Lethbridge Infants' School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 126221 Inspection date 13 September 2005 Inspector Linda Patricia Coccia

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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 2001. She lives with her husband and 3 children, all aged over 8 in Murston, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one-time and is currently minding 5 children between the ages of 2 and 7 years. The childminder sometimes works with another childminder and therefore the numbers of children under 5 being looked after can be increased. The childminder drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children.

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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 She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean home with a welcoming environment, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They develop a clear understanding of hygiene and germs through the childminder's reminders for regular hand washing and her other hygiene procedures. For example, cleaning dummies after they have been on the floor. Children are also encouraged to brush their teeth after meals. Children learn about personal hygiene. Children are offered a good selection of food which is healthy and nutritious. They are able to choose from a variety of meals, snacks and fruit. The childminder works well with parents in this area to ensure children's individual needs are catered for. Children learn about healthy eating. Children benefit from regular physical exercise as there is a wide range of physical play equipment available both in the garden and indoors. They take regular walks to

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Helping children to be healthy

local parks with the childminder and have days out at the beach. Children enjoy physical exercise.

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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 where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Toys are clean and safe for children to use and they can help to clean and care for them. Children learn to respect their toys. The children are kept safe when out in the car or off the premises. Well thought out procedures include physical descriptions of children and parents contact numbers should the emergency services ever need them. Minded children are aware of the list and would be able to assist in keeping themselves safe. The children are also aware of the childminder's emergency evacuation procedures which are discussed and practised every month, although no written record is kept of the each drill. Children are able to keep themselves safe in emergency situations. The children are kept safe by the childminder's well thought out child protection

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures which ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. Procedures are fully explained to parents through the childminder's service statement.

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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 The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They achieve well because the childminder is caring, professional and has a good understanding of how young children develop. They learn about shape, texture and colour though the wide range of toys and craft activities provided. The childminder keeps examples of children's work in a portfolio. They also experience a sense of their local community through attending a variety of groups and day trips with the childminder. A photographic record is kept of outings and then shared with parents so that they can see what their children have been enjoying. Children have a warm and caring relationship with the childminder. They are treated as individuals and their individual requirements are well catered for by the use of age

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

appropriate, good quality toys and activities. Children are confident, relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular visits to another local childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others is obtained through the childminder's provision of a meaningful range of activities and resources which promote a positive view of the wider world. They have regular discussions about disabilities whilst they use the small role play figures with wheelchairs and walking sticks, therefore children learn about each others differences. Children receive lots of praise for their achievements, however slight, for example positioning the right shape in the correct hole in the puzzle tray. The childminder has effective, written behaviour management strategies which are agreed and shared with parents and compliment strategies they use at home. The childminder is enthusiastic about giving praise and not dwelling too much on negative behaviour. Children play freely within effective boundaries and develop good self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents report that the children receive very good care and support from the childminder, as do they and other members of their families. Parents receive a good insight into how their children develop through the daily verbal exchanges about the children's well-being and achievements. Children receive continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed an Introducing Childcare Practice (ICP) course and has completed a paediatric first aid course. Since her last inspection the childminder has attended a local authority child protection course. Her registration document is displayed. All adults in the household have been vetted. The childminder has good levels of paperwork completed on each child. Her attendance register is marked daily and all relevant paperwork is shared with parents.

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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 has completed a service contract with parents which is regularly reviewed. Children's records are confidential and stored appropriately. The needs of the children currently attending are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A complaint was received on 18/10/2004 which related to National Standard 2 - Organisation. An unannounced visit was carried out by an inspector and the concerns were discussed with the provider. A compliance notice was issued under National Standard 6:- ensure that children receive appropriate supervision at all times. The provider remains suitable for registration.

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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): • record details of emergency evacuation practises.

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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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