Warton Nethersole's CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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125650 Unique Reference Number 15 February 2008 Inspection date Freeda Wildon 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 registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Chatham, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is mainly used for childminding. A bedroom upstairs is available for sleeping and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. There are parks, schools and pre-schools within walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children under eight years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler groups and childminding groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean environment where they learn about personal hygiene through the routine. The childminder encourages children to wash hands before meal times, after using the toilet and outdoor play. Cross infection is minimised because the childminder has individual

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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 towels to dry their hands and the nappy changing mat is cleaned after each use. In addition, children who are ill and infectious do not attend.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's good health is promoted through healthy and nutritious snacks; the childminder talks to children about healthy food and uses books to help children understand about good health. Water is always available to keep children's bodies hydrated. Children gain a healthy attitude towards exercise because they walk to and from school; they get plenty of fresh air as they play in the park each day. Babies are gaining control of their bodies as they pull themselves up and cruise around the furniture.

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Helping children to be healthy

Accidents and medication records are available and parents' permissions are in place to obtain emergency treatment or advice. However, the system to record accidents does not ensure confidentiality. A first aid box and up-to-date first aid qualification help the childminder to act in the best interest of children should they become ill or have a serious accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Informal risk assessments undertaken by the childminder ensure that the children can play safely. They are able to move freely between the main areas exploring the world around them. The entrance is secure so children are not able to leave the premises unsupervised. Children have easy and safe access to a wide range of stimulating toys and resources appropriate for their age. Toys are clean and well maintained. As a result, children can play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective procedures are in place to keep children safe when they are away from the home. They are learning about road safety and about boundaries when they are away from the setting. Effective procedures for collection of children ensure children are protected from unauthorised adults. For example, a password system is implemented if a parent is not able to collect. This safeguards children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is an evacuation plan, smoke alarms and fire blanket to contribute to children's safety. Fire drills are discussed and practised with children, consequently, they are able to leave the premises safely if necessary. A sound knowledge and understanding of child protection enables the childminder to safeguard children's welfare. She has a clear understanding of the procedures to be followed if an allegation is made against her or her family. Although the childminder tactfully finds out from parents about accidents that happen at home she does not keep a written record to safeguard children's welfare. A record is kept of visitors during childminding hours.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a nurturing environment and, as a result, they are happy and settled. They are building positive relationships with one another and with the childminder. Young children clearly enjoy the childminder's company and look for her when she is out of sight. Some lasting friendships have been formed. Children enjoy the company of each other and the childminder. As a result, they are sociable. Children enjoy a range of activities that promote their emotional, physical, social and intellectual development. They have many opportunities for outings; they enjoy feeding the birds in the park.

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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 receive good support from the childminder; they are encouraged and praised. As a result, they are happy and stimulated. The childminder allows the children to lead the play; she organises the environment so children can access the toys and gives them choices. Constant praise and encouragement offered by the childminder shows children that their achievements are valued. Children's work is displayed on the walls; photographs displayed around the room allow children to see themselves at play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children are supported by the childminder as they learn to recognise and match numbers. Their language development is promoted through songs, rhymes and stories. Young children enjoy cuddling with the childminder to listen to a story. They are encouraged to handle books correctly and regular visits to the library help children develop a love of books. Older children attending after school are also supported by the childminder. She works with parents to make the transition from childminder to school go smoothly. The childminder attends several school events to support the children. When children arrive after school they are able to relax, do their homework at parents' request and join in the activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are secure in the care of the childminder because they are valued and respected. The children gain increasing self-assurance through strong relationships with the childminder. The childminder ensures that children understand the need to share and how to be kind. Children learn about right and wrong, and feelings through stories and gentle reminders from the childminder. Children benefit from lots of praise and encouragement and some ground rules.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive strategies are in place to manage children's behaviour which take children's ages and stages of development into consideration. Children find out about the local community through visits to the park, outings and childcare groups. A range of resources help children learn about the wider world, for example books and dolls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Evidence seen of references and 'thank you' cards demonstrating that parents are happy with the service provided. The childminder establishes secure partnerships with parents and carers recognising the importance of working together. She shares information about her childminding service and gives informal feedback to parents about their child's daily activities. Contracts detail business arrangements between childminder and parents to ensure that the childminder is providing the care required. Most of the required permissions from parents are in place. The childminder does not use a car to transport children but uses public transport. Although parents know that she does, she does not have written permission to transport children in a vehicle. Parents have access to the complaints procedure and a log is prepared to record any complaints. The procedure does not reflect the new regulation.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The home is well organised to meet the needs of children under eight years. Children are safe and secure in a warm caring environment. The childminder plans her day according to the individual children she cares for. The daily routine is balanced to include times for outings, rest, play, and for meals.

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Organisation

The childminder's portfolio includes evidence that all adults living on the premises have undergone checks to establish their suitability. The registration certificate is displayed for

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 parents to see the conditions of her registration. Most of the required documentation for the safe and effective management of the setting and to promote the welfare and care of children is well maintained and stored appropriately. The exception is the attendance register which is not always up to date and is recorded in pencil. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to make available, to parents, a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint. She has a complaints procedure with a log. Since then the new regulation has been implemented; the procedure or the log does not reflect the regulation. As a result, there is a recommendation from this inspection to ensure that the complaints procedure reflects the regulation. Outcomes for children are good.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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

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): • keep a written record of accidents that happen when children are outside the childminder's care • update the complaints procedure to reflect new regulation • ensure that the attendance register is kept up to date and recorded in ink.

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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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