Redbridge Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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133940 Unique Reference Number 21 July 2008 Inspection date Charlotte Jenkin 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 satisfactory. 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 1997. She is registered to care for six children under the age of eight years. She is currently caring for three children under the age of eight years on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her two teenage children. Their house is in a residential road on the Southwold development, on the outskirts of Bicester. It is in walking distance of local shops, pre-school and school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Childminding takes place mainly on the ground floor. There is a garden, but this is not currently available for children's outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children to the local pre-school and attends a toddler group on a regular basis. The family have three pet cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds the Extending Childminding Practice qualification (CHACHE).

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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 satisfactory. Children play in warm, clean premises where suitable standards of hygiene are maintained. Children's health is well protected by a childminder who has an up-to-date knowledge of first aid and is aware of the correct administrative procedures to follow if children have an accident or require medication whilst in her care. However, no written consent from parents has been gained for seeking emergency medical treatment and this has the potential to put children's health at risk in the event of a serious accident occurring. Children's health is promoted through the hygienic routines implemented in the provision, including hand washing, nappy changing and ensuring cat food is not within the children's reach. This helps prevent the spread of infection. The sickness policy is formally shared with parents and this helps reduce children's exposure to unnecessary illness.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has discussions with parents regarding children's dietary needs and allergies and these are all documented and catered for. Children bring their own lunches to the childminder's house and these are stored appropriately in the fridge to protect the children's health. Older children have discussions with the childminder in conjunction with school activities regarding healthy eating and making healthy choices with regard to food. Children have access to drinks at all times and this ensures they have enough fluids whilst in the childminder's care. Children's dietary needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children walk to school daily, thus, they have frequent access to fresh air and exercise. Children regularly visit the park where they play on a range of large equipment. They also visit a local toddler group, which offers the children a range of physical activities, including ride on toys, climbing castle and cars. Indoors, children are able to use the rockers, tents and tunnels. They do not currently use the childminder's garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in welcoming premises where space has been organised to meet the needs of the children. For example, they have areas for eating, resting and plenty of floor space for free play. Toys are set out daily to welcome the children into the home, and they are made to feel included as part of the family. Children have access to a wide variety of toys that help promote their development in all areas. A suitable selection is brought out daily to encourage children to choose those they wish to play with and these are rotated to enable children to have more choices. Toys are checked for safety and children, therefore, play with those that are suitable and age appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in safe premises as the childminder has identified potential hazards to the children and minimised these to promote safety and prevent accidents in the provision. For example, potentially hazardous materials are in locked cupboards, sharp objects are out of reach and the premises are all secure. Hence children are able to play in safety. The garden is all secure, but is not currently in use as the childminder has assessed it is not currently suitable for the children. All fire precautions are in place. Although the evacuation plan is not practised with young children, it is discussed with the older children to ensure they are aware of how to evacuate the premises in the event of a fire occurring. On outings, the childminder uses appropriate

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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 equipment and older children are taught the importance of staying in sight of the childminder and how to cross the road safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is supported by a childminder who has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. The childminder shares her child protection duties with parents and this helps promote their wellbeing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They demonstrate a secure relationship with the childminder, who is warm and caring towards them. Children enjoy their time in the setting and laugh and giggle whilst playing with the childminder. For example, children show their delight when playing 'Peek a Boo'. The childminder interacts very well with the children and promotes their language development well. For example, when playing with the cars they talk about the noises it makes and the wheels on it. Children are, therefore, confident in communicating their needs and wishes to her. Children eagerly explore the toys on offer and persevere to gain new skills. For example, when solving puzzles. The childminder supports them well and gets down to their level to encourage them in their play. This helps children develop their concentration skills. Children have opportunities to go out and socialise with other children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and to develop their physical skills. They are able to develop independence through choosing the toys they wish to play with. They also have access to art and craft activities, solving puzzles, reading stories and singing. Older children contribute to planning for the holidays and help make decisions regarding the activities they wish to participate in. For example, craft activities, visits and outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has an in-depth knowledge of children's interests and abilities. She identifies the activities the children enjoy, their individual stage of development and plans a range of activities based on these to further support their development. These are well shared with parents and further areas of support are agreed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals and are valued and respected by the childminder. She is aware of the need to promote positive images of diversity for the children and has a good range of toys and equipment to help children develop respect for others. They also have opportunities to learn about the lives and festivals of other cultures. For example, during Chinese New Year the children visited a local celebration where they saw 'Dragon Dancing'. Children have regular opportunities to socialise with other children through attending local groups and socialising with other childminder's and their children. They also have regular walks in the local community to the shops, library and local parks. This helps children learn about their environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of the methods to use for managing children's behaviour, including the use of praise and encouragement. She is a good role model, being polite and respectful to the children, and this helps them learn right from wrong. Behavioural issues are discussed with parents if needed, to ensure consistency is offered to the children both in the home and whilst in her care. Children's behaviour is, therefore, good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the sound partnership with parents as they have their routines respected and are cared for in line with parents' wishes. Parents are welcomed into the childminder's

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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 house and provided with information regarding the childminder's policies and the procedures she is required to follow as a registered childcare provider. Parents receive daily feedback regarding their child's wellbeing, their routines and also the activities they have taken part in during the day. They also receive feedback regarding their child's development and are invited to contribute their ideas on further areas for development. They are made aware of the contact details of the regulator in case they wish to make a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by a suitable and appropriately qualified childminder. However, she is in breach of a regulation as she has failed to carry out the required checks on her own children over the age of 16 years, to ensure they are suitable to be in contact with children. However, there is little impact on the welfare and care of the children as they are well supervised by the childminder and not left alone in their care. The childminder records an accurate record of children's attendance and this shows a true record of when the children are in her care. She maintains the required adult to child ratios and this means children receive suitable adult support. Hence, she is able to meet the children's needs through her flexible routine, as well as her knowledge of children's interests, likes and personalities.

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Organisation

Some required consents have been gained from parents regarding their children's participation in routines. However, some of these have been overlooked, for example, taking children on outings, swimming and for seeking emergency treatment. This does not ensure the childminder implements the wishes of the parents regarding the care of their children. The childminder implements most policies and procedures to promote the welfare of the children in her care. She has most required paperwork in place, and this is stored securely to protect children's well-being.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that parents are aware of how they may contact Ofsted if they have a concern.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Parents now receive details of the regulator and are informed of how to make a complaint. They sign to acknowledge they have received this information.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection no complaints have been 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 than 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 satisfactory. 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 all necessary consents are gained from parents regarding their child participating in activities and routines, including swimming, outings and seeking emergency medical treatment • ensure all adults living in the house undertake required checks to ascertain their suitability to be in contact with 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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