St Augustine's CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 126009 Inspection date 27 September 2005 Inspector Jenny Kane

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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 August 2002. She lives with her two school-age children in Tenterden. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and an upstairs bedroom is used for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding 7 children aged between 2 and 10 years on a part-time basis.

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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 Schools, pre-schools, toddler groups, shops and parks are within walking distance. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are healthy and have good hygiene routines because the childminder has clear procedures in place. They understand about washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating and know that this helps to prevent the spread of germs. Children are well nourished and drinks are freely available. They eat meals together at the kitchen table where they chat to each other and wait until all have finished before getting down. This helps children develop good manners and enhance their enjoyment of mealtimes. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating, consults with the children about what they like to eat and shares menus with the parents. During the day, younger children sleep in a quiet area in accordance with their parent's wishes. Children enjoy regular outings to the local parks and nearby play centres which gives them the opportunity to develop their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a welcoming and well-organised environment. The premises are safe and secure, toys and equipment are regularly checked and children make good use of the play space. Children have access to a good range of toys and activities which meet their age and stage of development. Toys are stored at low level on shelves and in boxes so that children can access them easily and make choices about what they do. Children's understanding about keeping safe when out walking and on trips is good. The childminder takes positive steps to promote safety by using pushchairs and reins, carrying first aid equipment and children's records. She has a good awareness and understanding of child protection issues, which ensures children are safe in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy an exciting range of activities that help to meet their developmental needs. They are interested and take part readily because the childminder puts thought and attention into the organisation of activities. As a result, children know what they like to do, talk enthusiastically and make decisions for themselves. Children receive a lot of encouragement, which ensures they are confident, and learn new skills. The childminder extends children’s language and communication skills during play by talking about the activity and asking questions. Children have a positive relationship with the childminder and they are happy and well settled. They

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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 enjoy outings in the local community. They mix with other children at toddler groups, play centres and on visits to other childminders.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from constant praise, which helps make them feel secure. They learn important social skills such as sharing, showing respect and helping each other. The childminder helps children to understand about difference and diversity through activities that introduce them to the wider world. The premises are user friendly. Space and resources could be adapted to meet the needs of a child with a disability or special need. Children are happy and settled. They benefit from the good communication between the childminder and their parents. The childminder listens to parent’s views and gives verbal feedback about the child’s day. However, contact books would give parents a permanent record of children’s progress and achievements. Children are very well occupied, are set clear boundaries and any incidents are dealt with appropriately. As a result, children’s behaviour is good.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder cares for a wide age group but manages the time and planning of her day so that she meets all the children's needs. She is well organised and ready for the children when they arrive. Children benefit from the childminder's weekly visits to other childminders. This gives them the opportunity to mix with their peers and play in a different environment. These meetings are also beneficial to the childminder as she gains support and new ideas for developing her childcare practice. Children's records and mandatory documentation are in place, kept securely and shared with parents. However, some records and permissions need updating. The childminder is friendly and approachable whilst remaining professional. She meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has provided parents with written information about her service.

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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

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 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): • consider using contact books to keep parents informed of children’s activities, progress and achievements. • ensure records and permissions are up to date

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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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