Manfield Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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121612 Unique Reference Number 08 November 2007 Inspection date Felicity Gaff 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 first registered in 1987. She lives with her husband and teenage child in Salfords, Surrey. She uses the ground floor of the house for childminding, with sleeping facilities on the first floor, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a dog. The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children and has seven children on roll, all of whom attend part time. She occasionally minds with an assistant. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends carer and toddler groups and takes children to play in the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted overall. They receive suitably nourishing snacks and meals and the childminder makes sure she understands and meets their individual dietary requirements. She ensures they have opportunities for daily outdoor play and provides good facilities for them to rest and relax. Children learn good personal hygiene habits and the childminder explains why they are important so children begin to learn how to care for themselves. Children are well

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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 protected from health hazards associated with pets, and the childminder also makes sure they understand how to behave around animals to keep them safe. The childminder protects children from illness and infection by having a clear policy for excluding children who are sick, which parents know and follow. She is receptive to changes in ideas of good practice, which means she continually updates what she does to improve the quality of the care she offers. Although the childminder maintains the basic written records required to support children's health, some lack sufficient clarity to ensure parents are fully informed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to a wide range of easily accessible toys and play materials. These are stored carefully to allow children to select their own toys, while protecting younger ones from unsuitable items. The home is in very good decorative order and the childminder uses the available space well to create separate areas for different activities including a comfortable, quiet area for stories, rest and relaxation. The childminder takes appropriate steps to keep children safe on outings by using suitable car seats, agreed with parents, and teaches children road safety drills. Children occasionally travel in the car of another registered childminder. Although parents give written authorisation for this, the childminder has not checked all the required documentation is in place. Children are kept safe on the premises because the childminder takes appropriate steps to minimise hazards. For example, she fences off unsuitable

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

areas of the garden and uses gates routinely and effectively in the house. She acts promptly to minimise any identified risks. Her clear understanding of child protection procedures, and her confidence in recording and reporting any concerns, enhances her ability to safeguard children from harm or abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children see that they are valued at the setting because the childminder displays their drawings and paintings prominently and ensures their favourite toys are ready when they arrive. This means children settle enthusiastically and play independently for extended periods of time with activities they find interesting and rewarding. They are at ease in the childminder's home, expressing their own views and ideas confidently. Children enjoy their play and achieve well because the childminder works closely with them to support their learning. For example, she uses good questioning techniques to develop children's small world play to help children solve their own problems. The childminder has an excellent understanding of different children's needs and personalities, and skilfully adapts what she does to ensure they make good progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children have many opportunities to learn to recognise their own needs and those of other people. The childminder works very closely with parents. The stable, long term childminding arrangements she builds contribute to children's security and developing sense of self worth, and consequently they thrive in her care. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and understands how to work with parents to meet their individual needs. She makes excellent provision for supporting children who use English as an additional language, creating an environment where all the children begin to understand and respect linguistic and cultural diversity. Children's welfare is enhanced by the particularly

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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 strong partnership she builds with their parents and the other settings they attend. She organises her time well to allow daily opportunities to exchange information with parents in confidence, helping to build mutual trust. Parents value her experience and advice, which the childminder offers with sensitivity and respect.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is proactive in ensuring she meets the conditions of her registration. For example, she applies for variations in good time to ensure she can meet parents' changing childcare needs and provide continuity for the children. She understands her responsibilities for safeguarding children and ensures they are protected from people who have not been vetted. She organises time, space and resources skilfully to provide a stimulating environment for children. She maintains the documentation required to support children's welfare and stores it discreetly to protect confidentiality. 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 the childminder agreed to improve the records required to support children's health. The childminder now keeps a record of any existing injuries when a child arrives at the setting, and accident and medication records are routinely signed by parents, which ensures they are kept fully informed. However, medication records lack sufficient clarity to ensure children are only treated in accordance with their parents wishes.

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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. 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): • improve the clarity of the record of medicines administered to children • improve the arrangements for ensuring children are transported safely when in another childminder's car

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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 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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