The Campion School

Inspection report for early years provision

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137040 Unique Reference Number 08 October 2007 Inspection date Joanne Wade Barnett 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 1999. She lives with her husband and four school age children in Biggin Hill, Kent. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There are local shops, 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing a satisfactory awareness of hygiene procedures, for example they are supported with cleansing their hands with wet wipes before eating and wiping their noses. Individual paper towels are supplied for older children for hand drying. These aspects help

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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 avoid the spread of infection. However, methods for nappy changing are not always appropriate; children are changed directly on the floor, not offering them the most hygienic environment for this aspect of care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered some healthy snacks such as fresh fruit and treats are also given; for example biscuits or sweets. Children are offered regular drinks in their individual beakers to ensure they remain hydrated. Children take part in active and physical play; they play in the garden and enjoy walks in the local area. They also attend toddler groups where they have the opportunity to use physical play equipment. This helps promote positive enjoyment of physical activity. The required medical and health documentation are in place and the childminder has a valid first aid certificate, contributing to ensuring she is suitably equipped to deal with accidents or illnesses.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are safe and secure. Effective procedures for the arrival and collection of children, a clear knowledge and understanding of child protection and a good knowledge of the recommendations for sleeping babies, enables the childminder to contribute to safeguarding children's welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys are clean and safe and organised in easily reached containers. As a result, children are able to access toys independently and safely. There is a written evacuation plan and fire equipment is accessible and maintained appropriately. For example, there is a smoke alarm on each level of the property and a fire blanket is accessible in the kitchen. Therefore, children's safety is promoted in the event of an evacuation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Parents' permission is obtained to transport children in a vehicle and take them on outings. Clear procedures for outings are in place; for example, appropriate restraints and car seats are used and emergency contact details of the children and the childminder are readily accessible so that others can respond appropriately in the event of an accident. As a result, children's safety is promoted away from the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy in the care of the childminder who is kind and caring in her interactions. Children are provided with a range of activities. They enjoy playing with the dolls in the push chairs and soft toys. Children are supported in their play. For example, the childminder supports them with suggestions as they push along cars and trucks along the carpet or use various musical toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Praise, encouragement and positive intervention, help to build children’s self-esteem and confidence. As a result, younger children are beginning to make independent choices and develop their concentration. Regular visits out into the community help children learn about the environment, for example photographs show trips to large parks and walks in the woods. Children engage in some creative activities such as coloured crayons and pencils. Younger children enjoy exploring a range of brightly coloured plastic toys by shaking, pulling and pushing, but no natural objects are available to stimulate children's senses and develop their creativity.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well supported to enable them to learn to share and take turns, for example, by encouraging children to take turns in using the toy utensils in their imaginary picnic. Children are well behaved in response to the childminder's praise and encouragement. They receive cheers for achievements; for example, when they use electronic toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's personal cultures are successfully acknowledged by the childminder because she finds out about their needs and records them on the child's record form. Children find out about the local and wider world through visits out into the community, such as shops and parks. Resources to support children's learning about the diversity of our society are good with a wide selection of books and toys, such as small figures with disabilities in wheelchairs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A range of policies keep parents informed and support the childminder's service. Parental permission is obtained for relevant aspects of the service and contracts detailed business arrangements between the parents and the childminder. Consequently, the childminder is able to provide the service that parents request. Parents are made aware of the complaints helpline and the details of the complaints regulation is on file.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The organisation of the setting is good and contributes to positive outcomes for children. The environment is well organised and carefully prepared to ensure children's individual needs are met. The routine accommodates children’s individual needs and preferences throughout the day helping them to feel secure. All of the required mandatory documentation and consent forms for the safe and efficient management of the setting are in place and well maintained.

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Organisation

The certificate of registration is displayed and the attendance register confirms that the childminder complies with the conditions of her registration.

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Organisation

The childminder understands the importance of confidentiality and a good working relationship with parents. Parents provide detailed information about their child, to ensure the childminder can provide an appropriate service.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide written permission prior to administering any medication and to seek emergency treatment. All documentation for these aspects of childminding are in place.

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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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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 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): • ensure that gloves and mats are used to promote positive methods for nappy changing. • provide more opportunities for younger children to explore and investigate natural objects to further promote their creative development.

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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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