Brington CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 110827 Inspection date 19 July 2005 Inspector Jacqueline, Ann Connell

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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 has been registered since 1985. She employs a full-time assistant. She is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children under 8 years, of whom, no more than 3 may be under 5 years and, of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year at any time. When working with an assistant, she is registered to care for 10 children under 8 years, of whom, no more than 6 may be under 5 years and of these, no more than 2 may be under 1 year at any time. She is not registered to provide overnight care. She is currently caring for a total of 22 children on a part-time basis. The childminder lives with her parents and cousin in a semi-detached house close to

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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 centre of Four Marks, near Alton. Minded children are cared for in a self-contained extension consisting of a playroom and toilet. The kitchen facilities are shared with the family. There is a secure garden for outdoor play. Children do not have access to the family's pet cats. The children visit the mobile library and go for walks in the local area. The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association [NCMA] and belongs to the local Childminding Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, well-maintained playroom, which the childminder uses solely for childminding. They learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care by washing their hands before meals, after playing outside and after using the toilet. They play in the garden regularly and enjoy walks to see the local steam train or to visit some near-by horses. This provides them with fresh air and contributes to their good health. Children develop control over their bodies and practise new physical skills as they, for example, dig in the sandpit, climb on the climbing frame and ride on wheeled toys. The childminder is aware of the children's dietary requirements and encourages parents to supply the children's meals and drinks to ensure she is meeting any individual needs. She stores these appropriately and offers children frequent breaks for drinks so that they remain healthy. Children have biscuits at snack time but do not

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Helping children to be healthy

have the opportunity to experience healthy eating options. Babies sleep in a quieter area at one end of the playroom. However, the childminder does not offer older children who attend all day the opportunity for a quiet time and this means they are sometimes very tired and sleepy during the afternoon.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely, welcoming environment where they have space to play freely and are able to move around independently. The childminder has identified and minimised most risks in order to keep children safe, although she has not ensured the front door is secure from the outside. She gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety outside the home. Children independently select their own toys from the range of play materials which meet their developmental needs. She checks the equipment regularly to ensure it is safe and clean for the children so that they are free from harm.

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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 The childminder has the required procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate and she has a sound awareness of her professional duty to protect children. She understands the child protection procedures

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enter confidently, settle quickly and make themselves at home. New children benefit from the gradual settling-in process which the childminder organises so that children feel secure. Children respond well to the friendliness and warmth of the childminder and her assistant, who make them feel valued and welcome. Children enjoy playing together and are involved in a varied range of activities, which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. They learn from many different experiences such as painting, playing with musical instruments and nature walks. Older children initiate and develop their own games, which stimulates their imagination. The childminder is starting to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework in order to promote play and learning for younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a good relationship with the childminder who knows them well and responds to their individual needs. This helps them to feel valued and respected. The childminder encourages them to learn about the wider world through walks around the local community and activities and discussion based around themes such as the Chinese New Year. She has clear ground rules for behaviour so that the children know and understand the expectations and behave well. They learn to be kind and considerate to one another. They respond well to the childminder's praise, which raises their self esteem. The childminder develops good relationships with parents and has a daily exchange of information with them, so that they can work together to get the best outcome for the child.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel secure and comfortable in the homely environment and are familiar with the daily routine. The childminder plans this so that the children have a balance of indoor and outdoor activities. The childminder recognises the importance of training in order to increase her

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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 knowledge and understanding of her work and to enable her to provide a better quality of care for the children. She shares her policies and procedures with parents and uses them effectively to ensure the children's needs are met. She has most of the required documentation in place, although she does not keep records of her assistant's suitability, which means that the children's welfare and care is not fully promoted. She stores all the children's records securely in order to maintain confidentiality. Overall , the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to obtain current first aid training and public liability insurance, which she has done. She was asked ensure that all records relating to childminding activities are in place. These include records of when assistants are present and consent for children to be left alone with an assistant, parental consent to seek emergency treatment or advice and a written sickness policy. These are all available for inspection.

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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 children are given opportunities for rest and quiet times • provide opportunities for children to experience healthy eating options • ensure the front door is secure at all times • ensure information about all assistants' recruitment, training and qualifications are available for inspection.

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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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