The Churchill School

Inspection report for early years provision

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133367 Unique Reference Number 25 March 2008 Inspection date Rosemary Davies 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 registered in 1991. She lives with her husband and an adult daughter, in the Botley area of Oxford. A children's centre and other local amenities lie within walking distance. The childminder can take children to and collect them from, local schools and pre-schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children may use the entire house. A fully enclosed rear garden is available for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. Her registration permits her to care for six children under the age of eight years, at any one time. She currently minds six children aged from one to five years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder offers provision for children learning English as an additional language.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about healthy living well when with this childminder. They benefit from daily exercise and fresh air. They develop their physical skills well through using a wide range of suitable physical play equipment either in the back garden or at parks nearby. Children learn

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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 good personal hygiene routines too. Older children know they wash their hands after using the toilet, while younger ones have their hands wiped for them. Children use disposable paper towels to dry their hands, which helps prevent the spread of infection well. The childminder reads well-chosen stories to them about staying healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder uses a number of other suitable procedures to prevent the spread of cross-infection. She ensures her assistant uses proper nappy changing routines, for example. Children use a very clean home environment as the childminder is systematic in her cleaning schedule. She replaces the playroom rug annually. Parents receive clear guidance about when to keep their children at home if unwell. The childminder keeps her first aid skills updated and monitors the contents of her first aid box to make sure everything remains in-date and sterile. Consequently, children receive appropriate treatment if required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children drink according to their needs, with older ones helping themselves from the refrigerated water dispenser. Children learn about healthy eating through growing vegetables with the childminder. The childminder has a written policy which gives details of the healthy, home-cooked meals she provides. The policy does not make clear to parents that some items are unacceptable for packed lunches, although she discusses this with them. Children's packed lunches are stored appropriately, so that perishable items remain fresh.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder places children's safety at the heart of all she does. She seeks, takes and acts on the advice of outside professionals to ensure children's safety when both in and outside her home. For example, she has recently replaced all smoke detectors and has had the suitability of her emergency evacuation procedure checked with the appropriate authority. The childminder understands the principles of risk assessments. She conducts these with her assistant, so that both use the same procedures to maintain a safe environment. Children learn how to keep themselves safe. They use the Oxfordshire 'Footsteps' road safety system, learning how to cross roads safely. The childminder extends this by involving children in games, such as table top 'traffic lotto'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded extremely well. The childminder is keenly aware of her responsibilities in regard to child protection. She keeps her training updated and knows the correct lines of communication to be followed, if needed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use an extremely well maintained and child-friendly home environment. They play in a designated playroom, which is made welcoming with bright displays of children's work, pictures and posters. A wealth of high quality toys and resources are readily available to the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy the activities and experiences provided by this childminder and her assistant. They quickly become confident in her home, moving around freely to choose what they wish to do. They are relaxed and comfortable in the company of both the childminder and her assistant; relationships are very good.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All areas of children's development are promoted well. She often follows the children's lead, which helps ensure that activities match their individual interests. Children enjoy making marks

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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 on paper, with older ones drawing recognisable shapes. They experience a wide range of craft and pretend play activities, such as painting, playdough and dressing-up. They use early mathematical vocabulary in their play and enjoy listening to stories. Both the childminder and her assistant speak clearly and appropriately to the children. They use positive prompts, such as nods and smiles, repeating words and using good eye contact, all of which helps the youngest children in their efforts to talk. Children's experiences are widened through a good range of outings, such as to local shops, the children's centre or on walks in nearby woods.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are most warmly welcomed and included in this childminder's home. Children's individual needs are recognised and accommodated extremely well. Any children learning English as an additional language have their home cultures acknowledged. The childminder provides appropriate books, for example, and displays some words in their first language. A close partnership with parents and carers underpins this successfully. Highly effective lines of communication helps the childminder find out all she can about the children before they start with her, so that their individual needs are met. A wide range of resources help children learn about the diversity of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shares her methods most effectively with parents and carers. She produces many clear suitable, written polices, which parents and carers are welcome to peruse at home; individual copies are available if requested. This includes sharing the written Behaviour Management Policy, so that a consistent approach can be taken. The childminder makes sure her assistant understands this policy. Consequently, both treat children the same, adopting a positive approach. They often praise children's efforts and contributions, which encourages them to try new things. Children know just what is expected of them because both adults give clear explanations and make sure children understand what will happen next and what is expected from them. Children quickly learn that they take off shoes and hang up coats, when they come into the house; they know that they eat food at the table and not in the playroom.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

As a result of all this, children behave extremely well. The childminder makes sure parents and carers know about her complaints procedure and how to contact the regulator, Ofsted, should they so wish.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She takes a professional and committed approach to childminding and ensures that her assistant understands and follows her methods. Both are fully aware of their responsibility for protecting children from persons who have not been police checked. The childminder takes regular training to keep her knowledge and skills up to date. She organises her home and time effectively for childminding purposes.

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Organisation

All required documentation is in place, although the childminder has not sought written permission from parents for children to be left alone with her assistant. A full range of written policies helps parents and carers to be fully aware of her methods. A daily register is kept appropriately, adult to child ratios met and the registration certificate displayed. Documentation is kept securely and is ready for inspection.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection, the childminder was required to address two recommendations. These related to children's safety and the provision of resources. The childminder has addressed both issues appropriately and, consequently, the care provided for children has improved.

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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): • obtain written permission from parents and carers for agreed times when an assistant may be left in sole charge of the 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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