Caldecote Community Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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132211 Unique Reference Number 22 January 2008 Inspection date Teresa Elkington 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 and two children aged thirteen and sixteen years in Tolworth, Surbiton. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding purposes 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 years of age, all of whom attend on a part time basis and one child over the age of five who attends before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group. The family have one dog. The childminder is a member of a local childminder support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder promotes the good health of children and take some positive steps to prevent the spread of infection. She encourages them to follow good hygiene routines, for example, by ensuring that children wash their hands before eating, and after using the toilet. However,

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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 are not always protected from cross-contamination as they all use the same towel for hand drying.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a valid first aid certificate to ensure that accidents can be dealt with efficiently. Documentation to support children's health and welfare is generally well maintained, although medication records are not confidential to each child. A clear sickness policy is in place. The childminder shares additional information with parents on the signs and symptoms of infectious illness, helping to ensure sick children are excluded from the setting. The pet dog is well cared for and does not pose a risk to health and hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children and babies have opportunities to rest and sleep according to their needs. They benefit from plenty of fresh air and regular physical activity, on daily walks and outings. Children have many opportunities to use play equipment in playgrounds and in the garden to promote the development of their large muscle skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met well. They have access to regular drinks and the childminder provides healthy, nutritious meals and snacks. She is very aware of children's specific dietary requirements. Parents provide foods for very young children and the childminder works closely with them to ensure that weaning programmes are devised to support continuity of care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and welcoming environment, which ensure their well-being and comfort. The childminder utilises all available space well to ensure that children can move around freely and safely. Children are able to freely choose from an excellent range of resources which are stored to encourage independence and freedom of choice from an early age. The childminder rotates toys to ensure that children benefit from a variety of play experiences. Children's resources are suitable for their ages and stages of development and most are well maintained to ensure that they are safe and ready for children to use. However, the trampoline situated in the garden area is unsafe for children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of potential risks within the home and has successfully identified and minimised all risks to ensure the children are kept safe from harm. A clear emergency evacuation procedure is in place along with fire safety equipment. Good provision is in place to support children who stay overnight. Good procedures are in place to protect children whilst on outings and when travelling in the car. Age appropriate car seats are fitted and equipment such as buggies is of good quality, to ensure children are protected. Children follow simple guidelines to ensure that they are aware of the dangers of the road and what they must do to secure their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a strong knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedure to follow should she develop concerns. She has also attended training in this area and has a good range of information available. As a result, children's welfare and well-being is considered a high priority and is promoted by the childminder at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children form very strong relationships with the childminder and enjoy close interaction, through the close and loving relationships that the childminder adopts. She engages in play with them

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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 and enjoys their company, which develops the children's high levels of confidence and self-esteem. They feel valued as members of the childminder's family, enabling them to be extremely relaxed, happy and secure in the childminder's care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of children’s developmental needs and plans an extensive range of rich, quality play experiences, both inside and outside of the home. This enables children to play, learn and explore within a happy environment, planned in accordance with their developmental needs. Children have access to an extensive range of play materials, both natural and man made, which provide high levels of developmental challenge and encourage children to explore and investigate. The childminder rotates resources regularly to ensure continued interest, stimulation and challenge for all children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder constantly talks to children, during their play and during their personal care routines. This encourages children to develop their use of gestures and sounds from an early age. Children benefit from the childminder's excellent understanding of the Birth to three framework, which successfully promotes children's individual development. The childminder uses effective systems to observe, monitor and record children's achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Regular visits to mother and toddler groups and activity clubs, allows children to development their socialisation skills and provide valued opportunities for children to explore activities away from the home base. Older children enjoy swimming sessions and outings to the bowling alley. Children learn about their immediate world as they participate in planned outings. For example outings to parks allow children to explore and watch animals such as deer and ducks in their natural environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals and benefit from the childminder knowing them well and responding to their individual needs. The childminder works effectively with parents, to ensure that all children are welcome and fully included in the life of the setting. Through the childminders inclusive approach, children become aware of diversity and learn about valuing each other's differences. This enables children to feel secure and to develop a sense of belonging and of feeling part of the family. Children have access to a good range of resources and activities, which reflect diversity within society and the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder's sensitive approach to the setting of realistic boundaries and the appropriate strategies for dealing with unwanted behaviour ensures that children develop their understanding of right and wrong from an early age. Good behaviour is rewarded through the use of sticker charts which provides children with a visual diary of reward and promotes their self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationships the childminder has with their parents. The childminder recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents and has established friendly and positive relationships with them. Parents have access to a well present portfolio which provides written information about the provision. The childminder provides opportunities for the exchange of information verbally and if requested a daily diary which ensures that they are kept fully informed as to the child's care routines activities and achievements.

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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 good. Children's care, learning and play is promoted by the childminder's professional approach, organisational skills and her dedication the children in her care. Space is used appropriately and the day is well organised to ensure that all children's needs are met. The childminder uses effective policies and procedures which ensure that children are well protected and cared for. All of the legally required records and documentation are in place. However, the recording of the administration of medication does not respect the confidentiality of children. The certificate of registration and other relevant information is displayed and made available to parents, in order to keep them fully informed about the service she provides for the children.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good understanding of child development which is enhanced through her continued commitment to updating her knowledge to build on her good practice. This ensures that she maintains a high regard for the well-being of all children and their development in their early years.

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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 three recommendations were made; to ensure that children have access to a wide range of materials that display a positive image of people from minority groups; make sure that cleaning materials are inaccessible to children; meet any recommendations made by the fire officer.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Positive action has been taken by the childminder. A clear emergency evacuation procedure is in place along with fire safety equipment as discussed with the fire officer. All cleaning products have been made inaccessible to children. Children have access to an extensive selection of resources and equipment that promotes diversity and the wider world which is further support by planned activities that the childminder provides.

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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. 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):

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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 • improve the documentation for the recording of medications administered to ensure confidentiality. • ensure that outdoor play equipment is safe and well maintained • ensure that children have access to individual resources for hand drying

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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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