Uffculme School

Inspection report for early years provision

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103605 Unique Reference Number 09 January 2008 Inspection date Karen Scott 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 was registered in 1988. She lives with her family in Gillingham. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently minding nine, on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder practises good hygiene, helping to protect children from contamination. Children independently visit the bathroom with support from the childminder where appropriate. Infectious children do not attend, preventing the spread of contagious ailments. The childminder

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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 holds a current first aid certificate so she is able to administer first aid in the event of an accident. She would seek emergency medical advice and treatment if children required it and has written parental permission to do so. Parents give prior written permission for the childminder to administer medication and parents sign to acknowledge that they are aware of the medication their children have received, helping to protect them. Children have daily physical exercise either in the garden or on walks to the local schools. This helps them to understand the need for exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has an understanding of healthy eating for young children. They are offered a range of healthy snacks and meals and encouraged to try new foods in order to help them establish a healthy eating pattern. However, the childminder is aware of the likes, dislikes and food intolerances that the children have and meets their dietary requirements. Children can help themselves to a drink whenever they wish, helping to prevent dehydration.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a spacious and well-organised environment, allowing them the room to move around safely. A risk assessment of the house has been carried out and necessary steps been taken to minimise risks to children. Children have drawn colourful plans depicting where the fire exits are, helping make the evacuation of the house in an emergency less worrying for them. An assessment of the garden has also identified possible risks. Before children play outside the childminder involves them in discussions about how to play safely and ensures that children playing with water are supervised at all times. Written procedures detail what the childminder will do if a child is not collected or becomes lost, helping to protect children in such circumstances. These procedures are shared with parents making them aware of the processes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended training on child protection and has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the procedures to follow should she have any concerns about a child in her care. She understands her role in the protection of children and shares this with parents, helping to keep children safe from harm. The childminder has a clear understanding of the procedures to undertake should an allegation be made against herself or a member of her family. However, she has not shared this with parents and carers so that they are aware too.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, relaxed and confident. They approach the childminder for support indicating good relationships are built. The childminder is warm and affectionate, making children feel comfortable and valued. Children show independence and make choices about the activities that they become involved in. The childminder encourages children to do things for themselves but gives good support when children are learning new skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A range of toys and resources provide balance and challenge. Children regularly visit the library and enjoy looking at books with the childminder, learning about the sounds that words start with. The childminder uses descriptive language and asks many questions to extend children's language development. Children complete complicated jigsaw puzzles with support from the childminder. The childminder encourages children's mathematical development further by engaging them in activities that require counting and shape recognition. Children's creative

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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 development is encouraged through activities such as drawing and making things. Children particularly enjoy playing with a range of musical instruments, making loud and quiet sounds and fast and slow rhythms. Children benefit from regular visits to toddler groups and to parks, museums and the coast.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of equality and a positive attitude towards diversity. Children are treated with respect and made to feel good about themselves, differences are acknowledged positively. Children look at maps, learning about places that are relevant and important to their families. The childminder engages children in conversation about things and people that are important to them. Children have access to a range of resources that promote equality and reflect positive images of diversity within society. The childminder has much experience and a good understanding of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children's developmental needs are discussed with parents, ensuring consistency of care and activities are adapted to meet individual needs. Children have been involved in making and displaying the house rules and consequently are well behaved. Appropriate strategies

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Helping children make a positive contribution

such as one to one support and good explanation help children to understand right from wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder gathers relevant information before looking after children in order that she can offer the appropriate care. Parents and carers are informed of the childminder's service as they receive an information pack containing many policies and procedures. Information is exchanged verbally and in contact books. A complaints policy encourages parents to talk to the childminder if they have any concerns in order that they are resolved. However, the contact details for the regulator, if the parents wish to complain further, is out of date making it difficult for parents to follow that route. Parents feel that the childminder offers excellent care and attention in a well-organised and loving environment that their children love coming to.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from well-organised time and resources and they receive sufficient adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The childminder has much experience of working with young children in various settings and uses this to enhance the care that she offers to children. She also keeps herself well informed of current childcare practices by attending relevant training and through reading, enabling her to offer up to date care to children. Parents and carers are asked for their opinions and suggestions in order that the childminder can make improvements to the care that children receive. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

All relevant and mandatory documentation is in place and well maintained. It is stored securely and confidentially but is easily accessible when needed. Contracts are reviewed in order to ensure that information is up to date. The childminder keeps a record of visitors and a register of children's times of arrival and departure, meaning that there is an accurate record of attendance should it be required. The certificate is displayed prominently and previous inspection reports available for parents to read, ensuring that they are aware of the care that the childminder offers. Procedures are in place for children to be cared for in an emergency and parents are aware of them.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

After the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Children have access to games and books that reflect positive images of diversity within society. Further resources are borrowed from the toy library and a childminding network.

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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 childminder 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): • amend the child protection policy to include procedures to be followed if an allegation is made about the childminder or a member of her family • review and update the complaints procedure ensuring that parents are clear about the procedure.

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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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