Castle Hill Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

124663 Unique Reference Number 15 January 2008 Inspection date Lisa-Marie Jones Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder has been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and three daughters aged 14, 13 and five years. They live in a house in a residential area of Coulsdon, which is within the London borough of Croydon.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to the whole of the ground floor, this includes the lounge, dinning room and kitchen, and bathroom facilities. Younger children sleep in an upstairs bedroom. There is a secure enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to provide care for five children under the age of eight years, she currently has seven children on roll under eight years and four children over the age of eight years. The family have two dogs, four chinchillas, 9 rabbits, six guinea pigs, two hamsters, a tortoise, two goldfish and three snakes. She currently supports children with learning and/or physical difficulties.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder makes visits to local places of interest, including parks and toddler groups. She has gained a NVQ level 3 in childcare and is also a member of Croydon's Childminding Network and the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children have an excellent understanding about the importance of good hygiene practices, they take part in activities that are meaningful to promote hand washing and hygienic practices. The home environment is extremely clean, brought about by effective hygiene practices such as regular infection control assessments that protect children from illness and risks of cross infection. All pet animals have designated areas and are housed in clean accommodation and do not pose a risk to any child.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive from a well balanced diet that meets their nutritional and dietary needs exceptionally well. Parents have access to written menus and have the option to provide their own meals for younger children and babies, the childminder has suitable storage and heating facilities to accommodate this.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in and enjoy an extensive range of stimulating physical activity, mainly outside in the fresh air, which also contributes to a healthy lifestyle. They regularly go on trips to the seaside and adventure parks and use climbing apparatus and wheeled vehicles in the garden.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are protected exceptionally well from the risk of accidental injury because the childminder gives top priority to identify and reduce hazards, therefore, children are able to move around freely and independently. Children's safety is further protected during outings as the childminder follows strict written procedures and uses appropriate safety equipment such as wrist bands and easily identifiable pinafores.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children choose from an extensive, wide ranging, quality play materials that are in excellent condition and are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They appeal to all ages and genders of children. Children have ample space to play in a very welcoming and appropriate location.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Local safeguarding procedures are fully complied with and the childminder has an excellent understanding of what to do if she is worried about a child. She has completed child protection training and has comprehensive written procedures to follow to ensure that children's overall wellbeing is paramount.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children develop strong relationships with the childminder, who is responsive to their individual needs. She plans a variety of activities and experiences for all children in her care regardless if they attend full time, part time or just after school. All activities support the children's development in all areas and include, local trips, topics and themes relating to festivals, small world play, and a range of art and craft activities. Younger children also have opportunities to develop their social skills through attending toddler groups.

p.3

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 are very happy and relaxed in the childminders care, they wander around confidently helping themselves to activities calling for the childminder to look what they are doing or ask for help. They readily take part in activities with the childminder such as threading and snuggle up on her lap to share stories.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children thrive in her care as she has excellent knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework and implements it well into the care she provides, therefore, encouraging the children to be skilful communicators and competent learners. Observations are done and photographic evidence is kept to share with parents. Written termly reports of the progress children have made and what they will be working on next are shared with parents.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practice for all children is actively promoted. Children's individual needs are given top priority at all times, all children are included and are encouraged to have a positive view of the wider community, through discussions and resources and covering topics and themes such as exploring foods from around the world.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is fully aware that some children have specific needs and is very proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. She has attended portage and Makaton training and is experienced in caring for children with learning and/or physical difficulties. Effective steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting, in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties to enable their progression of development and welfare.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond well to the childminder's consistent, calm approach. As a result children's behaviour is good and subsequently, they play harmoniously together. The childminder uses positive strategies to manage behaviour, which are appropriate to the age and understanding of the children. Children receive meaningful praise which encourages their confidence and self-esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from successful and professional communication between their parents and the childminder. Purposeful two-way sharing of information ensures high quality, consistent care. Settling in procedures ensure that children are happy and settle quickly in her care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from a well-trained and skilled childminder who is dedicated to childminding and providing outstanding care for children. Children flourish in a setting that is exceptionally well organised, where children receive excellent adult support to help them feel secure and confident and make progress in their development.

p.4

Organisation

Well written, comprehensive policies and procedures guide and enhance the childminder's daily practice. Overall, the high quality of the provision means that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Excellent progress has been made since the last inspection where one recommendation was set to seek written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. All parents have signed consent forms additional to their contract, therefore, children's health is now further protected and documentation is now up-to-date.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5