St Breock Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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137142 Unique Reference Number 02 November 2007 Inspection date Susan Linda Capon 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 has been registered since 1999. She lives with her husband and their nine year old child in a house situated in the London Borough of Bromley. All areas of the home are available for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under eight years old at any one time. She is currently caring for three children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She holds an NVQ Level 3 qualification in childminding practice. The childminder makes regular use of the local amenities including parent and toddler groups and parks.

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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 spend their day in a clean home free from the spread of infection. The childminder implements her 'keeping children healthy' policies and procedures throughout her home. For example, she sterilises the babies toys weekly and washes the soft toys monthly. She uses good nappy changing routines and children use separate bedding when they sleep or rest, during the day. The childminder washes the bedding frequently, preventing the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing good hygiene routines as they wash their hands after using the toilet and before all meals, using liquid soap. Each child has their own colour coded hand-towel, preventing the spread of infection. They use a tissue to blow their nose and understand the importance of washing their hands after touching the animals at Christmas Tree Farm. Children are developing their awareness of the importance of handling small animals carefully, protecting themselves from being bitten or scratched.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminders good accident and medication procedures, keeping them safe at all times. She has a complete first aid kit stored inaccessibly to the children in the home and an additional kit available for outings. The childminder records all accidents and medication administered, sharing the report with the parents at the end of the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents do not bring a sick child to the setting, helping to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder insists children on antibiotics do not attend the setting until they have taken the medication for 48 hours, ensuring the children's safety should they have an allergic reaction. She keeps parents informed and updated if a child becomes unwell at her home, monitoring their situation regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

All the children enjoy regular physical exercise as they practise their sliding skills in the garden. They enjoy splashing around in the paddling pool, during hot weather and playing with the tent and tunnel in the garden. The children protect themselves from the hot sun with sun cream.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy food and drink every day, helping them develop strong teeth and bones. Fizzy drinks and sweets are limited, keeping the children's teeth and gums healthy. The childminder offers children regular drinks of milk and water although they do not generally access these independently.

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Helping children to be healthy

All the children are developing a good understanding of the importance of healthy eating through regular topics and discussions with the childminder. They are encouraged to choose healthy options for snacks and to try new foods. For example, some children particularly enjoy bananas and grapes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Younger children enjoy the meals provided by their parents. The childminder discusses healthy options for inclusion with the child's parents, helping them maintain healthy eating at all times. The childminder follows safe food handling procedures when she stores the children's lunches in her refrigerator, keeping them fresh for the children to eat later in the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children sit together to eat their meals, sharing the social occasion as they discuss their day and share their news from home. Younger children in high chairs sit close to the table, ensuring they are fully included at all times.

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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

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a warm and welcoming home making them feel at home and part of the family. They have ample space to move around freely as they explore their environment in safety. The home is well-organised, providing suitable areas for children to play, sleep, rest, eat, enjoy 'messy' activities and spend time outdoors on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children freely access a good range of toys, activities and equipment each day, meeting the developmental needs of all the children currently attending the setting. The childminder organises her resources well, storing them in large containers, making them readily accessible to the children. She rotates her equipment on a regular basis, ensuring children enjoy an interesting and stimulating environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children under two years old use appropriate equipment for their individual developmental needs. For example, travel cots for sleeping and high chairs for eating. The childminder has sufficient equipment, ensuring individual children use a separate travel cot for sleeping during the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All the childminder's household furnishings are safe, clean and suitable for all the children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe and secure when playing indoors and outdoors. The childminder has identified all potential hazards in her home and garden, taking suitable steps to minimise these, preventing unnecessary accidents. For example, she fits a stair gate to her lounge, preventing young children accessing her stairs and front door. This in turn stops them leaving the premises unnoticed. She uses a stair gate on her kitchen, only removing this to enable children to access her downstairs toilet or garden under her direct supervision. Her garden if fully secure, drains are covered and she closes her side gate, using a high bolt. She does not use her water feature when children are present.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe when using the large play apparatus in the garden. Parents give written consent for their child to use this apparatus. Only older children use the large trampoline in line with the childminder's procedures and under her direct supervision, keeping children safe at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children practise the fire evacuation procedures with the childminder, ensuring they all understand how to react in an emergency. The childminder supplements this with working smoke alarms on all floors and a suitable fire blanket secured in her kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All the children are developing their awareness of keeping themselves safe when away from the childminders home. They use appropriate car seats when travelling in her vehicle and she ensures the child locks are working on her car doors, preventing children opening these themselves. The childminder uses the Green Cross Code when crossing busy roads, developing the children's understanding of the dangers of busy traffic. Younger children use a buggy or wrist restraint when walking close to busy traffic. The childminder carries every child's emergency contact details in her telephone, enabling her to contact their parents in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the childminder's sound working knowledge and understanding of managing child protection issues appropriately. She records any existing injuries children may have, sharing the records with the parents. The childminder keeps local information readily available for help and advice if required. Parents see the policy and procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very confident in the setting as they play together and alongside one another. They have a good relationship with the childminder. She supports their learning and development as they play together on the floor. Younger children are developing their independence skills as they select their own resources and feed themselves at mealtimes. Older children put on their own coats and shoes and use the toilet without help.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young babies enjoy exploring the various toys readily available for their use. They happily babble and gurgle with delight as they explore the musical toys and the sounds they can make when they press the different buttons. Children are developing their mobility skills as they roll over competently and start to crawl. They enjoy exploring the talking dragon, laughing happily when he speaks to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Toddlers enjoy playing with the post box game as they throw the coloured dice and post the relevant letter in the red post box. They are fully aware the childminder has a letterbox in her front door. Children enjoy building a castle with the large bricks. They happily help the childminder to tidy them away when they have finished playing, placing them in their special container. Younger children are developing their awareness of safety as they pick up the small flags, keeping them away from the young baby attending.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play imaginatively with the toys available. They enjoy cooking with the play kitchen and playing with the tent in the garden. Other children enjoy dressing-up activities at the local toddler group.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder extends the children's language and mathematical skills as they play together. Children sit on her lap, exploring the '10 little ladybirds' book counting with the childminder as she tells the story. Toddlers competently count to three with the childminder's support.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children enjoy art and craft activities after school in another room away from the younger children. This prevents their artwork being spoiled by eager hands, exploring the unsuitable materials.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a range of outings. Younger children enjoy their regular visits to local parent and toddler groups, local parks and a music group, socialising with other children at a similar age and stage of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

During the holidays children enjoy visits to a Birds of Prey centre, Christmas Tree farm and Godstone farm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder records the individual development and progress for younger children, recording this information in a contact book shared with parents. Individual developmental milestones are included in the record, for example, new words. She uses Birth to three matters framework when organising her activities for the children under three years’ old, providing suitable activities for these children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing their knowledge and understanding of other people and the world about them through the wide range of toys and activities they regularly access, for example,

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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 they enjoy reading the Rosie and Jim book, depicting people in a wheelchair and playing with the play foods from around the world. All the children play with everything available with the boys pushing the dolls around in the buggy. Older children particularly enjoy learning more about other cultures and festivals. For example, Chinese New Year. Younger children enjoy learning about bonfire night at the local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder incorporates each child's individual needs into her daily routine, providing continuity of care for every child attending. She gathers detailed information from parents, implementing this in her setting at all times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

New children settle quickly through the excellent settling-in procedures implemented by the childminder. Regular initial short visits over a number of weeks enable children to develop confidence in the childminder and her setting. The childminder suggests parents of very young children bring a blanket or cover with their scent impregnated, enabling children to settle quickly when sleeping and resting during the day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents quickly develop confidence in the setting, enabling them to return to work safe in the knowledge that their child is happy and content in the setting. The childminder supports the parents well, during the initial separation, preventing them from feeling guilty at leaving their child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's previous experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She is fully aware of the information she requires, ensuring she provides appropriate care for every child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child development, enabling her to identify a child not developing appropriately. She shares her information with parents, supporting them as they seek help and advice. The childminder supports the parents and children, working closely with other professionals when required, enabling children to reach their individual potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All the children behave well. Older children have a good understanding of the house rules. The childminder rarely needs to implement the ultimate deterrent of 'time out'. Younger children explore their boundaries safely, developing a good awareness of the importance of being careful around young babies. The childminder uses a calm, consistent, positive approach regularly praising and encouraging the children's efforts and achievements. All the children are developing good self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder develops good relationships with all the parents as they work together to provide continuity of care for the children. Parents are very pleased with the care provided for their child as the childminder develops a good bond with the children, providing a home from home environment. The childminder has a flexible approach to the days children attend whenever possible, enabling parents to work shift patterns or have extra days at minimal notice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder implements the detailed contracts, identifying the expectations of both parties at all times. She gathers additional information, relating to individual children's likes and dislikes, using this information when planning activities in her setting. For example, she is aware one child dislikes insects and flying things. The majority of required parental consents are included in the contracts although some are incomplete.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are in the care of suitable persons at all times. Household members remain the same and the childminder has suitable emergency cover arrangements, using another local childminder. She never leaves the children with un-vetted persons.

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Organisation

The childminder carefully maintains her daily registration at all times, keeping the children safe and secure. Changes to her conditions enable her to provide care for more children in the future.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminders professional approach to her work. She has attended numerous training opportunities and completed her NVQ Level 3 in childminding practice since the last inspection. Other training attended includes 'working with parents' and Birth to three matters documentation', updating her childcare skills and personal development.

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Organisation

The childminder records each child's attendance in her daily register, including their individual arrival and departure times. This ensures the childminder is always aware of exactly who is on her premises at all times.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's detailed records and suitable policies and procedures, relating to their care, welfare and learning. All records are securely stored, maintaining confidentiality at all times.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps Ofsted fully advised of any significant events or changes to her setting. She keeps abreast of any changes to the National Standards, implementing these immediately. For example, she displays her registration certificate on the parent notice board and makes the latest inspection report available to parents through her portfolio.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made the required improvements since her last inspection. She has added additional resources to her toys and activities, promoting positive images for all areas of equal opportunities, enabling children to learn about other people and the world about them.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder ensures all her accident records are signed by parents, ensuring they are fully informed about their child at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 children have access to fresh drinking water at all times • ensure all written agreements with parents include consent to seek emergency treatment

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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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