Blackbourne Church of England Voluntary Controlled Middle School, Stanton

Inspection report for early years provision

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124859 Unique Reference Number 29 November 2007 Inspection date Sandra Patricia Jeffrey 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 10 years, in a quiet residential area, close to shops, schools and parks in the London borough of Croydon.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family home has three bedrooms and bathroom on the first floor. Minded children have access to the ground floor lounge, kitchen and toilet. There is also a secure back garden for outside play. The family has two pets, a cat and a hamster.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children aged under eight years at any one time, at the time of the inspection there were three children on roll, one of whom was present during the inspection visit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and welcoming home environment. They learn the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines, such as washing their hands before and after meals and after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is protected because the childminder obtains appropriate consents to give medication and has good systems in place to keep records of health needs and accidents. The childminder can respond promptly to minor accidents or injuries because she has an up to date first aid certificate and has obtained written parental permission in relation to emergency treatment. This safeguards children's health and welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The dressing is in the first aid box however, need to be replenished and changed regularly as they are currently not fully sufficient or suitable in some cases. The childminder has clear and effective polices in relation to caring for sick children and acts in the children’s best interests if they are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are clear and effective policies in relation to the family pets. Minded children have limited contact with the pets and are reminded to wash their hands after petting them. This promotes children's health and safety.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy a wide range of physical activities, which includes attending 'Wiggle and Jiggle' sessions at the local library, a local ball park and a 'Space-zone' venue in Beckenham. Some children also enjoy swimming on a one to one basis with the childminder on occasions. The childminder described a good understanding of the benefits of visiting other environments with the minded children to broaden their experiences and to ensure younger children's physical developmental skills are encouraged.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy eating freshly prepared meals and snacks, such as shepherds pie at tea time and kiwi for mid-morning snack. Children are encouraged to eat fresh fruit and at least one serving of vegetables each day. This helps children recognise food that is good for them and helps them develop good eating habits.

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Helping children to be healthy

A sample menu is available for the parents to view in the portfolio and the childminder respects parental wishes and has a good understanding of the individual dietary requirements of the children in her care. This ensures food meets the children’s individual dietary needs. Fresh drinking water is also available throughout the day and the childminder encourages children to bring in their own cups from home if the wish, to encourage them to drink more. This fosters their sense of belonging.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a safe, secure home environment. They have access to a good range of suitable toys and resources that are made easily accessible to them. This helps to make the children feel welcome in the setting and encourages them to make choices and decisions for themselves.

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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 They have good space to play and rest within and are kept safe by the effective safety precautions that the childminder has ensured are in place. Including suitable fire safety precautions incorporating regular emergency evacuation practices. This helps children become familiar with the routine in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities to safeguard and protect children's welfare if she is worried about a child in her care and has a written policy which is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure and confident in the care of the childminder who is caring and attentive to the children's needs and set ways. Children receive lots of affection from the childminder and respond well to the attention given to them. The childminder ensures she has good knowledge of the activities the children in her care enjoy and she works closely with the parents to ensure she is meeting the children's needs continually.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a good range of activities that are stimulating and well balanced for all ages. The activities are planned on a monthly basis and incorporate a theme such as the four seasons, counting and special celebrations such as mothers and fathers day. A good balance of adult and child initiated activities help children to make progress in their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are interested in the activities available and spend time concentrating on self-chosen activities such as completing numerous floor puzzles and counting and reciting songs and nursery rhymes. Children are also allowed to watch the occasional children's programme on the television, but this is limited and not actively encouraged.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with respect and receive praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem. This contributes to the children’s sense of wellbeing. All children are welcomed into the home. The childminder values each child as an individual and makes sure she finds out about their needs, likes and interests before they start. The childminder has a written equal opportunities policy and encourages all children to take part in all activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is a positive role model and has a positive attitude towards diversity, involving the children in acknowledging festivals and cultural celebrations, such as Eid, Easter and Christmas. The children have access to a good range of toys and resources that reflect people from different backgrounds, with different beliefs and with different abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder cares for minded children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and displayed a positive attitude to caring for such children. She has a kind and calm disposition with the children and is very attentive to their needs. Appropriate strategies, according to the age and stage of development, are used to help children understand right from wrong. The childminder is kind and quietly spoken and the children respond well to her guidance.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers is very good. Regular informal discussions with parents ensures a good two way flow of communication and continuity of care for the children.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a clear understanding of her role in supporting the children in their play and learning. The children benefit from a well-organised environment where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The day is well-planned allowing children time for quiet and active play.

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Organisation

There is sufficient space to play and the children can easily reach toys and play materials. Children can move safely around the home because there are effective safety precautions in place. This helps children to make the most of the play and learning opportunities provided.

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Organisation

All of the children's records are up to date, include the necessary details and are stored in a way which promotes confidentiality. The childminder treats all information relating to the children and their families in a sensitive manner and all mandatory records are in place, confidential and generally very well maintained. This ensures the safe and effective organisation of the setting in order to promote children's welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

During the previous inspection, several recommendations where made in relation to improving the service provided.

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Improvements since the last inspection

These related to practising the emergency escape plan, providing parents with details of the procedure to follow if they have a complaint, obtaining relevant safeguarding children (child protection) guidance and requesting written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to ensure the garden fence was made safe or inaccessible.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken appropriate action to ensure that all of the recommendations set, have been addressed, which has resulted in the more effective and safe running of the setting.

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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 then 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 the contents of the first aid box are replenished and changed regularly

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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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