Monkton Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 118697 Inspection date 22 September 2005 Inspector Caroline Preston

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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 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 registered 1988. She lives with her husband and two sons aged 13 and 19 years. The family live in a cottage in Rainham, Essex. She works in partnership with her husband who is also registered. The whole of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children aged under 8 years at any one time. She is currently minding 9 children under 8, 3 children were present during the inspection. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene, each child has their own colour coded flannel and towel and are confident using the bathroom. Effective daily routines and the childminder's own good practice prevent cross infection. Parents give prior written consent to administer medication that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs, however consent for emergency treatment has not been sought from the parents. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. This means she gives appropriate care if there is an accident. Children have a good choice of nutritious and attractively presented meals. This helps children develop good eating habits. They have choices of the following, brown rice, peas ,roti- curry, pasta salad, fish soup, a range of sandwiches and breakfasts. The childminder gathers all relevant information regarding diet and medical history.

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Helping children to be healthy

This ensures children's individual dietary and medical needs are met. Large play equipment in the outdoor area give children the opportunity to practise and develop physical skills. They confidently swing on the large swing , slide down the slide, run around using lots of large muscles whilst enjoying themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a spacious well- organised environment. This allows them to move around and play safely. They have access to a large through lounge which is child centred and organised so that children can freely choose from a good range of stimulating play resources. Good deployment of the childminder, her husband who is also a childminder and her son who is an assistant guarantees children are well-supervised and safe at all times. Soft furnishings allow babies to crawl without hurting themselves, they play using baby rings and mats. The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if she has concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Good quality, stimulating toys provide balance and challenge such as the role play area offering a range of dressing up clothes and toys for pretend play. Children play robustly in the garden swinging high on the swing and sliding fast down the slide. They talk to each other and enjoy their experiences through play. Children benefit from regular visits out to the City Park, St Georges Park and Valentine Park. Children are interested in the activities available and spend time drawing and playing group games.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the world through outings and activities that introduce them to other cultures such as trips to more diverse areas to use local amenities like Valentines park. Children enjoy respectful relationships with adults and each other. They are beginning to develop confidence and self- esteem. There are good systems in place to support children who have special needs, the childminder has a positive attitude to inclusion of all children. The childminder gives daily feedback to parent's about their child's day . This helps provide children with consistent care between home and nursery.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The large playroom is well laid out and the childminder shows a clear understanding of her role in supporting the children in their play and learning, children have easy access to a good range of learning opportunities such as role play, imaginative play, and many opportunities to look at books. All documentation required for the safe and effective management of childminding is in place. This contributes to the welfare of the children, 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 last inspection, the childminder has improved children's safety. She has completed appropriate checks for persons over 16 years living in the household and records children's attendance in a daily register.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted have received one complaint relating to standard 2:Organisation concerning the childminding assistant being left alone with children. This was investigated during the inspection, as a result of the complaint Ofsted are recommending that parental permission is sought so if at any time this occurs parents are aware and have agreed; the provider continues to remain qualified for registration.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain written consent from parents regarding emergency medical treatment.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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