Newbridge St John's Church of England VC Infants' School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 109156 Inspection date 08 February 2006 Inspector Fran Fielder

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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 1998. The childminder lives with her husband and 4 children aged 17, 15, 12 and 11. They live in an end of terrace house in a residential area within easy walking distance of Uckfield town centre. Schools, parks and shops are all within easy walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. She is registered to provide care for 6 children under 8 years at any one time. At present, the childminder cares for 3 children.

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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 childminder regularly takes children to the park and collects from local schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean and relaxed environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Children wash their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet. These effective daily routines and the childminder's own good practice prevent cross infection. Children sit together at the table to eat their food. This makes meal times into a social event. Parents provide most food for their children. This is carefully stored to prevent contamination. The childminder encourages children to eat fruit and helps children understand foods that are good for them. Water is always available in suitable containers. Children have plenty to drink, especially in warm weather, and this contributes to their good health. Children enjoy lots of physical exercise that keeps them healthy. Playing in the garden on a slide and ride-on toys encourages physical development. Children go the park where there is larger equipment for them to practice jumping and balancing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Regular walks ensure children have plenty of fresh air. Children play various games in the garden, such as cricket, football, golf and badminton. All these activities ensure children's enthusiasm for physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Young children have good relationships with the childminder who is responsive to their needs. This caters for their emotional well-being and ensures they feel happy and safe in the childminder's home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a comfortable, safe and welcoming environment. Well-organised space allows children to move around safely. They have easy and safe access to toys and resources that are stimulating and suitable for children's stage of development. Regular checks ensure there are no broken items that could harm a child. An informal and ongoing risk assessment of the home ensures children's safety. The garden is secure and children benefit from good supervision while playing outdoors. Clear procedures for outings ensure children's safety at all times. The childminder uses reins when necessary and discusses safety when crossing roads. This develops children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe. When playing in public parks, the childminder checks all areas for safety and keeps children in her sight at all times. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She is clear

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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 about her role and explains this to parents. This safeguards and promotes children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play happily and confidently in the childminder's home. They enjoy very positive relationships with the childminder. Children show independence as they freely choose from a selection of good quality toys. Constant praise and encouragement builds self-esteem and allows children to learn and develop new skills. Children enjoy a good range of activities that are fun and age appropriate. They enjoy dressing up and painting which encourages imagination. Good open-ended questions encourage children to express their feelings. Visits to toddler clubs give children the opportunity to mix with other children. This helps them develop important social skills such as sharing. Good interaction with the childminder ensures children's language develops well. Very good support for young children makes learning relevant and fun. Outings to local venues, such as Drusilla's, means children learn

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children with respect and acknowledges their individuality. There are sufficient toys that reflect positive images of different cultures but few that reflect disability. The childminder talks positively to children about different people in society. This helps children see and accept differences from an early age. She knows the children well and this makes children feel confident and relaxed. The childminder has experience of caring for children with special needs. She gathers all relevant information and is aware of the importance of working closely with parents. Daily feedback to parents ensures continuity of care. Children behave very well when with the childminder. She uses positive strategies to promote good behaviour. This means children learn self-control. Discussions and explanation encourage children to take responsibility for their actions.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play in a well-organised environment where they receive good adult support to make them feel secure and confident. The good use of time allows children to enjoy quiet and active play. The childminder attends courses that are relevant to her role as a childminder and a

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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 Beaver leader. This ensures she builds her knowledge of childcare so she can support individual children.

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Organisation

All required paperwork is in place and well maintained. Some written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents. A good two-way flow of information ensures continuity of care. The information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. The childminder meets the range of needs of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She also agreed to provide an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote a multicultural society. The childminder has attended a child protection course. She has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She knows the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care and keeps relevant contact numbers easily to hand. This promotes the welfare of the children in her care. The childminder has sufficient resources that reflect different cultures. She talks to children about different people in society. This means children learn to accept differences.

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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):

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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 • increase resources that reflect positive images of disability

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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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