St Augustine's CofE School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 149211 Inspection date 23 February 2006 Inspector Jill Nugent

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1998. She lives with her partner and one of her two children, aged eleven, in a house in Stevenage. She uses the whole of the house for childminding. There is a secure garden for outdoor play. The family has a pet cat and a rabbit. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. Currently she is minding six children, two of whom are under five, three over five and one over eight. She walks to the local school to take and collect children.

p.2

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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has most procedures in place to promote children's health. She ensures that her first aid qualification is kept up to date and records any accidents appropriately. She excludes children who are infectious so as to protect others. However, if children become ill in her care she does not have permission to administer medication. Consequently there may be a delay in children receiving medication to help them feel more comfortable whilst awaiting collection. Young children sleep according to their needs and in a place where they feel happy, for example, a cot or a sofa. All blankets are washed weekly and children's nappies are changed in a hygienic manner. Older children are aware of good hygiene practices. They wash their hands after toileting and before eating. These procedures all contribute to children keeping healthy whilst in the childminder's care. The childminder offers a balanced and healthy diet. Children enjoy a light lunch and

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

then a main meal at dinner time. A sample menu is available to parents so that they are fully aware of the foods on offer. The childminder enjoys cooking. She uses fresh ingredients, always including fruit and vegetables. When arriving after school, children enjoy a snack, for instance, a frozen yoghurt. They can request drinks at any time. Younger children have access to beakers throughout the day. Therefore children are well nourished and beginning to learn about healthy eating. They have adequate opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They walk to and from school each day and enjoy playing in the garden on bikes or swings. Children also visit the local parks. Overall, they keep fit and healthy.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder ensures that the premises are safe and secure for children. She is aware of possible hazards and has fitted locks on kitchen cupboards, and drawers, and covered electrical sockets. Children are also protected from hazards through the use of stair gates and a fireguard. The childminder checks the smoke alarms weekly to ensure that they are in working order. She has devised an evacuation plan, although children have not practised this and are therefore not fully aware of what to do in an emergency. Children play safely in the garden as it is well maintained and visible from the house. They are secure because the house doors and garden gate are kept locked. On outings, young children are strapped into a buggy while older ones hold on. Children learn how to cross roads safely when walking to and from school. Therefore, children keep safe at all times. Children have good access to a range of resources which are safe and suitable for all

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

ages. The childminder checks and cleans all resources according to a weekly rota.

p.3

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 She purchases new resources from time to time in response to children's interests. Older children sometimes bring their own toys. If necessary they are reminded to play carefully, and safely, when younger ones are present. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues. Her policy is clearly written so that parents are aware of her procedures. She makes a note of any existing injuries and is able to seek advice if she has a concern. Therefore, children are well protected.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their play. They choose resources independently, for example, cars, books and dolls. They like to take part in imaginary play and have fun dressing up. Young children enjoy using construction toys and like to join in music sessions. Older children work hard on floor puzzles. Children become very involved in their play. They enjoy talking to the childminder and are confident with other adults. They have opportunities to join in a variety of activities, including painting, drawing and cooking. The childminder takes children to local toddler and playgroups and to the library. During the school holidays, children go on trips, for instance, to a farm or activity centre. Overall, children enjoy a variety of different experiences. Children are learning through their play. The childminder encourages young children to begin to communicate and to engage in conversation. She makes use of the 'Birth

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to three matters' framework in providing experiences for younger children. Older children are developing their literacy and numeracy skills through help with letters and numbers. They especially like to practise writing on wipe-off boards. Therefore, children are developing their skills with the childminder's help and support.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and included. They have good relationships with each other and enjoy playing together after school. The childminder takes into account their individual needs, for example, making sure they all get a snack so none feel left out. Young children keep happy because she recognises they have differing concentration spans and need more stimulation. She ensures that all children are involved in play activities and do not become bored. They receive good support and enjoy a cuddle at times. They learn about a wider society through using resources that reflect diversity. Those with special needs have their needs met appropriately because the childminder liaises closely with parents. Consequently, children have a sense of belonging. Children behave very well. They learn to share and take turns. They have good manners, remembering to say 'please' and 'thank you' at the appropriate times. If

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

misbehaving, children are given a warning and taken away from the situation. In this way they learn to distinguish between right and wrong. The childminder has a good working partnership with parents. She has put together an attractive portfolio so that parents can view her policies and procedures. She knows each family well and gives

p.4

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 them an opportunity to talk with her at the end of each day. Parents feel welcome and are very pleased with the care she offers. These good relationships contribute to children settling well and feeling secure and content.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has written a clear set of policies which underpin her good practice. She takes care to keep up to date with new procedures and maintains her paperwork effectively. She records various checks on equipment and resources to ensure children's health and safety. Contracts with parents are completed correctly and written information on any particular need is obtained. The childminder is interested in further training to improve her practice. She has completed a course in childcare and is planning to attend a Food Hygiene course. Children's care is enhanced through this extra training. The childminder makes good use of the space available. Children have plenty of space to play in the living room and good access to the garden. There is a table in the kitchen for messy activities. Toys are stored neatly in baskets and low units and are therefore easily accessible to children. Older children are able to use the toilet

p.5

Organisation

independently. The childminder takes care to supervise children at all times. Overall, children's needs are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to develop her understanding of child protection issues, ensure that records of children's dietary information are clear and also obtain permission for children to go on outings. She has recently taken a course in child protection and is aware of all the issues. All dietary information on children's records is now clear and she obtains permission from parents for all outings by car or on public transport.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

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 permission from parents for administering medication in the event of a child becoming ill whilst in her care • practise the evacuation plan so that children know what to do in an emergency situation.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6