Chawleigh Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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128684 Unique Reference Number 09 November 2007 Inspection date Silvia Richardson 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 1997. She lives with her husband, who is approved to work as the childminder's assistant, and their two children aged 13 and eight years. They live in a house close to shops, parks, library and public transport links. There is on and off-street parking available. The whole of the property is suitable for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family keep fish in an enclosed indoor tank.

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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. There are currently 11 children on roll, attending on a sessional basis. The children are aged from one to ten years; of these, five are daily minded and six are minded before and/or after school, for various sessions. The childminder holds the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ): Early Years Care and Education Level 3. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and a Network childminder. The childminder is also a member of the Bunbury Childminding Group.

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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 play and move around in a clean and tidy home and have access to hygienically maintained facilities, promoting their health and welfare. The childminder follows good hygiene practices for nappy changing, placing a protective mat on the floor and disposing of nappies in an enclosed bin, minimising risk of cross-contamination. Children are developing good personal hygiene habits. The childminder encourages them to wash their hands when they get in from school, before meals and snacks and after coming in from the garden and using the toilet. The childminder provides a clean hand drying towel every day and older children are encouraged to be independent in the bathroom.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range and balance of nutritious meals and snacks, including protein options in sandwiches, and puddings with a good source of calcium, such as yoghurts. They have plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, and drinks are offered frequently. The childminder asks the children in the morning, what they would like in their sandwiches, so that they have choices of fillings, that they like and enjoy. Children's individual dietary needs and parents preferences are respected, such as excluding dairy products and providing for the needs of vegetarians. Children are encouraged to eat healthily, although they do not always talk about food nutrients and foods which are beneficial to their health, when making choices and during meal times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have some excellent opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise, helping them to be healthy. When children come in from school, they enjoy playing outside in the garden. They have use of sturdy climbing equipment and a good sized area to run around. Children go for walks during the day, as part of their routines, such as to the shops, park and community groups. Suitable records are kept, supporting children's health needs, including records of any accidents that may occur. Childminding policies are in place, including appropriate agreement and procedures for administering medication, protecting children's health and welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and secure in the setting, because good safety measures are in place. Base units and drawers in the kitchen are fitted with safety catches, electric sockets are fitted with covers and safety gates are fitted in various locations. Fire safety precautions include, working smoke alarms, a fire blanket and extinguisher easily accessible in the kitchen. Children practise fire drills, so that they know what to do and how to stay safe in the event of emergency evacuation of the premises. The childminder keeps good records to support safety procedures in the setting and these are available to parents, so they are reassured and kept well informed. Children are appropriately supervised in the home and garden, helping to keep them safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Furniture and equipment are well maintained, so that children stay safe. Toys for younger children are stored at low level and on the floor in the conservatory, enabling them to access and reach these safely. Play materials for older children are safely stored on open shelves higher up. Children can see and get to know what resources are available to them and the childminder will get these down for the children. Older children play with Lego for example, on the floor in the lounge, rather than in the conservatory play room. This ensures that younger children do not have access to toys with small parts, avoiding choking hazards. Children are kept safe and

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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 protected should safe-guarding concerns arise, because the childminder follows the appropriate guidelines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the home, because the childminder is warm, caring and attentive. Children have easy access to a good range of toys and equipment, so that they can help themselves to what they want to play with. The childminder sits with the children, talks to them and plays with them, so that they feel secure and confident. Children are making good progress, because the childminder provides a good range and balance of activities, in and outside of the home, including opportunities to mix with other children. Children are thriving in the setting, because the childminder understands and meets their individual needs effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

School age children enjoy familiar routines, promoting their welfare. When they get in from school, they remove their shoes, hang up their coats and go up to the bathroom to wash their hands for tea. Children have opportunities for active play in the garden and choose from a large selection of games, construction and creative play materials, so that they are purposefully occupied. Children relax in the living room, either playing on the floor or may choose to watch a suitable children's video from the Disney collection. The childminder spends time with the children, often supporting them in seasonal activities, such as making things for Christmas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides some excellent, well presented written information for parents, so that they are fully informed about the childminding service. They use contracts to formally agree arrangements and regularly discuss children's developmental and care needs, promoting children's welfare. Positive partnerships with parents are well established, enabling children to receive consistent care, appropriate to their needs. The childminder caters well for specific needs, including children with learning difficulties, so that they are fully integrated into the setting. Children are helped to feel good about themselves and their achievements, because the childminder creates an inclusive environment in which every child matters.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children for whom English is an additional language are supported well and the childminder uses books in dual language to help with communication. Diversity is acknowledged and respected, through the provision of a range of toys and books, portraying positive images of differences. Children play well together, are learning to share and take turns, helping them to become sociable. They are encouraged to develop good manners, saying please and thank you as appropriate. The childminder is clear with older children, about acceptable ways of behaving and children are frequently praised to help them behave in desirable ways. The childminder has a behaviour management policy and this is discussed and agreed with parents, so that approaches are consistent.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Adult members of the household are properly vetted, ensuring their suitability to be with children. The childminder is fully qualified in childcare and early years, to NVQ Level 3 and in paediatric first aid, enhancing her practice. She keeps her knowledge up-to-date, attending

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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 many short courses run by Lewisham Early Years. Childminding policies and procedures are in place, supporting good practise in the setting. Suitable records are kept, including daily registers, so that the childminder accurately accounts for the times children are in her care. The childminder complies well with new regulation, including displaying 'no smoking signs' and signs encouraging hand washing. The home is well organised, so that children have freedom of movement and choice of play areas. Children are secure and settled, because they enjoy consistency and familiar routines. The childminder organises her time effectively, so that children receive plenty of attention, help and support with activities. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has make available to parents, a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint.

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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

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): • develop children's knowledge and understanding, of food nutrients and the benefits of healthy eating

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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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