Southfield Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 126197 Inspection date 05 September 2005 Inspector Mary Van De Peer

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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 satisfactory. 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 1999. She lives with her family, including 2 school aged boys, in Ashford, Kent. The whole ground floor area of the house and part of the upstairs is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She minds with another registered childminder. When working together, they are able to care for a maximum of six children under five years. They are currently minding seven children. The childminder walks to local 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 The household has a pet cat. The childminder receives support from the Local Authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are encouraged to eat healthily. Their individual dietary requirements, as well as their likes and dislikes, are taken into consideration when drinks and snacks are provided. There are effective procedures in place which help prevent children contracting infectious illnesses. Children can take part in a variety of activities both indoors and outside. The resources and equipment are suitable to their age and development. Their physical skills are developing appropriately. The childminder walks everywhere and the children get plenty of exercise and fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are able to play in the downstairs part of the house, with supervised access to the garden area. Any hazards have been made safe so that these areas are kept safe for children to play freely in. In addition, the premises, equipment and outdoor areas used are checked regularly by the childminder. This helps to ensure the environment is consistently safe and secure for children. Evacuation procedures are in place although not written down. Children do not currently practice evacuating the premises. The child protection procedures in place are appropriate, this helps to ensure children's welfare and wellbeing. On outings, children are kept safe with the use of appropriate equipment, for example, push-chairs. The childminder has clear boundaries so that children are aware of what they can and cannot do. Parent's provide written permission for their children to be taken out of the childminder's home. A first aid kit is always available,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

so that children's minor injuries can be dealt with efficiently. Any accidents or incidents which involve minded children are recorded appropriately. If they require medication to be administered, this information is also recorded. This means that parents can confirm any important details.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The minded children are confident and are developing self-esteem. They know what they like to play with and are still at the stage where sharing is being learnt. The childminder gives the children her full attention to make sure that their individual needs are met. All children are able to play with the toys and equipment made available to them. They ask if there is something they want which is not readily

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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 available. The resources include dolls, construction play, drawing, cars, puzzles and rockers. However, there are no books and messy play is generally left for the children to do at the carer and toddler groups. Photographs show children enjoying themselves at various groups, at Christmas time and outdoors. The children's communication skills are developing appropriately. They interact well with the childminder and are able to respond, most of the time, to any guidance given. The children are still at the solitary stage of play, but the childminder encourages them to play together when she feels the timing is right.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children's behaviour can be challenging at times. The childminder is able to distract them and calm them down effectively. This is helping the children learn how to respect other people and give each other space when they need it. There are clear behaviour boundaries set by the childminder which the children are beginning to learn. Although children have a varied selection of toys and activities to play with, on a daily basis there are limited resources which show the diversities in today's society. The childminder speaks to children's parents regularly. There is a contact book which is completed on a daily basis by both childminder and parents. This provides parents with relevant information about their children's day, what they have been doing and their achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder usually works alongside another registered childminder. Together they provide an organised service. The required documents and records are in place and kept updated. Contracts are used with the parents and child record forms are completed with appropriate information to help with the quality of care provided by the childminders. However, they do not provide written policies or procedures for parents to refer to. The childminder has consistently attended first aid training so that she can give children good and appropriate care if they ever hurt themselves. She also makes sure she has contact with other child carers and support workers. This means that the childminder can keep track of some of the current child care practices and use these to improve her minding service. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now keeps children's records regularly updated and these are stored securely for confidentiality. Accident and incident records are kept according to the National Standards regulations, with all relevant information recorded. The

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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 childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection is clear and satisfactory procedures can be followed. The cat litter tray and food bowls are inaccessible to children. This enables the childminder to further promote children's wellbeing and safety.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • increase the choices children have in their play • review resources providing positive images of the diversities in society • consider providing parents with written childminding procedures.

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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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