Dane Court Grammar School

Inspection report for early years provision

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136585 Unique Reference Number 21 December 2007 Inspection date Denys Rasmussen 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 since 1996. She lives with her husband, one teenage child and a three year old in a house in Beckenham. The home is within walking distance of shops, schools, parks and public transport.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the house is used for childminding purposes except two bedrooms upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children and currently there are six children on roll, five of whom are part time.

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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. The children are cared for in a clean home where they can play, rest and eat in comfort. The childminder ensures the children receive a balanced diet and caters to their likes and dislikes so they enjoy the food she offers. They are offered fresh fruit and vegetables on a daily basis to help them make healthy choices. She ensures they are offered drinks on a regular basis. Good hygiene procedures are followed such as thorough hand washing. The childminder is qualified in first aid and holds written permission from parents to seek emergency medical assistance or treatment, this means accidents are dealt with appropriately. She ensures that food is hygienically stored, prepared and cooked to protect children's health. The childminder's sick child policy is effective in helping to prevent the spread of infection. Children's health needs are discussed with parents, such as whether they have any dietary requirements or

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Helping children to be healthy

allergies to ensure appropriate care is given.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a child orientated home where the children can access play resources because they are stored for self selection. The home is made welcoming by children's work displayed on the walls and a notice board for parents information. The childminder has a large variety of play resources available to the children which she ensures are age appropriate and carry the European safety mark so that children can play safely. Although the childminder carries out daily risk assessments in her home these are not always sufficiently thorough. She has put safety measures in place such as all electrical sockets covered and safety gates placed in appropriate places. The risk of accidents outside the home is reduced because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring children are safe on outings. For example she uses wrist straps or reins and risk assesses a venue before visiting. The childminder understands her responsibility

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to the children in her care and has a satisfactory knowledge of the child protection procedures to follow if she became concerned about a child's welfare. However, she does not have written documentation to refer to.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder knows the children well and provides activities that interest them. For example, they follow a theme which is Christmas this week. This is then linked to activities such as making salt dough decorations, making paper decorations, making calendars, visiting 'Santa' and having a Christmas party. The children enjoy experimenting with play dough, corn flour and sand. The children benefit from regular outings and attend groups to meet up with other children; this enables them to make friends and play with different children on a regular basis, building their confidence and social skills. The childminder encourages the children to make their own choices about their play and the children play confidently together. Children are happy and settled with good levels of self-esteem because of the childminder's positive and warm interaction. She nurtures their self esteem when she encourages them to proudly display their Lego models

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and takes pictures of them to record their achievements. The children are happy and make themselves 'at home'.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder's consistent expectations, praise and encouragement promote children's well being, as a result they are happy and secure. She reminds the children to say please when appropriate encouraging good manners. The childminder does not gender stereotype the activities and equipment she offers and encourages all the children to access all the play resources. She acknowledges a range of festivals and cultural traditions and respects each child's family background. Although she has no experience in caring for a child with learning difficulties or disabilities she has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment. Her portfolio informs parents of the service offered and she provides photographic evidence of activities children have been involved with. Children experience appropriate care due to detailed information obtained about them and effective communication systems. For example, the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder uses a contact book to relay information about the child's day. The childminder has all appropriate written parental consents in place and respects the parents wishes in the care of their child.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a relaxed environment where they are comfortable and make themselves 'at home'. All the required documentation is maintained. There are appropriate policies and procedures and most work well in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. The childminder does not have the relevant safeguarding documentation to refer to, nevertheless she understands the procedures to follow to protect children. Children are offered stimulating play opportunities indoors and out that interests them and promotes their all round development. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has increased her knowledge about safeguarding children, she has added to her play resources to include some positive imagery and has written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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Complaints 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

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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 awareness of the Government booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abuse- summary'. • ensure children have no access to hazardous substances.

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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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