King James's School

Inspection report for early years provision

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121687 Unique Reference Number 17 March 2008 Inspection date Pauline King 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 a registered childminder since 1999. She lives with her partner and three school aged children in a house in Thames Ditton in Surrey, close to shops, parks, the library, several playgroups and three local primary schools. The kitchen/dining room/lounge plus toilet on ground floor are used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently registered to care for six children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding four children part time. The childminder walks or uses her vehicle to take and collect children from school, toddler group and local parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 cared for in a clean and bright environment. Effective hygiene procedures followed by the childminder, protect children from the spread of infection. However, there is only one hand towel provided for all minded children, which could pass on infections. The childminder promotes children’s welfare, she has a current first aid certificate and most of the necessary documentation is in place. However, no system is in place to record the administration of medication to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children keep hydrated as they have regular drinks. Children enjoy nutritious home cooked meals which are provided by the childminder. The childminder discusses with parents the individual dietary requirements, likes and dislikes of the children. This ensures she has a clear understanding of their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder promotes children's general physical development as she ensures they have plenty of walks and takes them to local parks, toddler groups and Library. Children have access to a fully enclosed outdoor play area, which is secure and well maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit by being cared for in a safe environment, where space is well organised to meet their needs and enable them to play safely and independently. The childminder carries out regular checks to ensure all hazards are out of the reach of children, therefore minimising the risk of accidents. The childminder has a good understanding of fire evacuation procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children make choices from a wide range of age appropriate play items, which are safe and well maintained. They enjoy a good amount of clear play space. There is a good variety of equipment to support the individual needs of children. For example, puzzles, construction toys, dressing up clothes, art and craft material, cars, and books to increase children’s development. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected, as the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and the action to take if they have concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy themselves in a happy, homely environment. The childminder is kind and caring and supports children's emotional well-being, by taking a genuine interest in them. Talking gently, continually giving lots of encouragement and praise, enabling children's confidence to develop.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They have regular opportunities throughout the week to mix with other children as the childminder takes them to local Library and playgroup. This enables them to develop their social skills, confidence and experience different environments. The children involve the childminder in their play and they receive plenty of warm, individual attention, which enables them to

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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 successfully extend their learning and experiences. For example, childminder and children enjoying playing a counting game on the floor.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a wide variety of play materials and thus, they make their own decisions about what they do. They enjoy playing with these, especially the cars and craft activities. The childminder rotates toys regularly to maintain children's interest and to help keep their play provision fresh. She makes suggestions for things that children might like to play with and responds to their interests. For example, putting a large floor puzzle together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and their individual needs are met as they follow their daily routine. Children feel at home and at ease in the setting, and they are confident to initiate and extend their play. The childminder spends time getting to know the parents and children well. She works closely with parents which ensures children experience consistent care. Good systems for sharing information are in place, such as daily diaries for younger children and talking through the child's progress regularly with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and show increasing independence. For example, learning to tidy up toys and play materials. The childminder uses age appropriate strategies to deal with negative behaviour. Children's self esteem is raised by good use of praise and encouragement by the childminder. Children have access to a good range of age appropriate activities offered and the childminder makes sure resources are available that promote a positive view of the wider community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has good understanding of her role in relation to complaints. Parents are aware of the procedure to follow should they wish to make a complaint. Written polices and procedures are in place to share with parents and written agreements are up to date.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Appropriate checks for suitability were carried out at registration. The children feel at home and at ease within the friendly environment. The childminder dedicates her time and attention fully to the children when they are present. Children have good space because the environment is organised to make the most of the available space for children's play opportunities and care needs.

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Organisation

Regulatory documentation for the safe and effective management of children is in place, and includes a wide range of written policies and procedures that the childminder has created, which contributes to children's health, safety and well being. For example, the accident book, register and children's details are accurately maintained. The childminder's registration certificate is displayed for parents to see and detailed information kept on children are well maintained, in a confidential manner and made available for inspection.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken the following steps to minimise risks to children. A suitable first aid box has been obtained.

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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 positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection • devise a system to record the administration of medication to children

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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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