E-ACT the Kingfisher School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 139247 Inspection date 16 August 2005 Inspector Brenda Joan Flewitt

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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 re-registered in 1992 and has worked as a childminder for 18 years. She lives with her husband and 2 children, 1 of whom is an adult and 1 is aged 13 years. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, which includes a lounge, dining room, conservatory and toilet facilities. Sleeping arrangements are provided on the first floor. Both the front and rear gardens are fully enclosed and available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children under the age of five years and two

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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 school-aged children on a part time basis. The childminder also cares for children over the age of eight years. The family have two dogs, two tortoises, and two rabbits, to which the children have supervised access. The childminder has gained the certificate in Extending Childminding Practice. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and Co-ordinator for the local childminding group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well. They are cared for in a warm, clean and well maintained family home, where they learn good procedures for their own personal hygiene through discussion and the childminder's example. Children develop independence in using the toilet and hand washing facilities, which they access easily from the hall. The children are protected from the spread of infection through the childminder's clear policies and procedures. For example, the childminder carries out hygienic nappy changing procedures and supplies parents with written information explaining that children must not attend if they have an infectious illness. Children have regular access to drinks throughout the day. The childminder offers a drink at snack and meal times and supplies bottles of water, which are available whenever the children are thirsty. Children learn about healthy eating through topic

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Helping children to be healthy

work and share what they learn with their parents so that they start to make healthy choices about their packed lunches. Children respond well to a semi-structured routine that includes a good balance of physical activity, time to be outside and opportunities for quiet times and rest. They are regularly involved in a variety of activities that promote their physical development. These include playing in the garden, where they use various ride-on vehicles, walking in the local area, and visits to the nearby play park, which provides opportunities to swing, climb, run and play ball games.

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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 safe and secure environment where most hazards and risks are identified and minimised. They safely move around, choosing toys and activities with increasing confidence as the premises are organised to make the most of the space available. Children are protected from unknown visitors to the house through the electronic security device, which allows the childminder to see who is at the front door. Children are kept safe on outings through the childminder's effective procedures,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 which include using appropriate car seats and restraints and taking first aid equipment with her. The childminder has implemented thorough procedures to make sure that children are safe in an emergency situation; these include carrying clear information for emergency services. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through topic work, discussion and example set by the childminder through daily routines. For instance, children know that they should apply sun cream to protect themselves from the sun, and learn how to cross the road safely when on outings. Children know what they must do in the case of a fire in the home, as they are involved in regular discussion and practices. The childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues and the Area Child Protection Committee procedures contributes to safeguarding the children's safety

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and secure in their childminder's care. They form positive relationships with her and each other. Children enjoy each other's company; they play well together and show that they care, for example, the older children encourage the younger ones in developing practical skills by praising their efforts. All children develop confidence in making their needs known, as they can be sure of a friendly response. Children are involved in a broad range of activities and experiences that promote learning in all areas of development. These include art and craft, role play, sand, miniature world, board games, construction, music, books and cooking. The childminder plans activities linked through topics such as Travel, Seaside, Keeping Safe and Healthy Eating. Children enjoy acting out real life situations using miniature world toys like vehicles moving around an airport. They are keen to discuss events in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their lives, for example, a three year old confidently talks about a country he has visited and links sounds and letters of the written name when he finds it on the globe. Children's days include a variety of visits outside the home, where they explore their local environment, meet other people and have opportunities to use a wider range of equipment. They enjoy going for walks to feed the ducks and discover similarities and differences connected with a theme; for example, children notice shapes of tunnels and arches when they walk past the railway track. They regularly visit toddler groups, where children develop confidence in playing with other children of a similar age. As a result, children develop a positive attitude to the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder knows each child well through positive interaction while supporting their activities, recording observations and effective communication with parents. Children develop a sense of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 belonging as they see photos of themselves and examples of their work displayed in the childminder's home. Children develop an open attitude to all as they see images of diversity in their play equipment and explore festivals from other cultures. Children behave well. They respond positively to the childminder's praise and encouragement for effort and achievement. The children are involved in decisions about acceptable behaviour. They have compiled the 'Golden Rules' and often refer to them as they remind each other of what they agreed. Children benefit from the childminder's open, friendly and professional partnership with parents. The childminder promotes good communication between herself and parents. This includes clear information about the setting and daily opportunities for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

discussion, supported by a daily diary for the youngest children. This contributes to the children's individual needs being met effectively.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to developing her role through training. She has gained the certificate in Extending Childminding Practice and attends many courses to extend her knowledge in various aspects of caring for children. The good organisation of the premises, planned activities and structure of the day leads to children being active and learning in a safe environment, resting as individual needs require and their independence skills being promoted. Records and documentation are well organised and up to date. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended that children have access to toys and books that reflect diversity. The childminder has increased the resources available; children use a good range of play equipment that reflects a diverse society. This contributes to children developing a positive attitude to all.

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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

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 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): • improve security when playing in the front garden, so that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised if the childminder is distracted.

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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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