Driffield Church of England Voluntary Controlled Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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117974 Unique Reference Number 10 December 2007 Inspection date Elizabeth Juon 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 registered in 1987. She lives in Hanwell in the London Borough of Ealing. The whole of the ground floor is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder's registration is to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and she is currently minding four children attending on a part-time and full-time basis. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean home where their personal health and hygiene needs are supported. The childminder ensures the kitchen and food preparation areas are clean to safeguard children’s health. Children are beginning to understand the need to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder makes parents aware that she prefers

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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 not to mind children when they are ill and of the procedures she will follow if a child becomes unwell while in her care. She has a current first aid certificate and parents' consent to seek emergency advice or treatment to ensure children receive appropriate treatment in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children regularly access fresh air and exercise. They can play in the garden and visit the park. They go out daily and attend a variety of toddler groups in the local area. All of which helps in promoting the physical wellbeing of children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are known by the childminder. She prepares fresh food for some children in her care or serves food provided by parents. An example of a weekly menu is available to indicate the healthy and nutritious options available. The childminder ensures that children have regular drinks, particularly in warmer weather to keep them hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for mostly in the welcoming living room. The childminder minimises risks for children in her home by putting safety equipment, such as cupboard locks and smoke alarms, in place. Children can freely walk into the kitchen/dining room in safety, for example when pushing pushchairs, they also go through to reach the toilet and door to the garden. Most hazardous items in the kitchen are inaccessible to the children. However, plastic bags and a plug-in air freshener are within reach of the children. This does not adequately promote children’s independence in a safe environment. When walking to school the childminder uses good routines to ensure children are kept safe, such as having children in the buggy. The walk to school is used as an opportunity to discuss and practise road safety with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a range of toys and activities that are suitable to interest them and to promote their development in all areas. Indoors the toys are in good condition and within children’s reach enabling them to make choices about their play. Outside there is a selection of equipment to promote children’s physical skills. However, at present the back gate is not securely locked, this does not provide a secure environment for children playing outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has a good understanding of the child protection procedure to follow in the event of any concerns. She is aware of the role of the Local Safeguarding Children Board and has current information and contact numbers to help to keep children in her care safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder’s house. They confidently choose what to play with and make themselves at home, chatting and sitting next to childminder to look at a book. The childminder has a warm relationship with the children and gets down to their level to extend play, helping children to share and take turns. The childminder praises children’s achievements and encourages them in their conversation; this raises children’s self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from daily outings whenever possible. The childminder attends toddler groups, enabling children to socialise. She walks to and from school and shops with the children, promoting children’s knowledge of the local area.

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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 Children approach the childminder for physical comfort and reassurance which contributes to their sense of belonging and overall feelings of contentment in her care. The childminder provides opportunity for children to play, eat and rest during the day according to their individual routines and adhering to parents' wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children with equal concern, which enhances their self-esteem and confidence. Children enjoy close relationships with the childminder as she actively involves all the children in play. The childminder gathers information from parents about their children's individual needs to enable her to provide continuity of care. The children develop an awareness of their local community through trips to the park and other local amenities. There is a selection of resources available that reflect diversity, helping children to develop an understanding of the wider world. The childminder provides an inclusive environment for all the children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and the childminder is a positive role model using praise and encouragement to foster children’s understanding of boundaries for acceptable behaviour. Children are beginning to understand how to share and take turns with the childminder’s encouragement, enabling children to develop a sense of right and wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder’s friendly partnership with their parents. The childminder maintains all relevant information on children and parental consents are in place to safeguard children’s wellbeing. There is a daily exchange of verbal information to ensure parents are fully consulted and involved in the care their children receive during the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder makes good use of the available space and organises the children’s routine well by planning activities and outings to meet the individual needs of the children so they are able to play, rest, eat and socialise in comfort. Children freely choose play resources and make decisions about their play.

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Organisation

The childminder has undergone satisfactory suitability checks to ensure the safety and welfare of the children attending. Children are closely supervised at all times to keep them safe from people not vetted. There is a need for the childminder to assess the overall safety of the environment to fully promote children’s independence in the home.

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Organisation

The childminder provides a record of children’s attendance and informs parents of the regulator's contact details. All required documentation relating to the safety and welfare of children is well maintained and is shared with parents. 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 care inspection the childminder was asked to ensure all adult household members are vetted, provide an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote diversity, and gain knowledge of child protection procedures.

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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 The childminder has made improvements which benefit the children. The childminder is the only adult in the household and has undergone satisfactory vetting checks. She has current knowledge and information of child protection procedures. Children have access to a wide range of resources which promote positive images of diversity. These measures enhance children's care, learning and safety.

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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): • assess the risks to children in relation to the unlocked back gate, accessible plastic bag storage, accessible plug-in air freshener and take action to minimise these

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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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