St John's Meads Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

114576 Unique Reference Number 14 February 2008 Inspection date Fran Fielder 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 has been registered since 1989. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and seven and two adult children. They live in a house in Hurstpierpoint village with shops and parks within easy walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is currently minding 12 children under eight, all on a part time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has two cats, one rabbit and some fish.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder's home is clean and comfortable. Good daily routines and explanation help children understand the need to wash their hands after visiting the lavatory. The childminder encourages children to wash their hands before eating and after messy play. The childminder

p.2

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 also makes sure that children wash their hands after handling the family pets. Good procedures prevent the spread of infection.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide packed lunches for their children and the childminder ensures the contents are healthy. The childminder provides a range of snacks such as fruit and toast. Drinking water is always available and the childminder reminds children of the need to drink plenty. This helps keep children healthy. The childminder discusses special dietary requirements with the parents and takes advice to ensure children's needs are met.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical activities that help keep them in good health. Indoors they play skittles and spend time dancing to music. Outdoors, they play parachute games and ball games such as rounders. Outings to the park and farm allow children to run around in the fresh air.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is welcoming and organised to give children space to move around easily. A good range of toys and resources are easily accessible and cater well for the age of the children attending. The childminder checks items to ensure they are in good condition and safe for children to use.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are secure and children cannot leave unaccompanied. Effective measures indoors such as stair gates and socket covers ensure children can play safely. The childminder supervises the children closely when they are playing in the garden. When out walking the childminder makes sure young children walk on the inside and that they always hold hands.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse although she has not had any recent training. She is aware of her role and understands the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. The safeguards children's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and relaxed in the childminder's home. The childminder builds warm relationships with the children and these are evident in the way in which children approach the childminder. Children develop good social skills such as sharing and taking turns. The minded children get on well together and enjoy chatting to each other at snack time. Children independently choose from a range of resources that are appropriate for their age and stage of development.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children love stories and enjoy looking at and talking about the pictures in books. While reading 'Little Owl', the children count the rabbits. Good support from the childminder helps children develop a good understanding of number. The childminder knows the children in her care and ensures the activities suit children's preferences. They love to paint, ice biscuits, draw with chalk and complete jigsaws. The childminder naturally asks questions that encourage the children to think and talk about what they are doing. Children have fun dressing up as princesses or super heroes such as 'Spiderman'.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children with respect and acknowledges their individuality. She has a range of toys and books that reflect images of diversity. This helps children see and accept differences from an early age. She knows the children well and this makes children feel confident and relaxed. Constant praise and encouragement helps children develop a good self-image.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of how to support children with learning difficulties. She liaises with parents to ensure she has all relevant information so she can provide appropriate care.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn the benefits of good behaviour with support and explanation from the childminder. The childminder distracts young children and calmly intervenes if there are disputes.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Comments from parents are positive and reflect good relationships with the childminder. Care diaries and daily feedback ensures continuity of care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play in a well organised home where they receive good adult support. This ensures they grow in confidence and feel secure. The childminder attends training whenever she can and is proactive in trying to organise courses locally. She has recently completed Makaton training and is keen to enhance her skills. Good contingency plans ensure children are well catered for in the event of an emergency.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has a set of written policies and procedures although they do not fully reflect practice. All required documentation is in place, confidential and carefully maintained. This helps promote children's welfare. Regular discussions with parents keeps them well informed of their children's day. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure children could not leave the premises unsupervised. The childminder has fitted a bolt to the front door and makes sure this is always locked. This keeps children safe as they cannot leave the premises without an adult to supervise them.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.4

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

p.4

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): • consider updating knowledge of child protection issues • ensure written policies and procedures reflect practice

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.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

p.5