Medway Community College

Inspection report for early years provision

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118834 Unique Reference Number 08 November 2007 Inspection date Carol Brown 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 registered since 1992. She lives with her husband and three children, aged 21,19 and 15 years. They live in a house in a residential area close to Harold Wood Station; in the Harold Wood area of the London borough of Havering. The whole of the premises is registered for use but childminding mainly takes place on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for eight children, two of whom attend on a full time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. This is supported through the childminder's effective daily routines and her understanding of the importance of promoting children's health and well-being. Children are developing their understanding of healthy living

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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 as they are encouraged to take part in regular physical play both indoors and outside. Babies receive lots of warmth and affection. This supports their emotional development and gives them confidence to explore new experiences. Nappy changing routines ensure that children's health is protected as the childminder takes steps to prevent the spread of germs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are further protected as the childminder keeps her knowledge of first aid techniques current and is able to provide the necessary care and treatment in the event of an accident. The childminder effectively records accidents and ensures that she gains parents' consent and signatures.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered healthy meals because the childminder has a good understanding of the range of foods, which provide a balanced and nutritious diet. Parents are consulted as to their child's dietary requirements, which ensures that they remain healthy. Younger children are encouraged to feed themselves, this is supported by the childminder as she offers praise and encouragement. Parents are given information on a daily basis as to their child's food intake. Drinks are available at all times.

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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 warm and welcoming home where risks are identified and minimised. The premises are organised to ensure that safety measures are in place. For example, socket covers are in place and cleaning materials are stored out of children's reach. There is a secure outdoor play area. Children benefit from playing in a spacious well organised environment. This allows them to move around safely and independently. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. For example, children are learning about safety issues out of the home, including road safety awareness. There are systems in place for the safe arrival and departure of children as they are only released into the care of a known adult.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children have access to a range of quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder supervises the children's choice of toys to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Younger children are able to have an undisturbed rest in the sitting room.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected as the childminder has a good understanding of the physical and emotional symptoms of abuse and the appropriate action to take to safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very well settled in the childminders home and they relate well to her. They are provided with lots of opportunities to socialise with other children, both within the home and regular attendance at local parent and toddler groups, playgroups and trips to the library. Children enjoy being in the company of the childminder. She provides them with a varied and stimulating range of activities, which promotes their learning in an enjoyable way. For example, children are encouraged to look for books in the library which relate to themed activities. Children's individual needs are well met, for example, the childminder provides alternative activities when children become disinterested with play materials provided. Children's access to resources is well met as they are able to choose toys for themselves because they are stored at low level and are easily accessible.

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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 Younger children's learning is very well supported through music, sensory experiences and the childminders ability to support their pre-verbal skills by responding to their babbling and gestures. The childminder uses the Birth to three matters framework effectively to support younger children's learning. The childminder has developed comprehensive systems to observe and record children's progress, including details of how this information is used to plan activities to support the next steps in children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are provided with a sufficient range of resources and activities, which helps them to develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider community. An example of this was an activity which focussed on people with physical disabilities. Children are respected as individuals and have access to resources, which reflect diversity in society. This helps them to develop a sense of self and the world around them. However, increasing these resources will further support children's understanding of society. Children's behaviour is good. This is as a result of the childminder developing consistent methods for managing behaviour, which takes into account the age, level of understanding and maturity of individual children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's needs are well met and their daily routines are shared with parents. Parents are regularly consulted as to their children's individual care needs and the services provided by the childminder, thereby ensuring adequate continuity of care. Parents provide the childminder with relevant information regarding their children to enable appropriate care, for example, information relating to individual dietary requirements and relevant health information.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides. Children feel secure within the well organised environment. Parents are given daily verbal reports on their children's progress. Policies and procedures are used effectively to support children's well-being and development. Children's care and development is supported through the childminders commitment to developing her knowledge, through further training. There are comprehensive systems in place to keep children safe and enable them to make progress. Information kept about the children is relevant and helps to promote their welfare.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At previous inspection an action was raised in relation to the provision of smoke alarms in the home, this has now been complied with, therefore children's welfare is protected. The childminder was also required to obtain a recognised first aid qualification, she has now completed this and plans to up date her knowledge on a regular basis as required. An additional action required the childminder to make the garden safe, this has now been addressed satisfactorily and therefore children can play safely outdoors.

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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

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 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): • continue to develop resources which present positive images of society

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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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