St Nicholas Church of England Primary School, Porton

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

126404 Unique Reference Number 21 February 2008 Inspection date Jan Healy Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1997. She lives with her husband, one adult and one child aged 13 years. They live in a house in Halfway, near Sheerness, close to shops, schools, parks and the sea front. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, and children may sleep upstairs in a cot. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family own a pet dog.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children under eight. She drives to local schools to take and collect children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder helps to ensure the children in her care remain free from germs and cross-infection, as she encourages a high standard of hygiene. Children who are sick are not permitted into the setting. Should they become ill during their stay they are swiftly reunited

p.2

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 with their parents. This contributes in ensuring the children stay in good health and illness is kept to a minimum.The children are taught about the importance of personal hygiene, for instance, to make use of paper tissues when blowing their nose and to cover their mouth when coughing.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

An accident book is maintained, remains confidential and is shared with the parent concerned, so they are aware of any injury to their child. A first aid box is replenished with necessary items and the childminder holds a current first aid certificate, so appropriate care is given when required. Parents are requested for their written permission for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice, contributing in the prevention of the delay in the children receiving appropriate attention.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy a healthy and nutritious diet, which consists of fresh fruit and they are taught about the importance a balanced diet has on their growing bodies. Religious dietary requirements, allergies to particular foods and intolerances are respected. The children learn about the necessity to keep their teeth clean and to take regular exercise. The older children are aware of the effects physical activity has on their bodies, as they listen to their beating heart and notice how they become hot. The children help themselves to fresh drinking water, which helps to enhance their independence.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children have the advantage of being cared for in a warm and welcoming home, which is well maintained, clean and tidy. They play games and take part in messy activities, whilst sat at the dining room table. This not only makes for a sociable occasion but also helps to extend the children's vocabulary, as they chat freely to each other.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Where the children take part in physical games including the throwing and catching of a ball, with increasing accuracy, and ride-on wheeled toys, learning to avoid bumping into each other.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures the children access safe and suitable furniture and equipment, which aids their comfort and development. This includes the use of a highchair, to enable the younger children to sit at the table to join the older children during mealtimes. A booster seat and step is available in the bathroom, so the children use the facilities without adult help. Consideration is given to the age of the children and to their stage of development, when purchasing resources, so the children have the best advantages.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder helps to keep the children safe whilst in her care as she takes appropriate precautions to eliminate injury and accidents. All dangerous items, such as cleaning fluids and sharp objects such as knives, are kept out of the children's reach. An emergency evacuation plan is in place, so the children leave swiftly from the nearest available exit, which remain clear at all times. When transporting the children in a vehicle consideration is given to their safety, by providing each child with a booster seat or restraint. When going for walks the children are taught about road safety and how to avoid getting lost.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has reasonable knowledge and understanding with regard to child protection issues, however, due to the changing of legislation this requires updating. She helps to keep the children in her care happy, giving thought to their welfare through the building of a strong rapport with them all. Therefore, they are confident and feel secure in her presence. Pre-existing

p.3

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 injuries are recorded and an explanation requested from parents, contributing to the collating of evidence if necessary.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children have fun whilst being cared for by the childminder as she provides age appropriate, interesting and challenging games and activities. The children play with their friends, for example, when painting pictures of their choice and when printing with sponges. They mix their own paint and learn about the names of a wide range of colours. They enjoy listening to musical tapes and dance in the garden, expressing their thoughts and imagination. The children dress up in various outfits, including a doctor and nurse, and act out roles they have experienced. They bake, which furthers their mathematical understanding, as they weigh and measure the ingredients. The children participate in physical games, including climbing, which they do so with increasing confidence. They learn to throw and to catch a ball with increasing accuracy and enhance their strengh and stamina when making use of large apparatus in the local park.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are cared for according to their individual needs. They receive the attention and care they require, to help them grow to be independent and confident learners. Both girls and boys have equal access to all the resources available. They are encouraged to use their imagination, for instance, when making models of their choice using recyclable material. There are a broad range of opportunities for the children to learn about the wider world, with books, dolls and jigsaws which reflect diversity. The children celebrate festivals that have meaning to them and learn about the culture of others.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder seeks the views and opinions from the parents about any learning difficulties and/or disabilities the children may have. The childminder is then able to plan a suitable range of activities that will aid them to progress and to flourish in their development. She keeps the parents informed about any further concerns she notices and works in partnership with them, to find suitable strategies for encouraging their efforts.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive behaviour management strategies are in place. The children play and learn in a harmonious atmosphere, where the accomplish a high level of confidence and self-esteem. Clear and realistic boundaries are agreed with the children and as they are happy to be in the childminder's company, so they behave well. Consistency is applied as the parents are provided with a written policy, so there is no misunderstanding or confusion.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The parents have the benefit of being provided with a prospectus about the setting, which details the childminder's policies and statements. They share written contracts, which are updated when changes occur. The parents are kept up to date about the procedure to follow in the event of them wishing to raise a concern, so the delay in resolving a problem is eliminated. Each child has a record of their achievement, including samples of their artwork they create during their stay. The parents have ready access to such records as they are openly shared. This also provides the parents with an insight into what the children take part in during their attendance.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She is very caring and gives great thought to ensuring the children in her care remain content during their stay. She has many years experience of caring for young children and is knowledgeable about child development, which contributes in the promoting of the children's progression. The children are supervised when indoors and on outings and are protected from adults who are not vetted. An attendance register contains details about the children's arrival and departure times, so they are accounted for in an emergency. All records remain confidential, being shared on a need to know basis, to protect the children's personal details.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was requested to develop her accident and medication records, which she has done so. This helps to protect the children's good health and keeps the parents up to date about any injury to their child and about any medication administered.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • continue to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5