Sherborne Abbey Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 144414 Inspection date 12 January 2006 Inspector Liz Corr

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1992. She lives with her husband and three daughters. They live in a four bedroom house in the N1 area of the London Borough of Hackney, on the boarder with Islington. The premises are close to most public transport links. Local parks and playgrounds are also nearby. Areas to be used for childminding are the kitchen, living room, toilet and washing facilities on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden.

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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 The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for one child under 5 years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely environment where there are satisfactory procedures to keep children healthy. Older children learn the importance of self care as they are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. They have regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air during trips to the local park. However, there are occasions when children are exposed to cigarette smoke from other areas of the home. Children benefit from a clear sickness procedure which is discussed with parents and available in writing. Consequently, children are suitably cared for when they are ill. Children's health is safeguarded by the use of suitable documentation to record the administration of medication and accidents. However, permission has not been given for emergency medical treatment. The childminder provides opportunities for children to eat and rest according to their

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Helping children to be healthy

needs. Meals are provided by parents. There are good communication systems in place to ensure that parents are aware of what their child has eaten throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally safe and well protected. Accidents are minimised by the appropriate measures in place. For example, the kitchen table cloth is secured to the table and suitable furniture is used for children's comfort and safety at mealtimes. Children are beginning to learn about road safety; they are reminded when it is safe to cross the road. There are good procedures in place to ensure that children are collected only by appropriate adults. Children's safety is promoted by the appropriate use of fire safety equipment including, a smoke alarm and a fire blanket. However, there is no emergency evacuation plan available which would further enhance their safety awareness. Children benefit from the childminder's clear understanding of how to recognise and report child protection concerns. This includes reporting allegations made against her, or her family.

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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 enjoy their time with the childminder. She is very attentive and gives regular praise and cuddles. Consequently, children develop a strong sense of self that builds their confidence and self-esteem. A good selection of play equipment is available that is suitable to the children's stage of development. Resources are stored at child height, but are not easily accessible. This limits their ability to make choices and gain independence skills. Children are praised and valued for their achievements. For example, the childminder claps her hands when a baby discovers how buttons work on push and pull toys. The childminder talks to children as they play, asking appropriate questions to extend their learning and natural curiosity. Children are learning about numbers and colours in everyday situations. For instance

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as they play with toys the childminder counts with them. She draws their attention to colours in the selection of age appropriate books. Frequent visits to local drop-in sessions ensure that children enjoy a variety of messy and creative activities as well as developing social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about the world around them through outings to local drop-in sessions and parks. The childminder is very aware of the needs of the children in her care but her resources do not include sufficient equipment which could be used to promote disability awareness and equal opportunities. Children receive individual care because their needs and circumstances are known to the childminder. This helps ensure children are settled and secure. The relationships with parents are professional and friendly. Good information is available at the beginning of the placement and they are well informed of their child's progress. This has a positive impact on the children's overall wellbeing and development. Children are happy and content, relating well to the childminder. She manages their behaviour according to their understanding and stage of development. They are praised and encouraged for their achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a generally good understanding of the National Standards for childminding. She demonstrates a commitment to updating her childminding knowledge through further training. This has a positive impact on the learning, safety and wellbeing of the children. Though, she has not familiarised herself with new information, such as Birth to Three Matters, which would enhance the care offered to children. Most required documentation is in place, however some lack the necessary detail.

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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 There are appropriate systems in place to record the administration of medication and accidents. This provides additional reassurance to parents that their child's welfare is being monitored. Parent's views are valued and systems are in place to share information both verbally and in writing.

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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

Since the previous inspection the childminder has improved her record keeping by ensuring that her register contains the times of children's arrival and departure.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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): • ensure that smoking does not take place in the presence of minded children at any time • improve safety by devising, practising and recording an emergency escape plan • improve organisation of equipment so that children are able to make choices • increase resources which can be used to promote disability awareness and equal opportunities • ensure that parents sign relevant consent forms, permission is given for emergency medical treatment and improve the outcomes of children from birth to three by using an approach in line with Birth to Three Matters

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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 procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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