St Philip's Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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105509 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2008 Inspection date Aileen Ewins 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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her partner and their child aged 15 years and they also have four older children who do not live at home. The family live in a house in the Cippenham area of Slough, Berkshire. The house is situated close to all local amenities. The downstairs of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends local toddler groups in the area on a regular basis. She has a relevant current first aid certificate and is registered for six children under eight years of age. Currently she has four children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well cared for by the childminder who has good practices in place for nappy changes. The childminder uses a changing mat and gloves for nappy changes. Parents supply nappies and wipes and are made aware of nappy changes at the end of the day, particularly if

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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 a child is suffering from a nappy rash/sore. Children who are being potty/toilet trained are offered lots of encouragement. The childminder works with parents and offers advice if needed. Children understand good hygiene rules and are aware to wash their hands after messy play, before and after eating and after using the toilet. Children use liquid soap, but share a towel; which may lead to cross infection of any germs. The childminder watches over children however, as they wash their hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children who are suffering from any contagious diseases, sickness or diarrhoea are kept at home. Parents are aware of the sickness policy in place. The childminder documents any accidents or medication administered; and is aware to seek permission for any medication and to get parents to sign for both to acknowledge. The childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate and has booked to update her training also. Children are therefore kept safe in her care. Sleeping children sleep wherever is most comfortable for them and the childminder sticks to parent's wishes in this respect. She does have a travel cot, but for example if children are happy to sleep in their pushchairs this is acceptable. Sleeping children are checked often.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to play outside in the garden, go to the park and to toddler groups and also attend a soft play session. Children therefore get lots of fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents supply meals for the children; but the childminder is happy to provide a nutritious snack of fruit for example or the occasional biscuit if it is needed. Children have access to drinking water throughout the day and the childminder is aware of children's dietary needs and any allergies they may have.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are made to feel welcome whilst at the childminder's house. Children are happy and settled and form caring relationships with one another. Children use the downstairs of the property and have access to the large lounge, bathroom, kitchen/dining room and the enclosed garden. Children can access their toys and resources easily. The childminder rotates toys each week; which ensures children have plenty of variety to play with and enjoy. Younger children make good use of the small table and chairs and sit in these for messy play and to eat.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe within the home, as the front and back doors are kept locked, the side gate is bolted and a stair gate is in place between the lounge and hallway. Children cannot reach the lock in the bathroom and are therefore not at risk of locking themselves in. Children cannot get through to the kitchen/dining room unsupervised as a stair gate is in place there too. Cleaning materials are stored within the bathroom cupboard which has a catch over; knives are kept in a knife block and are out of children's reach; radiators are thermostatically controlled; and socket covers are in place. Children's safety is further enhanced as the childminder ensure older children do not play with small toys around the younger ones, nor do they leave any small pieces lying about. The older children are very aware of this which in turn helps to keep younger children safe from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

An emergency evacuation plan is in place and children are made aware of this procedure; smoke detectors are fitted upstairs and in the hallway; a carbon monoxide tester is also fitted; and a fire blanket is in place in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe in the garden which is secured with fencing. The shed and another outbuilding are kept locked; and the childminder ensures no poisonous plants are growing. A

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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 water feature is at the back of the garden; however, this is covered with a strong grille. Children are therefore not put at risk. When out and about children walk along holding hands with the childminder or are in the pushchair. Children learn about road safety and safe places to cross. The childminder takes children's emergency contact details with her. In the car children use age and size appropriate car seats and the childminder is insured as legally required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has completed child protection training and is aware of how to safeguard the children in her care. Parents are aware of these procedures. The childminder is also aware to protect herself from false allegations.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. Children play well together and form strong relationships. Older children are aware to be gentle with the younger ones and to include them in their games. The childminder talks to the children kindly and is approachable. Children are therefore happy to ask her for help and talk away to her throughout the day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have many resources and the childminder rotates the toys so children have plenty to keep them amused. A large cupboard stores the resources and if children want something in particular the childminder gets it out for them. Children delight in the toys they have which include push alongs, musical toys, rattles, small construction and people, a telephone and soft animals for the younger children; and a train set with trains, cars and construction, a picnic set, a trolley with bricks, books, games and puzzles for the older children. Children also have lots of fun with messy play such as play dough and art and craft. The childminder helps children when they design cards for a friend's birthday.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are taken out during the week also and attend toddler groups, walks to the part, soft play sessions and being out with friends.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern by the childminder who is aware of their individual needs. Children therefore feel valued in her care. Quality time is made for both the younger and older children; for example when the older ones are at pre-school the babies visit the park and soft play centres and when the younger children sleep, the childminder spends time with the older ones in art and craft. Children are being introduced to the wider world in which they live. For example the childminder has cared for a child whose parent's first language was not English. The children along with the childminder took time together to find out about different cultures. Children also have small world figures which depict age, gender and disability; along with books such as Winston In The Caribbean which the children find very funny and ask the childminder to read over and over again.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has strong relationships with the parents of the children she cares for. New parents meet with her and learn about her family and the care she provides. A settling in time is set in place; as is a trial period. Parents are made aware of the policies and procedures in place and given a prospectus which details the care provided and the childminder's family. Feedback to parents is given at the end of each day. The childminder is aware of confidentiality surrounding sensitive subjects and would talk to parents about any concerns she had over children; and would work with parents if a child had a particular need that needed addressing.

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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 Children behave well and are given lots of praise and cuddles when doing something kind or good. Children are encouraged to tidy up and to say please and thank you. Children play well together regardless of their age or gender. If children behave inappropriately they are encouraged to think about what they have done and say sorry. The childminder uses 'time out' when their age and understanding allows. Through this practice children start to understand right from wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Children are confident to approach the childminder who is caring and shows a high understanding of their individual needs. The childminder has policies and procedures in place which are of a high standard. These include, for example, equal opportunities, behaviour, injuries and accidents and complaints. These policies are shared with parents. Children are therefore in safe hands as parents are well aware of the care their children are receiving. The childminder is aware of the procedures for documenting accidents and medication; and therefore this ensures children's well-being is enhanced.

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Organisation

The childminder displays all necessary information for parents, such as the registration certificate, Ofsted information poster and her public liability insurance certificate. Children's records are stored confidentially and written permissions are in place for emergency treatment/advice, playing outside, photographs and transporting in the car for example. Registers detail children's arrival and departure times.

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Organisation

Children are welcomed into the childminder's home and cared for by a childminder who is both organised and a good role model. Children therefore develop well emotionally and feel valued.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was set two recommendations. These were firstly, to ensure a smoke alarm is fitted to the first floor. The childminder has met this recommendation in that smoke detectors are fitted on the landing and in the hall. The childminder checks these often too and has a fire evacuation plan in place. Children are therefore kept safe within the childminder's house through the good procedures in place. Secondly, to inform parents of the contact number for Ofsted. The childminder has a parent's booklet which includes the complaints policy and information. Ofsted contact address and telephone number are clearly written. Parents keep a copy of this for their information. Children's well-being is maintained and safe as parents are therefore aware of who to contact; and how should the need arise that they wish to make a complaint.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required Ofsted or the provider 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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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 children can dry hands hygienically, after washing, in order to minimise the risk of cross contamination of any germs.

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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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