Burton Agnes Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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117973 Unique Reference Number 07 November 2007 Inspection date Christine Bonnett 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 1999. She lives with her husband, one adult child, one child aged 15 years and one aged 10 years, in Acton, in the London borough of Ealing. The whole house is used for childminding and 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five. One child attends full time, and the others attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted as the childminder's home is very clean. Flooring is kept dirt-free to enable younger children to crawl on it and play with no risk to their health. However, a risk of cross-infection exists as children share a towel in bathroom.

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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 Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate, and has effective procedures in place for managing accidents and administering medication. Children have lots of opportunities for physical development as they play in the well-maintained back garden, and run around in the nearby park.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a healthy and balanced diet that takes account of their individual dietary needs. Popular dishes include chicken casserole and spaghetti bolognaise. Fresh fruit and plenty of drinks also ensure the children are well-nourished.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good knowledge of child protection matters, including the procedure for reporting concerns. She is also aware of the signs and symptoms a child may exhibit that could indicate they were being abused.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is further promoted as the childminder is safety conscious. She has taken steps to minimise all obvious hazards within her home and garden. An evacuation plan from the house has been devised, and is practised regularly with children to ensure they leave quickly and safely in the event of an emergency. In addition, children are learning how to keep themselves safe on the road as the childminder ensures they hold onto the buggy when walking, and explains how and where to cross.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from spending their time in a home that is clean, comfortable and welcoming. There is ample space for them to play unhindered. A large range of play resources are appealingly displayed each day for the children to explore. Children's independence is promoted as they are also able to help themselves to other equipment readily available in toy boxes and baskets. A suitable range of furniture and equipment is also available to enable younger children to sleep and eat in comfort and safety, including a low feeding chair and travel cots. All toys and equipment are clean and in good condition.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content in the care of the childminder. She has a good understanding of how older children learn and provides fun and stimulating activities and play opportunities that allow them to build upon their natural curiosity as learners. The Birth to three matters framework is well understood by the childminder and used to support children's learning in their earliest years. Children express themselves confidently and freely in sound, music and art. For example, they thoroughly enjoy marching around playing the drum and maracas, and then settle down to making a collage using a wide range of exciting resources, such as shells. Their self-esteem and sense of security is enhanced as the childminder values and praises the finished work that the children proudly show her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children are nurtured in a relaxed and comfortable environment. The affectionate and gentle care given by the childminder enables them to develop a sense of belonging and trust and to understand that they are important to her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children also enjoy their regular visits to the local pre-school group where they have the opportunity to socialise with others. The library is also attended frequently to encourage a love

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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 of books. In addition, trips to places of interest in the holidays, such as Ruislip Lido, enhance children's play experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder knows each of their needs well, and works in partnership with their parents to provide consistent care that meets their needs. She makes sure all relevant information is shared with parents each day to keep them fully informed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about diversity within society as they talk with the childminder about differences and similarities between groups of people. They also acknowledge a range of world faith festivals, including Christmas and Diwali. The childminder has experience of caring for children with disabilities, and works closely with parents and other workers involved to promote the child’s welfare and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good because they are all busy and happy playing. The childminder sets realistic expectations for behaviour in accordance with each child’s age and level of understanding. Consequently, children learn right and wrong in ways they understand, and feel secure within known boundaries.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit because the childminder is highly organised in her daily routine to meet the needs of all the children. Her home is also well organised to give children sufficient play-space. In addition, the childminder is efficient about maintaining all required records. Written information is detailed, and kept up-to-date to ensure accuracy and safeguard children’s welfare.

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Organisation

Children also profit from the good working relationship the childminder enjoys with parents. She keeps them informed about the service provided and their child's daily activities. Written polices and procedures are put into practice to ensure all children are well looked after.

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Organisation

To further promote the wellbeing of the children the childminder is committed to enhancing her skills and knowledge in a variety of childcare related topics by attending training courses and workshops. For example, she has attended an observation, planning and child development course, and a food safety course within the past year. As a result, the children's experiences in the care of the childminder remain positive and in-line with current good-practice.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to improve her range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Children now have ready access to a variety of play materials that help increase their understanding of people with different abilities and the wider world.

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Improvements 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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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 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): • improve hygiene standards in the bathroom to prevent the risk of cross-infection.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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