Blake Valley Technology College

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 124398 Inspection date 24 June 2005 Inspector Donna Bonner

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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 to care for children since 1975. She lives with her husband who acts as her assistant. They live in a four bedroomed house with their adult daughter in a residential road in West Croydon. Children mainly play in the ground floor lounge and kitchen and have use of a toilet on this floor. The first floor back bedroom and childminder's own bedroom are used for babies and young children's sleeping needs. Children do not have use of the second floor. There is a fully enclosed back garden for outdoor play.

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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 is registered to care for 6 children under 8 years. There are currently 5 children on roll. She speaks English and French. The childminder is a member of the local childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and welcoming home and they are beginning to learn about personal hygiene through their daily routine. They practise their independence by washing their hands and have individual towels which help to prevent cross infection. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has suitable arrangements if children are ill. The childminder holds a relevant first aid qualification and maintains emergency medical consent forms but records of administered medicine lacks detail. Children have a wide choice of meals and snacks which meet their dietary needs. They benefit from the introduction of cultural dishes for example, roti, which increases their understanding of cultural backgrounds. They enjoy regular water, fruit and nutritional meals which encourage healthy eating and develop their social skills as they eat together. However records of specific individual

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Helping children to be healthy

needs are lacking although children's needs are discussed with parents. Older children exercise in local parks where they use swings which encourages their physical development. There are missed opportunities for younger children to engage in garden play to encourage their physical development.

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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 secure home with sufficient space, where they are comfortable. They are developing an understanding of keeping themselves safe as the childminder talks with them about crossing the road and minimises risks inside the home. Children have access to some toys and equipment that are organised within their reach. These are in good condition and meet safety standards so that children can play safely. Some items are not well presented and storage is disorganised. Children cannot easily see what is available to make their choices. The childminder has the required documentation procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is considered. She understands her duty to protect children in her care and has written child protection guidelines to refer to.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a caring relationship with the childminder who is kind and affectionate to them, for example ,she holds a baby whilst another child sits on her lap drawing. Children feel secure in her care as she responds immediately to them waking up by

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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 cuddling and talking to them. Children choose to play with age appropriate toys such as lego and puzzles which encourage their imagination and concentration. Children are also beginning to develop manipulative skills as they use crayons and pens well. Their opportunities to develop all round skills are curbed due to the organisation of equipment. Older children can easily access books but they do not offer sufficient challenge as titles are mainly for younger children. Children's choices are limited as some toys are not well presented and storage is disorganised. Older children are familiar with their local community as they regularly visit local shops and parks on their way home from school. Younger children have fewer opportunities to explore outside as they do not yet visit playgroups nor use the garden as the childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

prefers them to do so when they are walking independently.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from resources that reflect different backgrounds. Children's individual needs are respected as the childminder fully discusses their needs with parents at the start of the placement. Children are encouraged in their progress as the childminder also has daily talks with parents about their own child which builds trust and a greater understanding of the child's day. Placements are long lasting but some arrangements are not formalised e.g. there is not signed consent for children to be left in the care of the assistant. Children are caring towards each other, for example one child attempts to soothe another who is crying by gently offering a toy. Children are comfortable in the childminder's care. They are well behaved and also respond well to praise which encourages their self esteem. Children choose their after school activities which encourages them to develop some responsibility.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable in the homely environment. Their routines are followed and the childminder meets the adult-child ratio which enables their individual needs to be met. Children's progress is discussed with their parents, which encourages a strong partnership and continuity for children. Some policies illustrate the childminder's practice for parents and this keeps them informed about the service. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder requests and maintains written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. She also records children's attendance daily but omits to include the names of the person who looked after them and has agreed to include this. The childminder agreed to provide a suitable range of toys and activities, in order to meet the developmental needs of preschool aged children. She has since purchased some items but agreed at this

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 inspection to improve the organisation of equipment to increase children's independence and interests. The childminder also agreed to ensure all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection at all times and to develop knowledge and understanding of local child protection procedures. She has read the child protection guidelines and other records are now easily accessible.

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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): • make sure there is a detailed record of all medicines given to children • make sure children are offered a wide variety of play and learning experiences and organise resources so that children can make choices • make sure there is written consent from parents if children are to be left in the care of the assistant

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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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