Charlton Kings Infants' School

Inspection report for early years provision

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136999 Unique Reference Number 12 March 2007 Inspection date Susan Linda Capon 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 has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and three children aged 12,15 and 17 years They live in a home situated in the London Borough of Bromley. The ground floor and first floor bathroom are available for childminding. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has two dogs and three goldfish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight years old. She is currently caring for two children on a part-time basis. The childminder makes regular use of the local amenities including parks and a "Head Over Heels" group.

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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 safe from the spread of infection and cross-contamination through the good hygiene practises followed by the childminder. For example, she uses anti-bacterial sprays to clean her work surfaces. The childminder uses good routines for nappy changing, washing her hands thoroughly afterwards. She ensures the dogs do not pose a health risk to children as no food and drink is accessible and they toilet off the premises, during their daily walks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are encouraged to learn about good hygiene practises and encouraged to wash their hands before meals. The childminder explains it is to "prevent them getting germs". She takes an anti-bacterial cleanser to use when they are out and about and ensures children wash their hands well after touching the farm animals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are safe through the sound accident and medication policy procedures followed by the childminder. She has a suitable first aid kit available and holds a first aid qualification. The parents see the records.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents do not bring their child to the setting if they are unwell to help prevent the spread of infection. The childminder has good procedures for contacting parents if the children become unwell while in her care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder encourages children to learn about keeping healthy as she discusses how fresh fruit is good for them and restricts the number of biscuits they eat each day. They enjoy regular fresh air and exercise as they walk to the local park. Older children enjoy their weekly visit to a head over heels group to develop their running and climbing skills. Young babies are encouraged to practise their rolling and crawling indoors.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy regular drinks throughout the day. Older children have a readily accessible beaker enabling them to decide when they need a drink. Younger children enjoy regular drinks throughout the day to prevent them becoming thirsty or de-hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the healthy food their parents provide. The childminder stores this appropriately in her refrigerator to keep it fresh. She follows safe food handling procedures when preparing it for the children. Children sit together at the dining table using appropriate equipment for their needs. For example, the toddler uses a booster seat and the young baby has a high chair.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy their day in a warm and welcoming home which is clean and well-maintained throughout. They have ample space to move around and explore their environment safely and a good range of toys readily available for them to play. The space is organised well to enable young babies to develop their walking skills using a baby walker. The garden is now suitable for children to enjoy regular outdoor play in safety.

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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 Children access a good range of toys, equipment and activities to meet their individual needs. They are well-organised and sorted into large containers. The childminder provides a variety each day, rotating the equipment to provide a stimulating and interesting environment for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a safe environment as the childminder has identified all the potential hazards and minimised the risks to prevent accidents. For example, a stair gate prevents children accessing the stairs. The childminder has sound emergency procedures in place. She has a fire blanket secured in the kitchen and working smoke alarms on all floors. All fire exits are clear and the keys are readily available to the childminder while being inaccessible to minded children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe when they are away from the premises. The childminder has suitable car seats available for all children transported in her vehicle. Children hold hands when walking close to busy roads. The childminder encourages the children to learn to keep themselves safe, teaching them the Green Cross Code.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected through the childminder's sound knowledge and understanding of how to manage child protection issues. She has the local procedures readily available in case she needs help or advice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy exploring the toys and equipment readily available to them. Babies enjoy playing with a selection of musical toys and rattles and older children enjoy pretending to iron.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder interacts well with the children. She listens to the children and encourages them to share their thoughts and ideas as they play. She talks about the different animals in the puzzle they are completing together, extending the children's vocabulary. For example, she talks about the elephant’s long trunk and the fishes' fins. She talks about cows giving us milk, extending the children's understanding of the world about them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are encouraged to develop confidence and independence. Older children help to put the babies' shoe back on and then try to put their own shoes on. They play peek-a-boo using a blanket, chuckling with glee.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy cuddles with the childminder, making them feel safe and secure. She sings nursery rhymes to them and older children join in.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy the walks to the local park to feed the ducks and visits to Christmas Tree and Godstone Farms to see the animals. They enjoy the caterpillar music session they attend each week and playing with other minded children at another childminder's home.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing their awareness of the world about them and other people through regular activities outside their home, exploring their local community. They enjoy playing with a good range of toys and equipment which provide positive images for all areas of equal opportunities. Older children particularly enjoy discussing the figure in the wheelchair and are beginning to understand about disabilities. The childminder incorporates the individual needs of each child into her daily routine. For example, babies' individual routines for rest and sleep to provide continuity of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

New children settle quickly in the childminder's setting. The childminder's procedures enable parents and children to develop confidence in her. Children quickly become happy and content, enabling parents to return to work, knowing their child is safe and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's previous experience of caring for children with special needs. She is aware of the importance of identifying any special need quickly and supports the parent and children to ensure they receive appropriate care and attention. She has started to use simple Makaton signing in her setting to enable younger children who are not speaking be more easily understood. For example, children sign for a biscuit or drink.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children behave well. The childminder uses suitable behaviour management strategies and regularly praises and encourages the children, developing their confidence and self-esteem. She gently reminds younger children to be careful when playing with the baby or not to pinch as it will hurt. They are encouraged to share the toys with one another and play well together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder develops good relationships with the parents. She shares written agreements with each child's parents, identifying both parties’ expectations. The childminder regularly reviews these to ensure the information is up to date. However, the childminder does not have written parental consent to transport children in her vehicle or to take them on outings. She does not have written consent to seek emergency medical treatment. These consents ensure the parent agrees with the childminder's current practice, keeping the children safe and secure at all times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder keeps the parents fully informed about their child's progress and development through regular verbal discussion. She has good arrival and departure procedures, ensuring the children are unable to leave the premises unnoticed. The childminder will only release the children to an agreed known person, keeping them safe at all times.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Suitable people care for the children. The childminder does not leave them alone with un-vetted people keeping them safe at all times. The childminder has applied for a Criminal Record Bureau check for all household members over the age of 16 years and one remains outstanding.

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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 childminder is currently caring for children under three years old and implements Birth to three matters documentation into her setting, providing good care for these children. The children are happy and content in the setting and have developed good relationships with the childminder.

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Organisation

The childminder completes a daily register, including when the children are sick or on holiday. This ensures she is aware of exactly who is on her premises at any time, keeping the children safe and secure.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains suitable records and documentation as required. This is well-organised, suitably detailed and stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps Ofsted fully informed about her setting and ensures she is up to date with changes to the National Standards. For example, she displays her certificate when she is childminding.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made the necessary improvements to her setting to provide better care for the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She ensures the children are fully protected from any health or hygiene risk posed by her dogs as she no longer allows the dogs to do their toilet in the garden used by the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She shares regular observations with the parents to ensure consistency of care is maintained for each minded child.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She has developed her awareness and understanding of caring for children with special needs, incorporating some Makaton signing into her setting to help younger children communicate more easily.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She has extended her range of toys and equipment, incorporating a good range of positive images for all areas of equal opportunities. The toys available meet the needs of the children currently attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has now made her garden safe and secure and this has been re-registered for childminding, offering children more opportunities for regular outdoor play.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider ot Ofsted to take any action 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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Complaints 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

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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): • request written consent to seek emergency medical treatment and permission to transport children in a vehicle and go on outings • ensure the recent CRB application is completed to ensure all household members over 16 years are suitable persons

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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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