Edgar Sewter Community Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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124585 Unique Reference Number 01 February 2008 Inspection date Gillian Cubitt 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 registered in 1984. She lives with her partner and adult daughter in a house in Thornton Heath which is situated in the London Borough of Croydon. There are good links to public transport, parks, shops and toddler groups. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden. The childminder is registered to care for four children and is currently caring for two children under eight years on a part time basis. The family have four cats and one rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a suitable environment were appropriate steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection. Children know to wash their hands after using the toilet which promotes their awareness of personal hygiene. Occasionally, children forget to wash their hands at lunch time, although wet wipes are always available which encourages children to keep their hands clean. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities in ensuring the required records are in place in the event of children needing medication. However, the childminder has recently restarted

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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 minding children and no medication records are yet documented. Through discussion, the childminder demonstrates she is not fully aware of the need to obtain parents' signature prior to medication administration which does not fully support the system to protect children's health by ensuring instructions from parents are written clearly. Also the childminder has not yet updated her first aid training. This is a breach of regulations, however, the childminder has made arrangements to attend an appropriate course in first aid which will suitably support children’s health needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's nutritional health is promoted as the childminder ensures she is well informed of their dietary needs and these are adhered to. Children enjoy a balanced diet and the childminder is aware of children's likes and dislikes and provides food children enjoy. Freshly prepared meals of chicken and rice dishes are provided as well as chicken nuggets and pasta. Fresh fruit is also available during the day to encourage healthy eating. Meal times are sociable occasions where children sit together at the table and generally chat about their day. Children enjoy their warm chocolate drink in the cold weather and have access to regular drinks throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is fostered as they have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Children use local parks and have outside play equipment. Children also use the garden in warmer weather. Children have opportunities to rest when they need, having the use of a comfortable sofa to relax to have a nap, look at books or watch a favourite TV programme.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a suitably safe and welcoming environment. They play with a wide range of toys that are well maintained and appropriate for children's age and stage of development. Children help themselves to the toys with ease as they are kept at low level in boxes on the floor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is supported because the home is secure. They are supervised when they go into the rear garden because the childminder has identified possible hazards, such as the motorbike which is parked on the patio. A fire blanket is in place to protect children, although the smoke alarms are not fully operational to ensure children’s safety in the event of a fire. Children learn safety measures when eating as the childminder shows them how to use cutlery correctly. When on outings, children know to stay close to the childminder and to secure themselves correctly when riding in the car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Vulnerable children are suitably protected as the childminder is aware of her responsibilities to safeguard children. She has knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and in the event of any concerns, advice is sort. The childminder makes use of the local borough's guidance to refer to in the event of any concerns she may have.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment to ensure they are stimulated and enjoy their time at the setting. Toys include creative activities of paints, mark making tools and paper, board games, puzzles, Duplo, Lego and play people. Children also have access to books and games consoles and resources are regularly rotated to sustain children's interests. Young children have a range of experiences to explore throughout the day and are taken to various groups of interest.

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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 are secure and settled as they have developed positive relationships with the childminder. The settling in procedure further supports children's security as they visit the home with their parents to familiarise with the new environment and the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy building blocks, playing with small world figures and trains. They enjoy pushing dolls in pushchairs and develop good skills using the radio controlled car and other interactive toys. The childminder interacts well to support children, answering questions and joining in with their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy listening to stories and spend time with the childminder to share the experience. They benefit by looking at the pictures and sharing their thoughts about what they see. They enjoy expressing themselves in drawing pictures which helps their developing minds.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Equal opportunities are suitably promoted in the setting as the childminder ensures an inclusive environment where all children are made welcome. Children have access to a good range of toys suitable for both boys and girls and children make independent choices of what they would like to play with. As a result, gender stereotyping is minimised. Children have access to some toys that reflect positive images of culture including books, puzzles and small world play people. Children also benefit as they are taken out to places of interest in the local community. As a result, children familiarise and experience the diverse society in which we live.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are secure and settled in the setting and have developed positive relationships with the childminder and each other. Children's self-esteem and confidence is fostered through use of verbal praise, support and encouragement. Children behave well as consistent boundaries are in place which prevents confusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has not had direct experience of minding children with disabilities or special educational needs, although she is aware of the importance of working closely with parents and other agencies if the need arose.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed positive relationships with parents and the required records are in place to ensure contact can be made easily if required. Parents receive appropriate information about children's general wellbeing as verbal communication takes place on a daily basis. Parents receive some information about the childminder's responsibilities in caring for children as issues are discussed at the start of childminding and as they arise. These include matters regarding safeguarding children and the procedure for making a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has just started caring for children again after a period of not childminding. She ensures the necessary checks for adults in the household are in place and she is aware of the training required as part of her registration. To this effect, she is organising a course to up date her first aid training in order that she complies with her registration requirements.

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Organisation

Most required paperwork is in place to support children's wellbeing and safety, although the daily register is not well maintained and there is some lack of clarity over administering and

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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 recording medication. The childminder complies with her registration conditions in that she displays her certificate in her hall and ensures she keeps to the ratios as stated in the certificate.

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Organisation

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 childminder did not have any children on roll but a recommendation was made to ensure that she updated her first aid certificate. This was not carried out because the childminder was not actively engaged in childminding which is a breach of the terms of her registration. As she has recently started childminding she has made steps to organise appropriate training in first aid. The childminder was also asked to develop a knowledge of local child protection procedures and ensure that her documentation is available for inspection at all times. As a result the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the procedures if she has a concern about a child and she keeps adequate documentation pertaining to her childminding business.

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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 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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure that times of arriving and leaving are clearly noted in the daily attendance record • improve fire safety by ensuring that smoke alarms are in working order • establish systems to ensure that parents give written permission prior to medication being administered

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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 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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