St Margaret's CofE Voluntary Controlled Junior School, Rainham

Inspection report for early years provision

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118699 Unique Reference Number 25 February 2008 Inspection date Caroline Preston 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 1990. She lives with her husband and adult son in Romford in the London borough of Havering. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day and one child over five before and after school. The family have three cats and two gecko's.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have many good opportunities to engage in large physical play which supports their physical development. In the well laid out garden children use the small trampoline, two small play houses, swings, sand and water play, range of bats and balls. Children are encouraged to walk a lot for example, to and from school, trips out and to the local park; therefore children regularly are engaged in exercise. Children learn about good hygiene practices as they wash their hands after using the toilet, they have easy access to paper towels and soap, posters

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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 reminding children about hand washing supports their understanding. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, therefore is aware of current first aid procedures, which supports children’s health. All required documents are complete including accident and medication records and permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment. Children are offered freshly made meals that encourage awareness of healthy foods. These include fresh vegetables and fruit, pasta, fish and chicken, water, milk and juice and yogurts.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children learn through a good range of play resources that are appropriate for their stages in development and learning. These include books, dolls, and board games, dressing up clothes, creative play resources and imaginary play toys. Children have easy access to play resources that are stored around the front room; children can choose what they want to play with, therefore encouraging independence and choice. They have plenty of floor space to move and play, the room is warm and child friendly and attractively arranged with posters displayed around the room. Children are kept safe as good steps have been taken by the childminder to ensure all safety hazards have been addressed. Daily risk assessments are carried out on the inside and outside of the home, children practise regular fire drills, all safety equipment is in place. The childminder holds current public liability insurance, which is displayed for parents

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to see. Children are protected from possible abuse, as the childminder has very recently competed refresher child protection training. However has not updated her written policy in line with new information given at the training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have many good opportunities to learn through play. They play freely with the large bricks and take part in imaginary play as they use the woodwork table and tools. They take part in trips into the local community including the local library and play chasers. They take part in creative activities such as gluing, painting and colouring. Children put together puzzles, developing small motor skills and mathematical development. Children use the computer often using educational games that encourage word and sound, and develop their computer skills. Children explore magnets, learning how they work, therefore children are stimulated and engaged, they have formed good relationships with each other and the childminder. This therefore supports children’s feelings of self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about diversity as they have access to a good range of play resources including dual language books, dolls from different ethnic backgrounds, small world people reflecting disability and dressing up clothes. The childminder supports all children’s individual needs well, she finds out about their cultural background to promote their own identity. There are good systems in place to support children with any learning difficulties. Children behave well and are aware of the house rules. Strategies used include distraction and explanation according to the child’s understanding. Therefore children learn what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. Partnership with parents supports the care of each child. Daily exchange of information by the parents and childminder ensures all children’s needs are met. Parents are given a good range

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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 of polices and procedures about the childminding service, therefore are aware and up to date with the childminder’s childcare practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation of the childminding is good. Children take part in play that supports their development, space and resources are arranged so that children learn and develop. All household members are safe to be around children and all required documentation is in place including the daily record of attendance and children's ratios are maintained at all times, therefore children are cared for well. The childminder has completed training in child protection and health and safety in the workplace, this means she shows a good attitude to further training and updating her childcare knowledge. She has developed a good range of policies and procedures that supports the childminding offered. Therefore this supports children’s development. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to ensure all accident records are maintained and all parents' contact details are available. All records are in place with all relevant contact details, these improvements support children’s care and learning.

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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. 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 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): • update policy regarding child protection.

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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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