Sutton on the Forest Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 121518 Inspection date 22 March 2006 Inspector Janet Marie Thouless

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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 1993. She lives in Horley, Surrey. Children have access to the playroom, kitchen, lounge and spacious hall area on the ground floor. Adjacent to the kitchen are the toilet facilities. Sleeping facilities are available upstairs if required. The childminder has one dog. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children on a full and part-time basis.

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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 attends local groups, soft play areas and takes children to local parks and places of interest. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. (NCMA)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean home where their individual needs are met. They learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle and personal care. The childminder herself demonstrates good hygiene awareness and her practice helps to reduce the risk of cross-infection. Children receive nutritious snacks that help them to begin to understand foods that are good for them. They receive and are able to help themselves to regular drinks to ensure they do not become thirsty or dehydrated. A clear sickness procedure ensures parents are aware of the need to keep children at home when they are unwell, and protects all children from the spread of infection and illness. The childminder holds a current first-aid certificate and keeps all necessary medical and accident records. Children are supported and supervised as they try out their developing physical skills both indoors and out. They very much enjoy the garden and field located at the back

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Helping children to be healthy

of the property. They enjoy the freedom of the open space and enjoy the use of the rope swing, stepping-stones, swing and slide. They participate in regular exercise and enjoy visits to local parks and places of interest that contribute to their good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and welcoming home suitable for its purpose. They are able to select from a good range of resources from the playroom, freely and independently. Children benefit from a good level of supervision from the childminder, enabling them to enjoy a wide range of experiences with confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gives high priority to safety, ensuring children are well supervised both in the home and when on outings, with clear consistent routines being upheld. Checks are carried out daily to minimise risk; and safety equipment such as safety gates, socket covers and smoke alarms are used to ensure safety. Children are encouraged to behave and play in a safe manner; for example, the childminder reminds children not to go too close to the swing when other children are using it. The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and

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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 knows what action to take if she has any concerns about a child in her care. This ensures the childminder acts in the children's best interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and confident in the childminder's home. They enjoy being with the childminder and have warm, affectionate relationships with her. A good selection of toys and resources that the childminder knows the children enjoy is accessible. They confidently investigate and try new skills; for example, planting spring bulbs and using the rope swing. They join in enthusiastically when playing ball games in the garden; they enjoy the swings, slide and sand play. The childminder draws the children's attention to a family of mallards on the pond. They sit quietly so as not to frighten them away and discuss their size and markings. This helps children identify and respect local wildlife. Early number recognition is promoted with the childminder exploiting opportunities within play activities, such as dot-to-dot and counting the stepping-stones in the garden. The childminder joins in children's play readily offering support, guidance and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

ideas to move them on. Children frequently enjoy lots of praise, cuddles and reassurance from the childminder. Children's creative and imaginative play is well supported by activities such as cooking, planting bulbs and painting. They enjoy cooking, often taking home cakes to share with family members.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routines as discussed with parents. Parent's views are sought and the childminder takes on board any concerns they have and adapts care provided to meet their wishes and the child's needs. The childminder has a positive approach towards caring for children with a range of different needs and abilities. Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest, local shops and parks. The childminder provides meaningful activities to promote the children's learning about the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. The childminder manages children's behaviour calmly and appropriately and this enables them to know what is expected of them. Children benefit from guidance and support, and the childminder sets clear boundaries and uses effective strategies that

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Helping children make a positive contribution

help children to understand right from wrong.

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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 The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well-organised environment and daily routine. They receive good adult support and attention to make them feel happy and secure in their surroundings. Space is used well and children are able to initiate their own play from the good range of resources on offer in the playroom. The childminder displays her registration certificate when childminding and has a clear understanding of the requirements of her registration. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Most required documentation is well maintained; held confidentially; and the childminder understands and complies with mandatory requirements. However, the complaints procedure lacks detail. Children are supervised well at all times to ensure they are protected from visitors. The

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Organisation

childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to complete an appropriate first aid course; ensure an accurate record of children's attendance is kept; and record medication administered and all accidents (signed by parents). The childminder has fully complied with these recommendations by completing a first aid course; and accurate records of medication and accidents are maintained to ensure the well-being of the children. An attendance register is fully completed with children's times of arrival and departures ensuring accurate records are maintained to ensure children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The childminder 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • update her complaints procedures to include Ofsted contact details and a complaints log and ensure this information is shared with parents on request.

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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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