King James I Community Arts College

Inspection report for early years provision

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114306 Unique Reference Number 14 February 2008 Inspection date Teresa Colburn 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 four and seven years in Worthing, West Sussex. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group and takes children to the local library and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding six children under five years and six children over five years on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have two pet dogs, a hamster and fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are accommodated in a clean environment. The childminder implements satisfactory measures to minimise the potential for the spread of infection and to ensure good hygiene.

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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 are supported in developing understanding of the importance of personal hygiene practices as part of the daily routine. For instance, they are reminded about the need to wash their hands after using the toilet and the childminder supervises those children who require a little assistance at this time. However, children do not have access to separate towels, therefore this poses a risk of cross infection. Children are cared for appropriately when sick or injured; parents are requested to collect children early when unwell, ensuring children are cared for in their own environment. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, so is able to administer first aid in the event of a accident. She understands her duty to record accidents and medication administration to help safeguard children. However, confidentiality is not fully

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Helping children to be healthy

maintained when recording medication records.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides food for most of the children currently in her care. They enjoy a variety of items that include some healthy options and also take into account their wishes for favourite things. For example, macaroni and broccoli cheese, corn beef hash, tuna fish pie. Menus are clearly displayed to ensure parents are fully aware of all meals provided. Children drink regularly; their cups remain within easy reach on the kitchen table and the childminder tops these up as necessary. During the inspection, children enjoy sitting at the dining table together, eating finger foods and socialising with each other. The childminder is trained in food hygiene and is registered with the local authority as a 'small food establishment'. This ensures that children's food is stored and prepared in accordance with good food hygiene practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities to participate in exercise and develop their knowledge of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They have access to a secure outdoor area and frequently walk to the local library or park. Children can rest and be active according to their needs and younger children's care routines are consistently followed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a very welcoming and homely environment, seeing their creations displayed. They use a very well equipped dining room and conservatory with great ease. Children of all ages find toys and resources to interest them. Children make their own choices about what to play with, making the most of the available space. The childminder makes regular checks on equipment and toys to ensure they remain clean, in good condition and age and stage appropriate for the children to play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are secure and there are effective procedures to ensure the safe arrival and departure of children. Children are well supervised and kept safe at all times due to the childminder's good supervision. Children's safety is well maintained because the childminder has an understanding of the potential dangers and hazards. For example, kitchen cleaning products have been made inaccessible, a stair gate restricts access to unsuitable areas and two smoke detectors have been installed. The childminder has a clear verbal and written fire evacuation procedure in place, and ensures children regularly practise evacuating the premises quickly and effectively. Space within the home is well organised, for example, good clear floor space allows children to play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of the correct procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child’s safety and welfare. Parents are informed of the childminder's duty to protect the children in her care and there are clear systems in place to ensure that only authorised persons collect their children. The childminder has attended safeguarding training to ensure

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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 she is up to date with all current guidance. Therefore, this ensures children are well protected and safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very settled and happy. They enjoy nurturing and fun relationships with the childminder, from whom they receive support and encouragement. Children flourish in the childminder's care as she offers purposeful and challenging activities. Children show confidence as they are animated and talk freely during their play. They benefit from the childminder's constant talking and playing with them. Children make daily visits to local groups, woodland walks, nature walks, cookery, library, museums and art and craft sessions. Such a range of resources encourage their development and offers new experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relish sharing story books with the childminder. They enthusiastically attempt to turn the pages and recall the story, continually laughing and interacting with each other and the childminder. Younger children are greatly encouraged to use domestic furniture to aid walking. The childminder has an excellent understanding of each child's needs and skilfully encourages and aids their communication and social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans topics to ensure varied stimulation and fun. Plans are displayed for parents to access and the childminder continually adds additional activities throughout the weeks, to ensure children's continual development and maintain their interest. For example, the spring topic included activities such as making clay bugs, finding bugs at the local brook, visiting the park, borrowing bug books from the local library, cooking butterfly cakes, making pizzas and icing biscuits.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are warmly welcomed and play a full part in the setting, because the childminder values and respects their individuality and the family context for each child. The children have many opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through planned themes, such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, Christmas, Easter and Eid. Children are exposed to different cultures through planned activities, therefore increasing their knowledge and understanding of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with additional needs are superbly supported through the practice of the childminder and her commitment to the development of each child. She works closely with parents and with external agencies to ensure that the care offered is more than adequate and this ensures that children make excellent progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to share and play sociably through consistent and positive guidelines. The childminder uses consistent strategies for managing behaviour, which helps children learn to understand right from wrong. She offers regular praise and encouragement to children to help increase their confidence and self-esteem. Children show some understanding of working co-operatively as they share popular resources, such as the favourite books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children’s well-being in the setting. Parents are fully informed of the planning for each topic as well as their own child’s progress. The childminder has recently devised informative newsletters for parents, informing

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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 them of forthcoming topics, Childminder Network information and any training she is planning to attend or has recently attended. Detailed information in the childminder's portfolio and written policies and procedures enable parents to be well informed about the childminder and the service she provides. She ensures that all parents know how their children are progressing and developing through verbal exchanges. These steps ensure extremely effective continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder greatly enhances children's care by the quality of organisation. The premises are well organised. Indoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. The dedicated play areas are set out in areas for play and equipment is accessible to all the children. A wealth of detailed documentation, which contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being, is in place. All documentation is regularly reviewed and up dated to ensure it is line with current legislation.

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Organisation

Children benefit from a qualified and enthusiastic childminder who strives to improve her current practice through attendance on courses, such as communication skills, level 2 food safety and safeguarding training. She uses ideas from courses to develop her practice and enhance the enjoyment of the children. Through offering support to other childminders as a 'support childminder' for Sure Start, she also has the opportunity to assess her own practice and make changes. She regularly reflects on, monitors and improves the quality of the care that she offers as part of working towards becoming an accredited Network Childminder through the accredited quality assurance scheme Children Come First Network. The quality of the provision means that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection, the childminder was required to ensure the attendance register clearly records children's accurate arrival and departure times. The childminder has addressed this recommendation successfully, with the result that documentation is now fully maintained.

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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 confidentiality is fully maintained when recording medication • ensure suitable hand drying procedures are promoted.

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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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