Bromesberrow St Mary's Church of England (Aided) Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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115675 Unique Reference Number 24 October 2007 Inspection date Linda Margaret Nicholls 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 1994. Registration is for a maximum of four children. There are currently six children on roll, one of whom is full time. Registration does not include overnight care. The childminder lives with her husband and two adult daughters. They live in Crayford, Kent. The living room is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have a cat, a rabbit and some fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop an understanding of personal health and hygiene practice through everyday routines. The childminder ensures the play equipment is clean so that the risk of cross infection to children is minimised. Children wash their hands before eating food. The childminder reinforces social conventions explaining their need to put their hands over their mouth when they cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of colds.

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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 Children enjoy regular physical activity and develop positive attitudes to exercise with daily walks to and from school and trips to local play parks. They enjoy walking through local woods. Children know how to relax. They go to the childminder for hugs and cuddles, sit quietly or lay on the sofa when they need a rest. Children learn about healthy food because the childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure individual dietary needs are met. Children have access to water throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children who have an infection do not attend which prevents the spread of contagious illness. Accident records are recorded several to a page so confidentiality is not effective. All required documents are clearly maintained and emergency contact numbers are held. Parents are effectively informed and prepared well for emergencies, for example, when children may be taken ill or there may be a serious accident requiring emergency treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and adults are welcomed into an organised and well maintained home. The floor space is uncluttered and children can make independent choices from free standing toys and storage boxes. There is good natural light and adequate ventilation. The home has comfortable furniture and clean bright décor. Children select from a good range and variety of toys which are checked daily for repair or discarded. Cleaning routines are followed at the end of the day before toys and equipment are tidied away.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children cannot access rooms or items such as cleaning products because the childminder ensures these are secure. The childminder routinely completes an informal risk assessment of her home ensuring children play safely. The home is secure. Fire safety recommendations are in place and an emergency exit procedure has been considered. However, this has not been discussed with parents nor are children aware of what to do. Public liability insurance is current.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children feel cared for and secure as they are closely supervised at all times both in the home and at outside venues. Road safety habits are reinforced and she explains they 'know to wait at the next lamp post' when they walk down the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder is confident she has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Parents are informed of her professional role and the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. National and local contact numbers are available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are stimulated, supported and engaged in making items from stickle bricks and cutting out shapes. They engage the childminder in conversation and invite her to play schools. Children are confident and proud of their achievements as they demonstrate how the model see saw can swing round or how to cut out a circle and a square. She praises them when they volunteer to show her how to cut out shapes. 'That’s a brilliant square,' she says. The childminder displays their work so they know their work is valued. Children make purposeful and independent choices selecting from a range of good quality items such as a kitchen set, a teapot house, books, games and dolls.

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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 Children extend their developing physical skills as they help erect the pop up tent, negotiate through the entrance and sit cross-legged inside. They play in the garden, walk to school and spend time in local play parks. Children learn to respect differences, to care for others and to share toys. They have appropriate self control and understanding of right and wrong because the childminder responds to their requests, explains the behaviour she wants and gives gentle explanations when necessary. Children show a strong sense of belonging. They check the minute hand of the clock to tell the time and know they have had their fifth birthday.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children show confidence and have high levels of self esteem. They are respected and allowed to feel good about themselves because the childminder has a positive attitude towards physical and cultural diversity. She encourages children to acknowledge differences and provides a range of equipment such as books, puzzles, dolls and small world toys, for them to explore their ideas of the wider world. Children receive consistency of care because individual requirements and family preferences are recorded and discussed. The childminder is aware of the supportive role she will offer to children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities should this be required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children know how to control themselves and are caring towards living things. They treat the cat with great care as it recovers from an operation. They know the childminder's ground rules because she gives simple consistent explanations for the behaviour she wants. Discussion of behaviour management methods is undertaken at an initial meeting with parents and a record of incidents will be maintained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed about her policies and procedures. Written agreements are used and individual details are recorded. For example, GP details, medical information and adults identified to collect children are recorded. Signed permissions are held as good practice and daily information is exchanged ensuring potential concerns are resolved immediately. The childminder is aware to devise a procedure to resolve any complaints she may receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children show an established self confidence and sense of belonging in an organised and welcoming home. They demonstrate strong self worth and contentment. Children's imaginations are stimulated and engaged because equipment is provided to meet their individual abilities and needs.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps most documentation to a good standard although confidentiality is not met when accidents are recorded and an emergency exit plan is not discussed with parents. Information is securely held and readily available for inspection. The record of attendance notes when children are present. The childminder holds a current certificate in first aid for infants and children. The registration document is displayed. She is aware to inform parents and the registering body of any changes to her circumstances that may affect the welfare of children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

At the last inspection the provider agreed to recommendations to develop a procedure for dealing with complaints and to seek written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle. Children play safely and parents are reassured as these are now 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 have procedures for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents and to keep a record of complaints and their outcome.

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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): • consider discussing the emergency exit procedure with children and ensure parents are informed • consider developing a confidential method to record accidents when they occur

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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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