Derby St Chad's CofE (VC) Nursery and Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 112873 Inspection date 11 July 2005 Inspector Louise, Caroline Bonney

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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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and two children, who are primary and secondary school aged. They live in a detached house in Church Crookham, and local amenities are within easy walking distance. The whole of the house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder attends local toddler groups and organises outings and activities with a group of other local childminder's. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She currently cares for four children, one is full-time and three are part-time. The

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, and has completed the National Childminding Association Quality First scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children settle well and have their individual dietary and care needs met through the careful liaison between the childminder and parents. Children receive sensitive support as they adapt to new situations, such as visitors. Toddlers have a cuddle and a story as the childminder gently helps them to adapt, and they soon become confident and play freely. The children benefit from a clean and well-maintained environment. Children maintain good health through the effective procedures in place around hygiene and sickness, of which parents are aware. The childminder records information about medication and accidents, but does not always share these records sufficiently with parents. Children learn to wash their hands appropriately, and baby-changing routines effectively protect children from cross-infection. They learn about good health through ready access to drinks and nutritious food.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities for physical play daily either in the garden or as they visit local parks and toddler groups. Toddlers enjoy playing in the garden as they run, crawl through tunnels, kick and throw balls, and climb steps safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe through the vigilance of the childminder, and the implementation of effective procedures and her careful risk-assessment. Children play in a friendly, safe and secure environment, and have easy access to an excellent range of well-maintained and developmentally appropriate equipment and toys. Children are aware of the clear rules that help to keep them safe, such as not climbing on the front fence or using the trampoline without the childminder being present. They learn how to walk safely on the pavement, and toddlers develop awareness of how to play safely together as they kick balls in the ball-tent with close support from the childminder. Children learn how to be safe in an emergency as they practise the fire-drill. Children are well protected through the childminder's understanding of child protection procedures, which she shares with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well and have warm and caring relationships with the childminder. They gain confidence through the childminder’s sensitive handling, and

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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 her praise and encouragement. Children enjoy playing in the stimulating environment, and independently access their toys and equipment to initiate their own play and learning. All children enjoy a wide range of activities that are developmentally appropriate and reflect their interests, and which support their learning and development well. Pre-school children benefit from carefully planned play opportunities, which have learning aims based on the Foundation Stage curriculum guidance. For instance, they develop literacy as they read stories such as Jack and the Beanstalk. They then develop their knowledge and understanding of the world and mathematical awareness as they plant and watch how beans grow, or cut out and sequence pictures of beans growing. Toddlers show good levels of involvement in their activities as they busily play. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

pour water from various containers, role-play as they cook in the play-kitchen, and enjoy looking at books and doing jigsaws. They develop good communication skills and understanding through the childminder’s skilful interaction. They listen as she describes their actions, and enjoy repeating words she models for them. The childminder is aware of guidance such as Birth to three matters, but is not yet using this to support her practise. Children develop independence well as they make choices about their activities, select their toys, and feed themselves at mealtimes. Children have good opportunities to socialise with others as they visit toddler groups, and go on outings with a small support group of childminders and their children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the friendly and professional relationships the childminder establishes with their parents. Children receive continuity of care through the sharing of information with parents about their individual needs. For parents that wish it, the childminder completes a daily diary about their child's activities, diet and care. Parents receive excellent information about the provision through the parent folder. They are aware of the procedures and policies in place, although those around the use of emergency cover are insufficiently clear. Children have good opportunities to develop a positive attitude towards social diversity. They participate in activities and use resources that reflect other cultures, ethnicity, gender and disability in positive ways. For instance, they celebrate festivals such as Easter, and listen to music, make instruments and read stories that reflect

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Helping children make a positive contribution

African culture. Children behave well, and show care towards each other as they cuddle each other. Young children learn what is right and wrong through gentle explanation and quick intervention, while older children are aware of the consistent rules in place. Children develop a sense of belonging as they freely move between areas of play, select their own resources and activities, and see their pictures displayed on the playroom walls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder’s effective organisation of environment. They feel comfortable and settle well as they freely and safely select their own toys and resources, and move between areas such as the playroom and the garden. The childminder plans a good balance of home-based and outdoor activities, and plans effectively to promote the children’s development. The childminder develops her provision by attending additional training and through sharing expertise with a local support-group of childminders. She has also successfully completed the National Childminding Association Quality First scheme. This helps her monitor and adapt her provision, and has a positive impact on children’s care and safety, and enables them to make good progress in all areas of their development. The childminder has in place well-documented policies and procedures that support the safety and welfare of the children, and most records are up-to-date. Overall, the

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Organisation

childminder meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection the provider was recommended to review and update documentation. The childminder has successfully addressed the concerns behind this recommendation. She now ensures parents regularly sign the attendance record and provide appropriate consents for medical treatment and the taking of photographs. Parents are also now given full contact details for 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):

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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 • ensure parents sign all medical and accident records, and review procedures around the appropriate use of emergency cover.

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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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