Abbas and Templecombe Church School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

150031 Unique Reference Number 03 October 2007 Inspection date Sylvia Crawford Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and their two school aged children. They live on a well established estate on the west flank of Milton Keynes close to local shops, pre-school, and schools.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder uses the whole ground floor childminding including toilet facilities. There is a bedroom available upstairs for children to rest. There is a garden available for children's outside play. The childminder takes children to the local pre-school and attends a toddler group on a regular basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have one hamster and goldfish as pets.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children. She currently has six children under the age of eight on roll. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities and experiences indoors, outdoors and away from the childminding setting which actively contribute to their good health and well-being. They have the opportunity for fresh air and exercise at the local park, on organised trips and when they go for walks. They particularly like going for group bike rides.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children learn good hygiene habits and self-care through the childminder's consistent good hygiene practices. They understand they have to wash their hands after using the toilet, playing in the garden and before eating. However, after washing their hands children share a towel and this means there is the possibility of cross infection. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare through her knowledge, experience and sick child procedures. Records are in place to meet children's individual health needs and the childminder is in the process of updating her first aid qualification.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder meets children's individual dietary needs through regular discussion with parents and she shares information with them about what children have eaten while in her care. Children enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks and cooked meals each day. The childminder offers frequent drinks, so that children have enough fluids throughout the day. The childminder supports children to eat well and have good table manners.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children play in a safe and secure environment where the childminder identifies and minimises risks using appropriate safety measures. For example, the premises remain secure and dangerous substances are in a locked cupboard. Consequently, children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder supervises children at all times and has clear guidance in place to help them remain safe while on outings, for example, they all have to be together when crossing the road. Children are beginning to learn about possible dangers indoors as they are reminded not to run in the house. There is a written fire evacuation plan in place, the childminder talks to children and they practice regular evacuations. Consequently, children are aware of what to do in an emergency.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to select independently from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment that are safe and in good condition. They are stored on shelving and in boxes in the playroom. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues and she is able to take appropriate action to safeguard children’s welfare. She is aware of some signs and symptoms that may indicate possible abuse or neglect. However, she is not aware of the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines and she does not ensure that parents are fully informed of her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection issues.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and happy in the childminder’s care. They enjoy the welcoming, child-orientated environment and this contributes towards their sense of belonging. They are developing as individuals and have a warm relationship with the childminder and other children. The childminder has extensive experience in caring for children and a sound knowledge of child development; this means that she is able to meet children's individual needs.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all ages. Children spend their time purposefully, they join in activities enthusiastically and are eager to use their imagination, for example, the older children make up their own games. They work together on large jigsaw puzzles and enjoy the sense of achievement when it is complete. Children enjoy a range of craft and messy play, for example, making Birthday cards and decorations for celebrations like American Independence. The childminder supports children's early communication skills very well through good quality adult-child interaction; this helps children to extend their language. Children are encouraged to learn colours and numbers through everyday activities, such as, colouring pictures.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a wide variety of experiences and activities outside the home with the childminder that enhance their knowledge and social skills; for example, they go on bike rides together, visit Stockgrove park and go to the local church for film shows. These experiences encourage children to relate well to each other and socialise with other children. The childminder has a flexible routine and plan for each day, which allows children to enjoy the anticipation of forthcoming activities or experiences.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are active and very much enjoy their play, which results in them behaving well. They are beginning to understand right and wrong through the consistent boundaries, praise and encouragement the childminder uses to promote good behaviour. Children show care and concern for each other, playing together harmoniously.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

They are beginning to develop their independence because the childminder encourages them to make choices in all areas, for example, children choose their own activities and contribute towards the planning of meals and outings. When it is a child's birthday, the childminder allows them to choose what they want to eat for tea and they have a party together. They recently had a large party when one child the childminder has minded for ten years left for senior school.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have opportunities to learn about their local community through visits to local parks and shops. They are beginning to have an understanding about the wider world through resources and activities the childminder provides. The childminder give very good support to four children in her care who have English as an additional language. This has enabled all children to learn about other languages. Children receive honest and open answers from the childminder to support their knowledge about diversity. The childminder has a good relationship with parents and she shares information with them on a daily basis. She keeps them well informed about their child's routine and achievements while in her care. This ensures children receive good support and appropriate care.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the well-organised environment and good daily routine that the childminder shares and discusses with parents. Space is organised very well to enable children to play confidently and allow them to be able to express their own ideas during free play. Children have sufficient adult support to help them feel confident and secure within the setting.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities in relation to childminding and an interest in updating her knowledge. She has a satisfactory knowledge of the National Standards, guidance and the updates. The childminder has all of the necessary documentation and parental permissions in place. All documentation is well organised, stored securely and confidentiality is kept. This promotes the welfare, care and learning of children. She provides parents with regular feedback, which contributes to continuity of the children’s care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was recommended to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children and to ensure that a fire evacuation plan is in place and shared with older children.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has compiled a written fire evacuation plan that she shares with older children and they regularly practise fire drills. The childminder completed a first aid course but this has just recently lapsed. However, she is now booked to attend another first aid course next month.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • enhance knowledge and understanding of child protection and the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines and ensure that parents are aware of the role and responsibility of the childminder with regard to child protection

p.5

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 • ensure that separate towels are used to prevent cross infection.

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6