Cove School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 116446 Inspection date 25 August 2005 Inspector Sonjia Nicholson

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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 has been registered since 1990. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and 14 years. They live in a house in a village close to Stokenchurch, which has a range of amenities including shops, parks and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children under 8 years; there are currently 5 children on roll, 3 of whom attend on an occasional basis.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop their physical skills through regular opportunities to play in the childminder's large garden; they also visit play parks and take walks in the local vicinity which contributes to their good health. Children learn good personal hygiene habits such as hand washing before meals, through the daily routine. The childminder sets a good example for children by following a hygienic nappy changing routine and washing her hands appropriately. Children are cared for in an environment that is warm and clean. The childminder has a clear sickness policy in place which she implements to ensure children are not exposed to cross-infection and illness. Accidents and the administration of medication are dealt with and recorded appropriately which ensures children's good health is maintained and parent's are kept informed. Children are developing their social skills through eating meals together at the

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Helping children to be healthy

breakfast bar. The childminder offers nutritious options and considers parents wishes and children's likes and dislikes when planning meals. She offers children frequent drinks throughout the day which ensures they do not become dehydrated.

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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, comfortable home where risks have been identified and minimised; this means they are able to move around safely and freely. There is access to a large fully enclosed garden which is safe and secure for children to play and explore. Children independently select from the range of toys set out daily by the childminder; she monitors and supervises children's choices to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder has a large selection of toys and equipment to meet the needs of the children she cares for and which cover all areas of their play and learning. The childminder has a basic knowledge of local child protection procedures; further development will enhance her understanding and ensure children are well protected.

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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 Children have a close, loving relationship with the childminder and her family. They spend time together playing, laughing and chatting and have great fun; consequently the children are happy and secure within the setting. The childminder is very involved in children's play; she plays at their level on the floor and takes time to explain new concepts. The childminder encourages children's language development by talking constantly, asking questions, reading stories and introducing new vocabulary; as a result they are confident and communicate freely. Children relate well to one another and socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups. The childminder provides opportunities for children to develop their knowledge and understanding away from the home such as

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

trips to the seaside, London Zoo and Beale Park. Children are confident in the childminder's home, choosing toys and activities from the range provided; they eagerly take part in a range of activities and play situations both inside and outside. The childminder's routine is flexible and takes account of children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has good relationships with parents. She offers verbal feedback on a daily basis about the care provided, shares details of her policies and procedures and ensures written agreements are in place; this contributes to continuity in the children's care. Through a range of activities and experiences the childminder ensures children develop a positive attitude about the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example they watch relevant children's programmes on the television, play with a variety of toys reflecting equal opportunities, celebrate festivals such as Christmas and Diwali and meet a range of people when out and about. The childminder gives high priority to managing children's behaviour and as a result children are well-behaved; they know the boundaries for behaviour and respond well to the childminder's consistent approach. She encourages children to play

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Helping children make a positive contribution

co-operatively and share toys and equipment so they learn to respect one another and their surroundings.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises the space available effectively to ensure children can play and move freely. Children benefit from the activities organised by the childminder both inside and outside, which are designed to extend their play, learning and development. Children receive plenty of attention and support; they make good progress in a healthy, safe environment where they feel part of the family. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 She has all the necessary documentation and parental consents in place to ensure children's safety and care; these are stored confidentially and updated as necessary.

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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): • develop a greater understanding of the Area Child Protection Committee procedures and ensure this document is shared with parents.

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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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