The Blue Coat CofE School

Inspection report for early years provision

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137133 Unique Reference Number 21 August 2007 Inspection date Michelle Smith 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 registered since 1993. She lives with her husband and two children aged three and seven, her mother and father in Beckenham within the London borough of Bromley. The childminder is registered to care for two children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part time basis. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local park. The family has one pet cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. Children are developing an understanding of good hygiene practice as they wash their hands before and after meals. The tables are cleaned before meals, this demonstrates the childminder's good level of understanding relating to good hygiene practice. Children are becoming independent as they take themselves to the bathroom and tend to their personal needs. There are clear procedures in place for caring

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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 for children that become unwell. For example, children with infectious diseases are not permitted. Therefore, children are protected from infection. Documentation is in place for recording accidents and medication administered to children. The childminder has completed a first aid course and there is a first aid box in place with the necessary contents. This means the childminder can administer first aid safely and children's wellbeing is protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy outdoor play and run around freely with their friends. They enjoy throwing balls into the basketball net and riding wheeled toys. Children do benefit from different opportunities to develop their physical skills and co-ordinations. Children benefit from daily fresh air. Children enjoy a clean environment, where they rest and play safely.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing an understanding of healthy eating, through the well balanced meals provided. They enjoy meals that are freshly prepared each day. Children enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks. Children are provided with drinking water throughout the day and with meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's emotional wellbeing is met, through hugs and affection shown from the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are settled in a warm, secure and safe environment, where they play happily. Children benefit from sufficient space, that enables them to move around the home safely and freely. All safety equipment in place is in working order. Children rest safely. For example, sleeping children are checked at regular intervals. They enjoy a secure outdoor area, where they play and have fun with their friends. The childminder has a good understanding of safety. For example, children enjoy preparing pizza's in the kitchen. However, before the oven went on all children have to leave the kitchen. Therefore, children's wellbeing is protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy a good range of play materials and equipment that meets safety standards. The play materials are rotated on a regular basis to ensure children benefit from a variety. The toys are accessible and age appropriate to meets the needs of the children. There are sufficient equipments in place to meet the needs of the children and to aid them during play. For example, suitable chairs and tables.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children travel safely on outings and visits to the local school. For example, there are suitable car seats in place. Children are developing an understanding of road safety, through regular discussions on the green cross code. This means the children's wellbeing is protected. The childminder has a good understanding of safety inside and outside the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm through the childminder's good understanding of child protection issues. There is a child protection policy, which is shared with parents. This means children's welfare is safeguarded. She does not have a copy of the 'What to do if your worried about a child being abused' document. She has completed child protection training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of different play opportunities, that are age appropriate and to the child's level of understanding. For example, younger children play with pop up toys and musical instruments. Children play well together and enjoy the company of their friends. They enjoy

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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 going to the local park, where they play and experience different play equipment. They are developing an understanding of the local community and further a field as they visit different places of interest. For example, Leeds Castle, local parks and strawberry picking at Hayes Farm. The childminder provides opportunities for children to investigate and explore, as they embark on different learning opportunities. The children enjoy their time at the childminder's.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a range of different learning experiences, as they use their imagination and take on different roles. The childminder encourages children to take part in a puzzles competition. This means children are learning to be competitive and developing a positive attitude towards winning and losing. Children play enthusiastically. They laugh with enjoyment and happiness, as they play. Children enjoy playing with corn flour. This means they are developing an understanding of their different senses, through touch. Children do spend their time purposefully. The childminder understands the importance of ensuring children are happy and well entertained. Children are becoming skilful communicators and competent learners as they play and learn new things within their setting and surroundings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing a sense of belonging through the close relationships built with the childminder, she knows them well. This means children's needs are met. The childminder treats children as individuals and respects them as individuals. Children effort are acknowledge by the childminder, she praises and encourages children positively. The childminder understands the positive impacts this has on children's self esteem. This means children are becoming confident learners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy routine outings to local schools and parks, where they interact with others of different cultures. Therefore, developing a positive attitude towards others. They celebrate different religious festivals and access provision reflecting positive images of differences. Children are well behaved and play together harmoniously. There are clear systems in place to manage children behaviour. They are kind to each other and beginning to develop an understanding of sharing. For example, a child had a piece of puzzle, that another child needed and she gave it to her friend willingly. Children are beginning to establish relationships with their friends. The childminder has established good working relationships with parents and communicate effective on a daily basis. Parents have indicated that they are very pleased with the service provided by the childminder. Therefore, children benefit from the continuity of

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised home. Children move around confidently and initiate their own play. There have been no changes to household members, this means adults with unsupervised access are suitable to do so. There are some policies and procedures in place, which are used to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. There is a complaints policy and a system for recording complaints. However, some details are incorrect. Children's personal records are stored to maintain confidentiality. Parents are kept well informed regarding the service, daily routine and children's activities. This contributes to the continuity of care. Documentation in place for monitoring children's progress in line with the Birth to

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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 three matters framework. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to, ensure children are not able to lock themselves in the toilet. They have changed the bathroom door and placed a lock that can be opened from outside. Ensure that the children's times of arrival and departure are recorded. There is a registration system in place, detailing children's arrival and departure times. Improve fire safety precautions by practising an emergency escape plan with the minded children. There is a fire evacuation plan in place, that is displayed in the playroom and practised with children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • make sure you obtain a copy of the 'What to do if your worried about a child being abused' document • make sure Ofsted contact details are updated within the complaints policy.

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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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