Woodlands Hospital School

Inspection report for early years provision

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103607 Unique Reference Number 07 November 2007 Inspection date Freeda Wildon 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged 14 and eight in Chatham, Kent. All areas of the childminder’s house are 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 at any one time and is currently minding six children under eight on a part time basis. The childminder walks/drives to local schools and pre-school to take and collect children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They visit the toilet independently; they wash their hands afterwards and before meal times. Effective nappy changing procedures, individual towels and a sick child policy reduces the risk of cross contamination.

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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 Children enjoy healthy snacks and meals, and know what is good for them because the childminder offers healthy foods and talks to the children about healthy eating. She takes into account the wishes of parents and children's choices. Some parents provide food for their children which is stored appropriately in the fridge.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Most days they walk to and from school and pre-school. Other activities, such as playing in the garden, visits to the park and to play centres, improve children's physical skills. Drinks are offered regularly to keep their bodies hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Up-to-date first aid training means that the childminder is able to treat children appropriately in the event of an accident. However, parents' written permission is not in place to enable the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice for the children. Consequently, she is unable to act according to parents' wishes. Accident records are kept and signed by the parents so they are aware of any accidents and can care for their children appropriately when they arrive home. Medication records are also kept but procedures for administering medicines are not in line with National Standards guidance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has excellent procedures in place to keep children safe in her home. Formal risk assessments have been established to identify and minimise risks for children in the spacious home. This means that they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The risk assessment also identifies hazards away from the home and procedures are in place to keep children safe on outings. For example, the childminder takes children's details out with her should there be an emergency but as yet she does not have parents' consent for emergency medical treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home is organised so children can select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder teaches them about safety, for example, crossing the road, 'stranger danger' and safety within the home. Fire prevention and appropriate equipment is in place, such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket. This contributes to children’s safety should there be a fire. An emergency procedure is in place and practice drills are carried out regularly. Older children take an active part in the evacuation procedure by designing their own procedure. This helps them take responsibility for their own safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder ensures there are effective procedures for their safe arrival and collection; only people known to the childminder can collect. A password is used in an emergency. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, she has procedures at hand to follow if she is concerned about a child. The childminder keeps a record of visitors and parents are aware of her emergency cover. This contributes to children's welfare and safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy a warm and caring relationship with the childminder. They are developing well in confidence and self-esteem because the childminder praises and encourages the children. They are cared for in an environment that allows them to experience a wide selection of activities.

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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 All children are happy and having fun because the childminder supports them well and helps them acquire new skills and knowledge. They are encouraged to share and take turns. This helps them build good relationships with one another. Young children are excited and show wonder as the lights are turned on for the fish tank; they look for their favourite fish by its name. The childminder recognises the need for children to relax after a day at school; they are able to join in the activities or rest. Children wishing to do their homework are able to do so.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are making good progress in their learning because the childminder plans activities to promote children's learning in all areas. She has a daily plan which she shares with parents. She has recently started to keep observations, records and plans for children's next steps. At the end of the sessions the childminder evaluates the activities and makes adjustments. Children have a selection of good quality books that encourage them to develop an interest in reading. They enjoy listening to stories and have their favourite ones, such as 'After the storm'. Children have opportunities to explore a range of art media and materials, for example, they collect conkers, acorns and pods to make a collage linking with their story about trees.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing well in their own confidence and self-esteem. They are learning to be independent in personal care, for example, taking themselves to the toilet and selecting their own toys. They self register when they arrive and are recognising their names. They are beginning to link sounds with letters, for example their names. The environment is print rich so children learn that print carries meaning. Children use their imagination as they role play. Their language and thinking skills are promoted because the childminder uses effective questioning techniques, for example, 'what kind of weather do you think it is?'. They use equipment that supports the development of their small muscles, such as crayons and scissors. Their mathematical thinking is promoted through shapes and numbers; children count as they play. Some children count confidently from one to six.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel secure because they bring their favourite toys to help them feel at home. Children develop a sense of belonging because they have a space for their personal belongings and have their own cup and plate. A settling-in policy is practised and sharing information about home life helps children separate from their family. Children's routines are known and respected. The childminder knows the children well, therefore she is able to meet their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's self-esteem is promoted through encouragement, praising achievements and displaying children's work on the walls. Praise, encouragement and strategies such as distraction help children understand about boundaries. A behaviour management policy is discussed and shared with parents. Children's independence is valued as they are encouraged to do things for themselves, for example, using the toilet, taking off their shoes when they arrive and getting ready for outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are content and are developing good relationships with the childminder and others. They have access to a range of activities and resources to promote a view of the world and to increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of others. For example, the childminder provides books, puzzles, figures, and celebrates festivals from other parts of the world. Children have frequent opportunities to learn about the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Contracts are in place recording business arrangements but not all the appropriate parental permissions have been obtained. Good communication from the childminder informs parents

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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 of the care that their children receive. Parents are happy with the care provided; they feel that they are able to contact the childminder at any time and value the information they receive. A range of policies and procedures are available to parents. Although the childminder has at hand the new regulation relating to complaints the procedures do not reflect the new regulations.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are secure and happy in the childminder's home because the childminder's routine includes quiet times, meal times, outings and play times. The childminder holds a childcare qualification and is committed to develop and improve her childminding service. She makes the most of opportunities to attend relevant workshops and training courses.

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Organisation

The childminder's portfolio shows parents that all adults living in the household have undergone checks to establish suitability. The attendance register confirms that the childminder complies with the condition of her registration. The registration certificate is displayed for parents. Most of the required documentation for the safe and effective management of the setting and to promote the welfare and care of children is maintained. The exception being, prior written consent from parents for emergency treatment or advice and the procedures for administering medicines are not in line with National Standards guidance. Minor adjustments are needed to the complaints procedure. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection one recommendation was made. It was to ensure that children practise the emergency evacuation procedures. The childminder has successfully addressed this recommendation, resulting in positive outcomes for children.

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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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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):

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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 • obtain parents' written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • develop knowledge and understanding of procedures for administering medication • further develop the complaints procedure to reflect recent changes and share this with parents.

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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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