Castle School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 132133 Inspection date 21 October 2005 Inspector Denise Rosemary Olsson-Hildick

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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 was registered in 1998 and lives with her mother, husband and four children in Surbiton, Surrey, near local shops, parks, schools, bus and train routes. Children have access to the entire home though are discouraged from going upstairs alone and are not allowed into the loft conversion. There is an enclosed garden at the back of the property. The family have a hamster, goldfish, rabbit, four dogs and four cats. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children, of whom no more than 2 may be under 5 years old. She sometimes works with an assistant at her home and when

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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 she is present is registered to care for 5 children, all of whom may be under 5. The childminder walks and drives to schools to take and collect children and attends local playgroups and activity groups on a regular basis. Children who have a special need or speak English as an additional language are welcomed and supported. The childminder is a member of the local branch of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The family live in a spacious house with an enclosed garden, part of which is fenced off to provide a separate area for dogs. The home is warm, clean, well-maintained and suitably furnished. Children therefore play in a home that is well suited to their needs. The family have a number of pets including dogs, cats, a hamster, a rabbit and goldfish. Children have access to these, though only under supervision. Children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet, touching animals, playing in the garden and before meals. They particularly enjoy using the scented liquid soap, often smelling their hands after washing them. Nappies are placed in a nappy sack and disposed of in a covered bin. These precautions ensure children learn to look after their own personal needs in an hygienic manner. Opportunities for children to exercise and benefit from fresh air are provided by daily

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Helping children to be healthy

walks to and from school or playgroup, play in the garden, park or playground and regular visits to a children's gym club. In the summer they play outside in the shade of a gazebo. This ensures children enjoy a variety of vigorous activities outdoors with time to rest or sleep according to individual needs and preference. Children enjoy snacks of fruit which are carefully prepared and attractively presented. A sample menu for breakfast includes cereals, such as Weetabix, and toast. Lunch consists of grated cheese and cucumber sandwiches, boiled eggs with bread and butter, sweet potatoes with cheese and beans, noodles with beef or chicken curry with rice. Tea includes pizza, pasta, roast chicken or cheese on toast. Desserts consist of fruit, yoghurt, rice pudding or mousse. Snacks include dips with vegetable sticks, fruit, biscuits and cheese sticks. Sometimes children are involved in preparing meals. Parents who opt to provide meals or food for their children have these

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Helping children to be healthy

requests accommodated. The childminder checks with parents to find out if their children have any food allergies and ensures these foods are excluded from their diet. In this manner children eat and enjoy a balanced diet and learn to choose healthy options.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Care is taken to reduce potential hazards. For example, the childminder ensures that radiators are thermostatically controlled, there are locks on windows, stair gates to the stairs and kitchen, safety glass at low levels, cleaning materials and toiletries are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 stored out of reach, the garden and front door are secure, electrical outlets are covered and trailing wires are made safe. The bathroom door can be opened from the outside. Smoke alarms are tested regularly, a fire blanket is in the kitchen and an evacuation plan in place. Children are not allowed in the kitchen if the oven is on, though it rarely is during the day. Radiators that are too hot are promptly turned down. When children are taken out they sit in a buggy, have their hand held or wear reins. Road safety is taught. Car seats conform to British Safety Standards and seat belts are always worn. These sound precautions inside and outside the home ensure children play in a safe environment. If the childminder is concerned about children being at risk she will seek advice from

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

local professional agencies. Concerns and observations will be recorded. A limited knowledge of this issue may delay action taken to protect children at risk of harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play in the playroom or sitting room, selecting toys of most interest to them. Visitors are carefully introduced in order to enable children to feel at ease. Children play imaginative games together and with the childminder. For example, they talk together about holidays and decide to pack a case of food to take with them. Children who talk about monsters are reassured and the childminder turns anxiety into a game by taking the monster into the toilet to flush away. Children who are upset or out of sorts are picked up, cuddled and given a favoured toy to hold for comfort. Children enjoy playing with balloons, peep-oh, games of snap, creating with glue, crayons and tissue paper and watching TV. Children play together, sharing toys, talking and taking turns. Children take pride and pleasure in their achievements. Jokes are shared and children laugh. The childminder speaks to and about children with warmth, pride and understanding.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

New children are carefully settled in. For example, children visit many times together before staying alone. The childminder follows the exact routine children have at home and finds children special teddy bears to give comfort. The daily routine incorporates breakfast, a school drop-off, outings, lunch, quiet play while other children rest or sleep followed by tea. After this, children go home. Choice, independence, freedom of movement and warm attention from the childminder result in children taking great pleasure in their play. They feel confident, at ease and accepted for themselves. They enjoy being with friends and learn to share well. Children have access to a wide range of toys, materials and equipment that includes art materials, books, role play equipment, dolls, dressing up clothes, TV, games, a slide, a climbing frame, balls, bikes, puzzles, soft toys, baby toys, a kitchen station and small world people. These are easily accessible, stored in boxes on the floor, low

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

cupboards or shelves, and are clean and safe. Toys are regularly checked for safety, cleaned, discarded or repaired as necessary. This ensures children play with toys that are suitable for different ages, abilities and interests.

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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. Many materials portray a positive image of people from minority ethnic origins or in a non-traditional gender role. These include saris, books, cooking pots, puzzles, dolls, small world people and puppets. Books and small world people portray a positive image of people with a disability. The childminder treats all children without favouring one over another. Children have an entirely free choice of play materials. If parents object to girls playing football or boys playing with dolls, she explains that there is no cause for concern; children are finding their feet and experimenting with roles. If children participate in festivals from other faiths at school, the childminder encourages further discussion at home. As a consequence children learn about differences in society and respect other ways of living. Children with additional needs are made welcome. The childminder is aware that the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) offers support and advice on this issue. This approach ensures all children are welcome and included. Good manners in children are encouraged. The childminder demonstrates these, always saying please and thank you. She also shows polite, friendly and helpful behaviour, praising children for effort and achievement. Eye contact, smiles, hugs and cuddles are warm, frequent, genuine and kind. The house rules include not going upstairs, sitting at the table to eat meals, not jumping on the furniture or hitting others, saying please and thank you and sharing. The childminder's approach ensures children comply well with boundaries and learn how to behave in a courteous manner. Relationships with parents are good. The childminder talks to parents every day, discussing their child's progress and activities. She records this information in a diary

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and this, together with photographs, is sent home for parents. References are available and record parents' high levels of satisfaction. Warm relationships with parents result in children feeling confident, at home and at ease with a childminder they trust.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy playing in a well-organised home and garden, secure in a daily routine adapted to individual needs. They are able to choose activities of most interest to them. They benefit from the care provided by a skilled and enthusiastic childminder, well-supported by an assistant. Policies, records, systems and documents are up to date, comprehensive and stored in a confidential manner. These include, for example, a register, incident record, contracts, policies relating to lost children, emergency care and complaints

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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 procedures, consent for taking children in a car, taking photographs and applying sun lotion and plasters, and evacuation procedures. A comprehensive folder containing information for parents is available. Systems to record accidents and medication are in place, though not always fully completed. The registration certificate is not on display. Not all essential checks for family members are in place. Children's health and welfare may be affected by the limited nature of some records. The childminder has a current first aid qualification and uses Birth to Three Matters. She is keen to develop her skills with plans to undertake child care courses, particularly in relation to child protection. Children are protected and supported by comprehensive administrative systems designed by the NCMA, complemented by

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Organisation

those designed by the childminder, to ensure all their needs are met. Overall, 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 installed smoke alarms on the upper floor. This protects children's safety in the event of an emergency. Written contracts and systems to give medication and record accidents are in place. These ensure parents are consulted and informed about matters relating to their children. Her knowledge of child protection issues is limited and this reduces an effective response in cases where children are at risk of harm.

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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 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): • ensure all members of the household over the age of 16 years have a Criminal Records Bureau check

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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 • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues • ensure the registration certificate is displayed and that medication and accident records are completed

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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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