Box Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 126302 Inspection date 23 June 2005 Inspector Linda Margaret Nicholls

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1991. She lives in Gravesend with her husband and one child, who is a teenager. She is currently minding eleven children full and part time with ages between one year and 14 years. There are shops, parks, schools and pre-schools within walking distance. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have pet fish in a tank.

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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 The childminder takes and collects the children to and from the local school and nursery on a regular basis. She also attends local toddler groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Parents provide all foods at the moment. Some families ask the childminder what their babies can eat as they develop. Drinks are directly accessible for babies and young children. Children benefit from the keeping of comprehensive, clear and concise records of individual requirements and family preferences regarding foods, drinks and medication. One child has organic foods only. Cooking activities are undertaken during school holidays. Children thrive with plenty of fresh air and activities out of doors. They develop control of their bodies as they move between the home and the patio area. Children build on their physical skills using the toys and garden equipment daily. The childminder plans to help children plant sunflower seeds in the next week. Play is extended into the garden and even when the ground is too wet the patio doors can be gated open to allow a healthy fresh air flow.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder reinforces personal and social hygiene routines throughout the child's stay. Parents are aware of policies and procedures regarding sick children and emergency numbers are directly accessible at all times. First aid training is current. First aid kits are accessible in the home and the car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move freely and easily cruising among comfortable household furniture and toy storage boxes which are directly accessible to them. They extend their play into a well maintained garden gated and divided to accommodate the play of different age groups. A white gate is used to separate youngest babies from older children who run around. Patio doors can be gated to allow for free air flow. The home is well maintained with spacious and uncluttered areas for floor play. Table activities, quiet times and messy play are provided for. Children who are physically independent can access toilet and bathroom. There is good natural light and ventilation. Entrances are secure and procedures have been checked with emergency services. A loft room is gated and older children know this area is out of bounds. Fire safety recommendations are met and there is a written emergency plan which is made

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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 available for parents. Children are learning to take care of themselves. They know to dress appropriately to shade themselves from the sun. The home rules are reinforced throughout daily routine. Hazards have been identified and risks minimised throughout the areas used for childminding. Equipment is thoroughly checked before it is presented for play. Children eagerly select items from accessible storage. Items for older children are stored at higher levels. Children are learning to keep the play areas tidy. Emergency contact numbers are available at all times. The accident records are correctly recorded and signed by parents. Children's welfare is promoted unreservedly with details of child protection contacts, a written statement for parents, an awareness to record incidents of concern and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

contact details of the regulatory body. Child Protection training has been undertaken this year.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children show abundant self confidence as they move around the childminder's home. They settle quickly and respond to the activities presented to extend their skills and learning. The childminder enabled an electronic toy as the baby moved toward it. The toy produced sounds which the childminder then clapped to. The baby looked and listened intently. Children are challenged, supported and make good progress in their individual development. One child put a sun hat on. The childminder asked if he wanted to go into the garden and remained sitting. He moved to the patio doors and used the frame to support his side step onto the patio. He looked back to check for reassurance. When reassurance was received he moved out to play. Children's personalities are recognised and individuality encouraged. One baby offered the childminder a plastic cup, then withdrew her hand as the childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

reached for it. The childminder laughed and described the baby as teasing her. The baby then also laughed. Children are encouraged to share in activities, tickling each other, offering a drinking cup. Children take part in a variety of social events. Planning includes regular outings to toddler groups, coffee mornings, visiting friends, as well as occasional visits to local parks and leisure areas. The well maintained garden is secure and available for play throughout the year so that children experience seasonal change and weather conditions. Children's abilities are discussed during the initial interview with parents. The

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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 childminder builds on this information comprehensively. There is an excellent balance between adult and child-led activities allowing children to develop at their own pace. Each child has an individual book for drawing, colouring, mark making and as they get older, story writing. When the child leaves they take the book as a reminder of their stay.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Babies are confident and secure demonstrating a strong sense of belonging as they clamber onto the childminder's lap. They make small gestures of touch to engage her and she responds immediately with a smile, a hug and looks directly at them when talking. Children are learning about the wider world with a stimulating range of positive images of diversity in pictures, and amongst the toys and equipment including language tapes, and small world figures. The childminder is experienced and capable when caring for children with additional needs. She works with parents, researches individual special needs and contacts appropriate professional agencies when required. Children know the house rules and the child minder provides a range of thoughtful strategies to guide children with a wide range of abilities. Support and encouragement is offered so that children play well together while their individual

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs are recognised. Older children know to relax by the book shelf or listen to music. The childminder explains to them that bossiness is not friendly. Caring and flexible arrangements between the families and the childminder result in long term durable relationships for children. Parents are welcomed at any time and often stay and discuss their children's personal routines and social experiences. Contact books are used as requested. Policies and procedures are written, available to parents and comprehensive. Parents know how to contact the regulatory body.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The environment is well organised and welcoming. Children's welfare, care and learning are effectively promoted. Clear and concise record keeping ensures information is current. The childminder is proactive in her training, the latest, Child Protection, being taken in May 2005. Confidentiality is understood, paperwork individually filed and secured in a locked cupboard while not minding. Overall the needs of all children attending are met.

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Improvements 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 Not applicable.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to Ofsted to report.

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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): • continue to maintain accurate and clear records providing a professional service.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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