Tittensor CofE (C) First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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124279 Unique Reference Number 03 March 2008 Inspection date Cheryl Walker 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?

Mrs Crosby has been a childminder since 1997. She lives with her adult daughter and 12 year old son. They live in a house in Thornton Heath, close to local shops and public transport. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She also holds a level three qualification in childcare and is registered to care for a maximum of five children. She is currently caring for one child under five on a fulltime basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Excellent daily routines and explanations help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet reduces the risk of passing on germs. Picture reminders and discussion ensures they consistently clean their hands before and after meals. Children are very well protected

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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 from cross infection. They each have their own bedding should they need to rest and a comprehensive sickness policy ensures that children are not exposed to contagious infections.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents give prior written consent to administer medication, which ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and the first aid box is very well stocked. This means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. The childminder asks for additional information when she requests written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment. This ensures she is able to effectively meet the children's needs whilst following parents' wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a superb range of varied and nutritious meals and snacks, which meet special dietary requirements and ensure children remain healthy. Menus are displayed so that parents can be aware of the food that children enjoy whilst in the childminder's care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children engage in a wide range of physical activities that help keep them healthy, such as riding bicycles in the garden, soft play, trips to the park and regular walks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. This childminding provision is beautifully organised for the children's benefit. The environment is made extremely welcoming for the children and their parents. Photographs of past and present minded children and children's art work, show that all children and their efforts are celebrated and acknowledged. Children have easy and safe access to an excellent range of toys and resources that are stimulating and suitable for children's stages of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. Children practise the emergency evacuation procedure on a regular basis and discuss it with the childminder as a part of their play. They demonstrate their understanding when they create posters showing what to do in the event of a fire. Children are reminded to hold hands when on outings and a clear set of house rules contribute to the children's well-being. Effective precautions and good supervision ensure the environment remains a safe place for children to play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an excellent understanding of safeguarding children issues and knows what action to take if she has concerns about a child in her care. This ensures she quickly recognises when a child is in danger and can act in the child’s best interest. She regularly attends additional training in this area to ensure her knowledge is up to date.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Happy and positive relationships exist between the children and the childminder. Lots of warm interaction takes place and children receive consistent attention. Children are confident to approach the childminder and she engages in play with them. They enjoy her company and collect books from the book basket for her to read and share with them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A wide variety of good quality toys and equipment are stored accessibly, allowing children to make choices about what they would like to do. Young children sit happily on the floor, turning shapes to fit in to the shape sorter, congratulated with smiles and applause when they achieve. They understand simple instructions when they successfully replace some small books into

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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 zipped compartments, guided by the skilful interaction of the childminder. There are regular opportunities for them to develop their social skills when they attend local groups and take part in community events.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy craft activities, write journals and have monitored access to the computer. There are quiet opportunities for them to complete homework, within a supportive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and respected as individuals as the childminder provides a routine which supports their needs. They develop a good sense of belonging and are settled in the childminder's care. She is happy to adjust the routine to cater for each individual child. Children have good opportunities to learn about difference through discussion, books and tasting different foods. All children are treated equally and encouraged to respect others. The childminder demonstrates positive attitudes towards working with children with differing abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in the childminder's home because there are clear rules and boundaries which they have had the opportunity to contribute to, helping them to learn to negotiate and cooperate with their peers and with the adults that care for them. These are shared with parents in an effort to work consistently together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective working relationships with parents help children to enjoy consistent care because both parties are well informed due to good exchange of information. Any concerns are quickly resolved as a result of honest and open communication. Clear written information is available for parents concerning the childminding service.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel comfortable in a well organised home, where they move safely and play happily with a good variety of toys. A written portfolio gives information about the childminder's childcare experience and demonstrates her clear understanding of the National Standards.

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Organisation

All legally required paperwork which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place. Most parental permissions have been obtained, though written permission regarding the use of an assistant is not yet in place, along with clear records to show when the assistant has sole care of children. Remaining records are clear and confidentially stored.

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Organisation

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 was asked to ensure she held all necessary records relating to children's care and to keep appropriate signed consent forms. Most parental consents have been obtained and children's records are up to date.

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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.

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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 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): • obtain written confirmation of parent's consent for children to be cared for by an assitant • keep records of the times that an assistant has sole care of children

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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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