Beis Ahaion School

Inspection report for early years provision

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126609 Unique Reference Number 18 September 2007 Inspection date Joanne Wade Barnett 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 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 was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband in Rusthall, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. The garden is not registered for use, the local parks are used as an alternative.

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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 when working alone and five children when working with her assistant. She currently has ten children on her books who attend at different times throughout the week. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder follows satisfactory hygiene practice whereby daily routines and explanations help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet and before meals reduces the risk of passing on germs.

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Helping children to be healthy

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 have their own drinking cups which are available at all times, helping children to keep their bodies hydrated. Children's dietary needs and preferences are catered for, because the childminder maintains details of dietary requirements and preferences. Meals and snacks are generally balanced and nutritious, contributing to children’s health.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder organises outings to the park and in the local community, where there is large play equipment, which gives children plenty of opportunity to develop physical skills and contribute to their health and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle quickly, understanding that the front room is where play takes place, although they have supervised access to the downstairs bathroom, lounge and dinning area. The childminder has generally paid attention to safety, however, there are some boxed equipment which is inappropriately stored. Children benefit from the newly decorated play room which is organised giving children access to a suitable range of toys and play materials. These are stored at their level providing children with independence to choose what they want to play with. Toys and resources are clean and in good condition because the childminder cleans and checks them regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A clear and consistent routine enables the children to develop a sound awareness of the boundaries implemented by the childminder to keep them safe. For example, children know from an early age that they sit at the table to eat. Clear procedures for outings ensure that children are kept safe away from the childminder's home as they all have appropriate car seats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands her responsibility to protect children from harm and has recently up dated her own knowledge and understanding by researching on the internet. Therefore has procedures in place to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is attentive and caring in her approach and the children are content and generally settled in her care. The children clearly enjoy exploring the range of brightly coloured plastic toys that the childminder provides. Together they explore plastic figures and pushing toy cars around. Regular visits out into the community help children learn about the environment, for example, trips to the shops and park.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond positively to the childminder because she is kind and caring in her interactions. They are familiar with their surroundings and independently make choices about the activities they become involved in. The childminder encourages children to do things for themselves and gives support when children are learning new skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally settled and enjoy a consistent routine that affords them opportunities to be active and relaxed. Clear boundaries, realistic expectations and a consistent approach by the childminder helps the children to learn about right and wrong. As a result, children’s behaviour is generally satisfactory. Strategies for managing unwanted behaviour include the

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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 childminder using the 'naughty step' which is inappropriate taking into account the children's level of understanding and maturity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder endeavours to implement individual routines. A child record form details children's dietary requirements and medical needs all of which help the childminder provide the appropriate care. There is a small range of toys and resources that reflect positive images of society; consequently, children receive some opportunities to develop their awareness of different lifestyles, beliefs and traditions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A strong commitment to work in partnership with parents underpins positive relationships. Effective communication contributes to meeting the individual needs of all children and formal contracts detail business arrangements to ensure the care required is provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The organisation of the setting is evolving and starting to contribute to positive outcomes for children. The childminder’s flexible approach enables her to provide a service tailored to the different work patterns and needs of families within the community.

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Organisation

The certificate of registration is displayed and the attendance register confirms that the childminder complies with the conditions of her registration, although some areas lack detail. The routine is organised to include quiet times, active times and meal times. As a result, children are secure in the childminder’s care. Most of the required documentation for the safe and efficient management of the setting and for the welfare and care of children is maintained correctly.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to complete eight actions relating to National Standard 1 -Suitable Person; National Standard 3 - Care Learning and Play; National Standard 7 - Health; National Standard 6 - Safety; National Standard 13 - Safeguarding children and National Standard 14 - Documentation. The childminder has made satisfactory progress in addressing these actions.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has completed a first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children and she has organised her time to spend time with individual children in her care. The main front door is closed at all times and the childminder has agreed to write a risk assessment outlining potential hazards around the house. The play room has been reorganised and decorated with a new carpet and toys and equipment are arranged in a way that promotes children's independence. Most documentation is available and stored in a well laid out folder including all consent forms.

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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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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 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): • provide a written risk assessment outlining potential hazards within the house and ensuring boxed equipment is appropriately stored • improve knowledge and understanding of managing child behaviour • ensure attendance register is signed by parents and the total number of hours is indicated.

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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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