Ashwood Education Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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115834 Unique Reference Number 15 March 2007 Inspection date Beryl Witheridge 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 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged over eight years in Crayford, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children of whom one is over eight years. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local childminding group and parent/toddler, signing and singing groups. The family has a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder can support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is a member of an approved childminding network. She is a member of the National Childminding 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 are encouraged to wash their hands before they eat food and after going to the toilet. They use an antibacterial hand wash and share a towel, which is changed regularly. They are beginning to learn about good health issues. The childminder ensures surfaces are hygienically clean before preparing or serving food. Children with infectious illnesses do not attend. These procedures can help to prevent cross infection. The childminder keeps the required accident and medication records which are signed by parents and are confidentially kept in each child's folder. She has also undertaken training to meet the individual medical needs of children in her care. This helps to promote children's good health. Children enjoy opportunities to be active as they play in the secure garden with a range of resources such as climbing frames and swings. Children have opportunities to rest or sleep after lunch, 'to recharge their batteries', in

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to eat healthy foods and know that drinks are readily available. Meals prepared by the childminder are nutritious and include options, such as, cottage pie, pasta and fish dishes. Lighter options, include sandwiches and children are able to choose their favourite fillings. A sample menu includes a range of healthy, appealing options with fruit encouraged for snacks. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's dietary needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being able to access play and learning opportunities in a safe environment. The playroom is solely for the children's use and most toys and equipment are stored at child height giving them free access. There are some games and puzzles stored on high shelves but the children are able to ask the childminder to get activities down for them. Children are supervised closely at all times both indoors and out. Toys and equipment are checked and cleaned regularly, baby toys more often. They appear safe, clean and age appropriate for the children attending. Equipment, such as smoke detectors and a fire blanket helps to keep children safe. Children are developing an understanding of how to keep themselves safe, the younger child is aware that he is not as able as the older one when they are on the climbing frame and will not climb as high. However there is no safety matting under the climbing frame to prevent

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is considered through the effective emergency evacuation procedures put in place which are regularly practised, the childminder keeps a written record of these. When using the car all children have appropriate car seats, which are supplied by the childminder so that they are protected. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues; there is a written policy which is shared with parents, to ensure that children's welfare is paramount.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled with the childminder, most children have been with her since they were very young. The childminder knows and understands the children well. The children happily

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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 play together making choices about what they want to play with, sharing the toys and playing games together. Toys and activities include playing in the garden on the wide selection of garden toys such as swings, trampoline, seesaw, bikes, scooters, slide, climbing frame, cars, bikes and bat and ball games. They play with the toy food and the dressing up clothes using their imaginations. They also play a game of 'Walk the Plank' with the childminder; they count and are able to depict numbers by using their fingers. The childminder understands the developing learning needs of children of all ages and has obtained the Birth to three matters framework. Babies and young children enjoy opportunities which promote their physical development; the baby plays with the baby gym while lying on a quilt on the floor.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans some activities in advance, especially when taking them on outings and sometimes further afield during the holidays. All parents receive a written copy of the itinerary. Children have plenty of resources and experiences available to keep them occupied. The children have opportunities to socialise with others at the several toddler groups, soft play area and signing group which they usually attend on a weekly basis. Two of the children seen at the inspection are able to sign and readily use some signing during their play such as when playing with animals; they make up a game and imitate the animal noises; they make the signing symbols for the animals' names.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are openly welcomed into the childminder’s home and all are treated with equal concern. Their individual needs are discussed with their parents and the childminder aims to ensure that all children are included in all experiences. Children demonstrate a sense of belonging as they are acknowledged and affirmed, by the childminder; a baby smiles happily and gurgles at the childminder when she talks to him. Toys and resources promote positive images of diversity and the childminder is planning to incorporate different festivals into the yearly plans to introduce children to other religions and cultures as well as Christmas, Easter and Mothering Sunday. This is to encourage the children to learn about the similarities and differences between themselves and others as well as learning about the wider world. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are cared for and the childminder works closely with the parents

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to help meet the individual needs of the children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are involved in decision making; there is a list of house rules and the older children were involved in deciding what they should be. They also helped to pick the pictures on the computer which depict the rules. These rules are displayed on the kitchen wall. Children know the expected behavioural boundaries. The childminder encourages good manners and praises children when it is appropriate, which helps to promote their self esteem. The childminder has undertaken training on behaviour management. She talks to the children to let them know what is acceptable and what is not but does on occasion have to raise her voice to be heard over the children, who do not always listen. Children receive a reward of a sticker at the end of the day if they have been good. Children benefit from consistency of care, because the childminder works closely with parents to meet their needs. There are agreements on how to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

deal with behavioural problems and both the childminder and the parents use the same ways of dealing with unacceptable behaviour. A record of activities is kept in the childminder's diary, and there are also contact books for the parents who wish to use one. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed about all relevant policies and procedures. These are well presented and parents receive a parent pack with their own copies.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and settled within a welcoming, child friendly environment. They feel secure and at ease with the childminder. A range of documentation and records are in place, including daily attendance records, which show clear arrival and departure times for children. The registration certificate is clearly displayed next to the Ofsted poster in the kitchen. The required records are all stored confidentially and are readily available for inspection. The childminder is very proactive towards training and improving her knowledge and practice. Children's welfare, care and learning are well promoted, due to the range of clear and concise well written policies and procedures. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to review and improve the storage of resources on high shelves and to ensure that children's records were organised to maintain confidentiality.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder reviewed the storage of resources and ensures that the toys for the younger children are within their reach and the toys stored higher are board games, puzzles, videos and toys for the older children. Each child now has their own folder which contains all their personal information thus maintaining their confidentiality at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

On 11 August 2006 concerns were raised about the use of physical intervention. These concerns relate to National Standard 1: Suitable Person and Standard 11: Behaviour Management. Ofsted conducted an announced visit with another agency to the provider on 30 August 2006. The provider was not meeting National Standard 11 and was therefore given actions to ensure significant incidences are recorded and shared with parents and to ensure strategies for managing children's behaviour where physical intervention is needed is shared and agreed with parents. A response to these actions was received on 21 September 2006 confirming that a new behaviour management policy has been implemented and agreed by parents. The provider remained qualified for registration.

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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 complaint 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 • provide safety flooring under the climbing frame to help prevent serious injury if the children fall

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The quality and standards of the care

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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