Sundridge Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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103266 Unique Reference Number 14 February 2007 Inspection date Janette Mary White 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 1986. She lives with her husband and three adult children in Rochester, 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 four. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler 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 satisfactory. Children are regularly offered and have access to drinks at all times. They are encouraged to make healthy choices regarding the food they eat, such as apples and home made raisin biscuits. They talk about their favourite foods and are provided with nutritious choices, such as fruit, bread and cheese. The parents and the childminder work in partnership to ensure individual dietary needs are met. Children's wishes are taken into account and she has agreed with the parents to provide healthy options. Children are supported to become independent with routine self help skills, such as washing hands. However, there is a risk of cross infection as the children all share the same towel. A changing mat and gloves are used when changing children’s nappies. Children are provided with a positive range of experiences, which promotes their knowledge and understanding of good health issues. For example, outdoor play for developing a strong

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Helping children to be healthy

body and art and craft to enhance their creative abilities. The use of the garden encourages children's physical skills and they are beginning to understand why washing their hands after outdoor play is important. They have freedom and space to run around. First aid equipment is easily accessible and some basic resources are taken on outings, although this is not always available when taking and collecting children from school. Children’s confidence is positively promoted as they attempt new challenges for themselves contributing to their sense of wellbeing.

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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 spacious home. Risks are identified, minimised and children are able to move around safely and independently. The childminder actively supports children’s understanding of how to keep themselves safe. She is consistent and maintains children’s safety outside the home. For example, children understand why they hold hands or the buggy and are encouraged to talk about crossing roads safely. The emergency evacuation procedures are discussed with the children. However, the children have not recently practised the evacuation procedure. Younger children are unfamiliar with what they should do in an emergency. Children select activities independently from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their stage of development. The childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

has some procedures and documents in place. This promotes children's welfare and ensures they are safeguarded. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a competent understanding of child protection procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board requirements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have many opportunities to be creative by experimenting with resources, such as drawing, painting, cooking and playing outside. They show good levels of imagination and

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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 curiosity as they eagerly play with construction bricks and indoor netball with a soft ball. Children actively communicate with the childminder as they excitedly discuss their favourite activities and interests, such as playing at an activity centre or at their pre-school. Older children enjoy time at the end of the school day when they can be active or relax in accordance with their interest and needs. The childminder encourages children to care for the resources on offer and to help tidy them away. Children enthusiastically play with a blanket and a ball. They use the blanket as a parachute to throw and catch the ball. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They are confident and make themselves at home. However, the childminder does not use the Birth to three matters framework to adapt activities in order to promote younger

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children’s learning. Children show a good sense of involvement and wellbeing. They benefit from close contact with the childminder because she spends time playing and talking with them and praising them for their achievements, such as well done for sharing or colouring within the lines.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected as individuals and treated with equal concern by the childminder. Information to enable appropriate care is discussed with parents, such as religion and language spoken. Children benefit from consistency of care and this is achieved because the parents and childminder work together. However, the childminder has not asked the parents for written permission to seek emergency treatment and advice or to transport children in a vehicle. The childminder has a general awareness of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Children are well behaved and they understand the behavioural boundaries set by the childminder. They respond well to positive encouragement and praise. Children are affirmed and acknowledged by the childminder. They are confident and initiate communication and offer their own ideas, such as can we use the blanket as a parachute. They demonstrate a sound

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Helping children make a positive contribution

sense of belonging. Children have some opportunities to play with basic resources to promote equality of opportunity. Children are only released into the care of authorised adults. However, there is no procedure in place for an emergency, such as passwords. The complaints process is explained to the parents. The childminder has a basic system to record complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel secure and at ease with the childminder and their surroundings. As a result, they are not afraid to ask for what they need and make themselves at home. The childminder discusses the service and aspects of the care for the children, with parents, at the initial meeting. She has some information available for parents regarding complaints and keeps most of the required records. The provider is now aware of the need to display her registration certificate during the hours of operation. The daily attendance record contains arrival and departure times for children. However, there is no record of when visitors are present. Children are comfortable and settled and they initiate their own play. Children's welfare, care and wellbeing is promoted as the childminder keeps parents informed of the child’s daily routine and activities. Records are easily accessible and ready for inspection and the childminder is aware of how long these

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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 must be retained. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection highlighted one recommendation to; develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection; the childminder has attended a child protection workshop course.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result, children are protected as the childminder has updated her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. Parents have a clearer understanding of the childminder's duty in relation to child protection.

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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): • ensure good hygiene practices are in place in order to prevent the risk of cross infection. • continue to develop a suitable range of activities for the younger children by using the Birth to three matters framework. • obtain written permission, from parents, for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment, and for transporting children in a vehicle.

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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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