Pickhill Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

121510 Unique Reference Number 17 July 2008 Inspection date Teresa Elkington 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and three children in Crawley, West Sussex. The ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five, all of whom attend on a part-time basis and three children over five after school. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy home. Children are helped to develop an awareness of hygiene routines. For example, they are encouraged to wash their hands after toilet use; however this is not always extended as children are not encouraged to wash their hands in preparation for mealtimes. Although, the childminder provides a clean towel for children to

p.2

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 use when they wash their hands, they all use the same towel which does not prevent the risk of infection. The childminder excludes sick children, in order to safeguard the wellbeing of others. She has a current first aid certificate to enable her to handle minor accidents and a well stocked first aid box. There are clear systems in place to support children’s health requirements.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide foods for their children, which are appropriately stored and heated by the childminder. They enjoy snacks of fresh fruit and have access to drinking water to ensure that they are suitably hydrated. Children enjoy regular opportunities to engage in a range of physical exercise. Playtimes in the garden, walks, bike rides and regular visits to the park ensure that children develop a positive understanding of a healthy life style.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. The childminder makes effective use of space within her home to ensure that individual needs are met. Children develop their independence as they make choices as to what activities they wish to involve themselves in, as resources are accessible and suitable for their age of development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety within the home of the childminder is assured as she provides an environment where all risks and hazards are minimised. Smoke alarms and fire blankets have been fitted. However, no fire evacuation plan is in place to ensure that children act accordingly and safely in the event of an emergency. Children's safety is promoted when on outings and travelling in the childminder's car, as the childminder has suitable car seats and boosters available and children are appropriately restrained. Children abide by clear rules when out and about, promoting their awareness of road safety and the importance of staying safe.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and records any existing injuries that children may arrive with. However, she does not have the required information regarding local safeguarding children procedures, which does not ensure that the childminder can act in the best interests of the children if she has a concern.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Currently the childminder mainly cares for children after school. Children's confidence is being developed as the childminder knows them well and creates a friendly and relaxed atmosphere to ensure that they feel at ease and happy in her care. The childminder is warm and caring, making children feel comfortable and valued. Children benefit from the continued involvement of the childminder in their daily routines and their play, ensuring that their interests and learning are continually being extended. The childminder is on hand to support children whilst they do their homework.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to be independent as they choose and make their own choices as to the activities they wish to involve themselves in. The childminder recognises that children may want to relax after their day at school and is happy for children to make their own decisions about what they wish to be involved in, for example, watching their favourite programmes on the television. Children are provided with a varied range of activities, which helps them learn and develop. She provides a range of creative and cooking activities, times to relax, share stories and experience activities outside of the home, for example, visits to the park and outings to places of interest.

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated and well cared for as individuals, ensuring that their individual care routines are met which enables children to feel settled and secure. Children have opportunities to experience images of the wider world through the range of resources that are available to them. The childminder is committed to meeting all children's needs and ensures she obtains sufficient information to cater for each child's needs effectively.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to behave well through the childminders consistent approach that she adopts for her own and minded children. Clear explanations are given as to why behaviour is unacceptable. Periods of time out are initiated to allow children to reflect on their actions and understand that negative actions have a consequence. Children receive constant praise and encouragement from the childminder which promotes their feeling of self worth. Children benefit from the friendly and supportive relationships that are established between the childminder and their parents. The childminder shares information with parents on a daily basis highlighting children's activities and achievements and keeps them fully informed about her practice through regular reviews.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder adopts a flexible approach and organises her day effectively to ensure that the care needs of children are fully met. Children are protected well as the childminder ensures that all persons in the household are appropriately vetted. The childminder has acquired her certificate in first aid in support of her work with young children. The childminder keeps accurate records of children cared for each day and all of the required documentation is in place to support the welfare and well-being of the children. Confidentiality of the children is fully safeguarded as all records are stored appropriately.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the following actions were raised; complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children; obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children; improve knowledge and understanding of the regulation regarding complaints and make available for parents the procedures to be followed if they have a complaint.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken positive steps in addressing the actions raised with her. She has completed an appropriate first aid course which allows her to act in the best interests of the children in the event of an accident. The childminder has sought written permission from parents to allow her to administer any prescribed medication that children may need. A complaints procedure has been adopted where information is given to parents so that they are fully aware of how to make contact with Ofsted.

p.4

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

p.4

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 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.4

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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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): • improve hand washing routines • obtain current literature in regard to local safeguarding children procedures • ensure that an emergency evacuation procedure is in place.

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