Chapel-en-le-Frith CofE VC Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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133538 Unique Reference Number 24 January 2008 Inspection date Gillian Little 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 was registered in 1996. She lives in Banbury with her husband and two grown up children. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, together with a bathroom and toilet on the first floor and a bedroom available for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play, although this is currently not in use due to improvement work. The family has a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to local parks. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding 11 children, all of whom attend on a part time basis. She also cares for children over eight years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy and benefit from physical activity as they have regular opportunities to walk to and from school and often visit the local park. A suitable variety of outdoor play equipment is

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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 available to develop physical skills, such as bikes, a see-saw, a slide, tents and sports equipment. Younger children enjoy joining in with dance routines shown on children's television.

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Helping children to be healthy

Satisfactory procedures are in place to ensure that children receive appropriate care in the event of illness or an accident. For example, the childminder has a current first aid certificate and ensures that children's health records are easily accessible.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to play in an acceptably clean environment. They learn to wash their hands after art activities or before eating, but older children share towels which increases the risk of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive an appropriate diet and have regular meal and snack times. They have sufficiently healthy snacks which the childminder provides, such as fruits, yogurts or plain biscuits. Sandwiches are available for children after school and drinks are freely accessible. However, the childminder does not always supervise young children while they are eating which increases the risk of choking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to play comfortably in a suitable environment which is welcoming with appropriate facilities and space. For example, a large living room is available for general play with an adjacent ‘den’ available as a quiet area for older children. Children use a range of suitable and safe toys and resources which they can access easily as the childminder sets them out ready for children's arrival and stores them at low level.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are generally able to play safely as the childminder supervises them closely most of the time. However, she does not fully minimise risks on the premises. For example, razors are accessible in the bathroom and a glass cabinet is unprotected. This increases the risk of injury to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate procedures are in place for the safe evacuation of children in the event of a fire. The childminder has a well thought out emergency escape plan in place and carefully considers the numbers and ages of children to ensure safe evacuation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children stay safe on outings as the childminder has appropriate procedures in place, such as teaching children about road safety and encouraging them to hold the buggy or wait for her at set points along a route.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's risk of harm from others is minimised as the childminder is familiar with her role in child protection. She is aware of possible signs or symptoms of abuse and knows what to do if she has concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children show a keen interest in what they do and develop a wide range of skills because there is an interesting range of activities for each age group. For example, children become engrossed while playing with play dough or playing with a toy kitchen and accessories. They readily talk about activities they have enjoyed with the childminder, such as face painting and Halloween activities. Younger children enjoy regular visits to the local toddler group where they have

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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 opportunities to socialise with others. Older children enjoy playing with the PlayStation and a variety of games, and they readily help the younger children with their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder supports children's play and learning well. She evidently enjoys her time with the children and becomes fully involved in their play. She is very kind, caring and patient, and frequently engages children in interesting and purposeful discussions. This effectively helps children to develop a range of skills in all areas of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled as they develop close relationships with the childminder and her family. They are relaxed, confident and chat comfortably to the childminder and visitors.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop positive attitudes towards diversity as they have access to a range of resources reflecting people from different backgrounds, such as dolls and books. The childminder helps children to learn about people's differences in a positive way and she discusses festivals that the children celebrate at nursery and school. Children benefit from the childminder's positive approach to equality and they learn to share, take turns and develop independence. The childminder encourages children to play with a full range of toys without discrimination. She knows children well, such as their temperaments and home circumstances, and is therefore able to meet their individual needs effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand responsible behaviour as the childminder uses effective methods depending on the children's ages and understanding. For example, she gives younger children opportunities to take time out from a difficult situation and discusses issues with older children as they arise. Her positive and consistent approach is a good example for children to follow.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from good continuity between the home and the setting as the childminder develops positive relationships with parents. Appreciative letters from parents indicate that they are happy with the care that their children receive. The childminder talks to parents daily about their children's welfare and she ensures that all parents have access to her useful range of policies.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time with the childminder as she has an appropriate sense of purpose, providing an interesting range of activities, promoting positive social skills and developing good relationships with parents. The childminder has appropriate skills and experience to support children in her care. However, there are some weaknesses in health and safety which impact on the children's welfare.

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Organisation

The childminder cares for a large number of children but she ensures that she always works within her ratios. She confidently demonstrates how she meets children's needs depending on their ages and abilities. She has a good range of documentation and policies which are well-organised and effectively shared with parents.

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Organisation

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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection concerns were raised about the suitability of persons caring for children, supervision on outings and childminding ratios. These concerns relate to National Standard 1: Suitable Person and National Standard 6: Safety. Ofsted conducted an unannounced visit to the premises and set the provider four actions. Two actions were set under National Standard 6: Safety, relating to security in the garden and the care of children over the age of eight years adversely impacting on younger children and two actions were set under National Standard 14: Documentation, relating to daily records of children's attendance and records of children's individual details.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A response to this action was received providing details of the action taken to ensure the National Standards are being met. Ofsted took no further action and the provider remained qualified for registration.

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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 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): • provide individual hand drying facilities for children • ensure that young children are always supervised while eating • ensure that hazards on the premises are minimised.

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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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