traffic lights, red means stop and green means go. Children are well protected by a childminder who has a sound understanding of child protection policies and procedures and gives top priority to children's safety and welfare. She regularly updates her child protection knowledge through training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in their environment and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at a local toddler group and a soft play centre. The children's confidence and self-esteem are developed by the childminder who is sensitive to their needs . She offers consistent levels of support and regular praise. The childminder knows the children well because information is effectively exchanged with parents ensuring continuity in their children's care. Children's learning is promoted through the childminder's sound knowledge of child development and she is beginning to develop an understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children respond positively to the varied play opportunities the childminder provides. Children are learning through their play and what interests them. When out, they count the cars and buses as they go by or look for how many

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

red cars they can see. They learn about shapes by looking at the road signs. Children enjoy exploring a wide range of activities which contributes to their creativity. They make biscuits and decorate them and love singing and will have music sessions using musical instruments. They enjoy collecting conkers and leaves on walks and then making pictures to take home. Children spend their time playing purposefully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have regular opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them. They develop a positive attitude to others and learn about diversity through their play and general discussions. For example, on a walk in St Albans Park, the children enjoyed collecting feathers which were made into Indian head-dresses. They then talked about tee pees and looked at the atlas to find out where American Indians live. On another occasion, when a child returned from a holiday in France, they talked about the different language spoken there. Children are encouraged to take turns and to share and are beginning to show concern for others and to understand how their behaviour can affect others. They are supported effectively by the childminder which results in children playing well together. Behaviour is dealt with in a positive yet consistent manner with clear

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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 boundaries set so children know what is expected of them. Children are very secure in their surroundings and feel confident in deciding what to do. The childminder values and respects each child as an individual. She ensures all parents are verbally informed of their child's progress and development and she works closely to meet specific needs and to ensure all children are included fully and receive appropriate support. Children benefit from the two way sharing of information between the childminder and parents. The childminder has developed a portfolio to share with parents which includes her policies and procedures and information about the care children will receive in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's development is promoted well as the childminder is prepared to develop her skills and is keen to keep up to date with child care issues. She regularly updates her first aid and child protection knowledge and has completed a numeracy and a literacy course. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being are in place. However, all persons living in the household and now aged over 16 years of age must complete the required vetting procedures. Children's care, learning and play are positively supported by a childminder who has good organisational skills. The individual needs of the children are met through the childminder organising her time and resources effectively. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children and they benefit from a child friendly environment where they feel at ease and are safe. Overall the range of

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure parents sign accident records and to take reasonable steps to make alcohol inaccessible to children. She was also asked to provide a portfolio to share with parents and to extend resources that reflect gender. Children's safety and welfare are now safeguarded as the childminder has ensured that all alcohol is inaccessible to children and accident records are always signed by parents to acknowledge when an accident has occurred. Children's care and learning are now enhanced as the childminder has a comprehensive portfolio to share with parents of her good practice and resources to reflect gender have been increased.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 all persons aged over 16 years and living in the household in which childminding is carried out complete the required vetting process.

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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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