Kinlet CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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123480 Unique Reference Number 07 December 2006 Inspection date Kim Wailling Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 1988. She lives with her husband and one child, aged 15 years and two adult children in St Albans, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding purposes. There is a rear garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five, who attends on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children, and occasionally uses the family car.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is well promoted because the childminder has in place good systems and routines. Parents, for example, are asked to complete individual profile sheets about their children recording health concerns and dietary needs. These are effectively used so that children's individual needs are met. Older children are helped to develop personal independence skills. They follow good routines such as, washing their hands before snacks and after using the toilet. The childminder carefully changes younger children's nappies and disposes of soiled materials appropriately. The childminder discusses with parents about when it is appropriate to exclude children who are ill or infectious. Children's health, if they have an accident, is well safeguarded as the childminder has attended first aid training and holds a current first aid certificate. There is a first aid kit to deal with any minor injuries to children and documentation

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Helping children to be healthy

to record accidents and incidents. Consequently, children's health is effectively promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive as the childminder follows good practices which meet the health needs of all children who attend. The childminder attractively arranges packed meals provided by the children's parents which contain fresh fruit and vegetables as well as offering drinks throughout the day. Children eat while seated at the kitchen table. Infants under one enjoy unhurried feeds. The childminder works closely with parents of infants to ensure that weaning is successful. As a result, children are helped to develop good appetites and are well nourished.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered many opportunities to exercise, including visits to the local park. The childminder frequently uses a box of small equipment, such as bats, balls and quoits, which further enhances children's physical skills. Children can rest or sleep according to their needs as the day is well-organised to fit in with individual requirements. When caring for infants the childminder works very closely with parents to ensure that their individual routines are accommodated. Consequently, children's health needs on an every day level are well met.

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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 very clean and well maintained family home. They can move around freely in the house as the childminder has arranged furniture and the storage of toys to create uncluttered spaces. The childminder is aware of the need to be vigilant and makes adaptations where necessary taking into account the children's ages, for example moving house plants out of reach when infants are present. The childminder has devised an emergency evacuation plan which has been practised with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can use the garden when weather permits as it is tidy and fully secure. The childminder is aware of safety issues when transporting minded children in the family car, including use of appropriate car seats for differing ages of children. The childminder has good knowledge of what to do if she becomes concerned about a child in her care. Comprehensive documentation, including a procedure of monitoring existing injuries to children, is in place. As a result, children's welfare is safeguarded.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are offered a wider range of toys and activities. They are able to initiate their own play and freely access toys which are stored attractively. Opportunities are given for sustained play so that children can create their own games, which are satisfying and rewarding to them. Toys are rotated to provide challenge and to stimulate interest. However, familiar toys and music are always available to children, which helps them feel comfortable within the setting. Care is taken to ensure that older children are offered activities, such as board games and jigsaws, that are age-appropriate. Infants under two have use of a wide range of colourful interactive toys which are kept clean and stored within easy reach.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning is promoted. The childminder makes herself available to the children and is very attentive. Currently, the childminder is settling a six month baby carefully into her care. During the inspection visit, the baby was very content and delighted in being held, bounced and helped to roll over to reach colourful toys. All children are regularly taken on trips, for example to the local children's farm and visits to local toddler groups. The childminder is familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and is incorporating some of its aspects, such as helping children to develop their language skills, into her practice. Overall, all children are offered a good range of activities and experiences to promote their learning and enjoyment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happily settled. The childminder's home is comfortable and well-organised. This means that children access toys easily and play happily together. Children are given support to help them manage their own behaviour as the childminder gives them time to think about their actions and consequences. Children are helped to gain an understanding of the wider community as the childminder is aware of the importance of doing this. There are many toys and resources, such as dolls with differing skin tones and books for children to use, which promotes an understanding of cultural diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder knows the children and their families well. Arrangements to settle children into the childminder's care are negotiated taking into account the needs of the children and the requirements of parents for flexible childcare. Information about the service that the childminder offers is shared with parents. The childminder knows of the requirement to record any complaints made in writing by parents and has recently introduced a system to do this. Consequently, parents are fully informed to enable them to work together to support children's well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, children's needs are met. Children are looked after by an experienced parent and long-term childminder who loves her job. She has established a comprehensive childminding portfolio which includes policies, procedures and information leaflets that are necessary for

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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 efficient and safe management of the setting. Alongside this, the childminder has updated her skills by attending first aid training and now holds a valid first aid certificate.

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Organisation

Children are given a sense of security as the childminder organises her time very well. The daily routine includes unhurried play, planned activities and outings. Alongside this children have relaxed meals and snacks and sufficient time for sleep and rest which means that their individual care needs are fully met. The childminder evaluates her practice very well and plans to attend further training to update her knowledge and understanding. She is considering applying for the Hertfordshire Quality Standard award.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. The childminder took immediate steps to secure training. As local authority run courses were over subscribed the childminder approached the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and, supported by the local NCMA coordinator, secured training with an alternative first aid provider. The childminder successfully completed the 12 hour course and now holds a valid first aid certificate. This means that children's health, if they have an accident, is safeguarded.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints 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): • increase knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework so that children's play opportunities are developed.

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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 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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