Sarratt Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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117404 Unique Reference Number 17 March 2008 Inspection date Sally Hall 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 1996. She is registered to provide care for six children under eight years of age, and is currently caring for six children. The times they are minded varies during the week. She is able to provide overnight care for two children. She lives with her husband and son. They live in a house in the St Budeaux area of Plymouth, close to local amenities, schools, parks and shops. Children are mainly minded downstairs and have access to a secure garden. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Devon Childminding Association. She takes children to toddler groups and the local library.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a very clean environment. Good standards of hygiene are maintained within the home. Children learn the importance of washing their hands before meals, after going to the toilet and after messy activities from a young age. They receive appropriate care in the event of being unwell. Parental consents are in place to seek medical advice or treatment in

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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 an emergency. Documentation is in place to record accidents and when medication is administered. The childminder ensures she keeps her first aid certificate up-to-date.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have healthy meals provided, or parents provide meals. Their dietary needs are known and they are encouraged to try new foods and have healthy snacks of fruit. Children have plenty of fluids throughout the day which ensures they remain well hydrated. The childminder has competed the Basic Food Hygiene course and good standards of hygiene are maintained in the kitchen. Children have regular opportunities to be physically active. They have plenty of space to play indoors and a secure outside play area with a good range of equipment. They enjoy fresh air on local walks, visits to the beach, attending local groups and going swimming.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a very safe and well organised environment. Regular risk assessments are completed and sensible precautions have been taken in the home and garden to minimise risks to children. They are safe in an emergency as appropriate fire equipment is in place and fire drills are practised frequently. They are supervised well at all times. Children have use of a well set up play room with posters displayed on the walls. They have access to a very good range of equipment that is all in good condition and checked regularly. Children's safety is given high priority, sensible precautions are taken when out with the children and the car insurance covers minded children and appropriate car restraints are used. Children sleeping overnight have their own room in which to sleep and the childminder is able to easily hear them should they be unsettled.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are further protected by the childminder's secure knowledge of what to do in the event of a child protection concern. She has information to refer to should the need arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are happy and secure with the childminder, they have a varied day planned to provide them with a good range of play opportunities. The childminder is very aware of children's individual interests and their different stages of development. However, some activities children can complete easily and do not build on what they know and can do and provide challenge. Children freely select the activities they wish to use and spend time concentrating on their chosen tasks, for example, setting up and playing with a train set. Children have a range of craft activities, painting, and play dough. They have tunnels, sand and water play in the garden.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children participate in daily activities within the home, such as hanging out the washing, and also when out shopping with the childminder. These opportunities are used to engage children in learning to count, recognising colours and learning about their community. Children cared for overnight are treated as family members. They are able to play on the Playstation; the time is limited to ensure that they access all the play facilities and the very good range of toys. Children value the toys and learn to tidy up and share.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about diversity through using resources to raise their awareness, such as books and puzzles. They celebrate festivals throughout the year, for example, Christmas and Easter

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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 when they make cards for their family. They have many opportunities to socialise with other children during the week, attending local groups and visiting places of interest, such as Paignton Zoo, Crealy Park, local beaches and going on train trips.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a sensitive awareness should she be approached to care for a child with learning difficulties. She ensures she liaises with parents to provide consistency of care and that each child's individual needs are met to ensure they are secure, confident and happy. Children learn good social skills and know to say 'please' and 'thank you'. They have boundaries within the home that they are familiar with and they receive praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's parents are kept informed on a daily basis of how their child has been. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure their wishes are respected and still has regular contact with children she has previously minded. She is very flexible to accommodate parental shift patterns. She has information displayed for parents including what to do if they have a concern. Parents are reassured particularly if their child is unsettled on arrival. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure consistency of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a homely caring environment by an experienced childminder who is aware of the importance to keep up-to-date with current legislation. She ensures she provides good quality care and consistency for children and liaises closely with parents. She talks with affection about the children she cares for and the personal and social confidence she sees them making, for example, being confident in leaving their carers and socialising with other children at local groups. The day is planned to give children a range of play opportunities including daily outings.

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Organisation

Children's records are all in place to support their placements and are regularly reviewed. The childminder is aware to keep Ofsted informed of any changes and is confident in ensuring the National Standards are met. She ensures confidentiality with children's records and has information to share with parents.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children she provides care for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, two recommendations were made to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice; and to obtain information regarding child protection procedures. The childminder has added to her resources and has information on child protection in which to refer. These improvements have given children further play opportunities and ensured the childminder has relevant information should the need arise.

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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 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): • continue to extend play opportunities to promote children's learning and to provide them with challenge.

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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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