Kingsmead School

Inspection report for early years provision

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124397 Unique Reference Number 09 October 2007 Inspection date Cheryl Walker 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 satisfactory. 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 1981. She lives with her husband and adult son in a three bed roomed house within walking distance of central Croydon. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, with rest facilities available on the first floor. 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 three children at any one time and is currently minding three children. The childminder attends the local Sure Start group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder speaks English and French.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children begin to learn about good hygiene practice because the childminder ensures they wash their hands before they eat their snacks and meals. A poster in the bathroom reminds

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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 them to wash their hands after using the toilet to remove any germs. Suitable cleaning systems ensure that toys and equipment remain clean and appropriate for children's use.

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Helping children to be healthy

Up to date first aid training ensures that the childminder is able to cope with any minor accidents and appropriate systems are in place to record these, although the contents of the first aid box are not regularly replenished. Written permission to seek emergency medical care has not been sought which means that parental wishes in the event of an emergency are not known, which could result in delays in seeking treatment. Children with infectious ailments do not attend the provision and this prevents the spread of contagious illnesses.

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Helping children to be healthy

Regular local walks and use of the safe and secure garden enable children to develop physical skills and to benefit from fresh air. The childminder ensures their individual dietary needs are known by discussing this thoroughly with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder offers a child friendly, welcoming environment. She organises the indoor space effectively, allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Carefully selected toys ensure children have a good choice of safe and suitable resources. The childminder interacts well with the children to help them develop an awareness of how to keep themselves safe. She encourages them not to run indoors and supervises closely to ensure children keep safe. The security of the home is good, ensuring children are unable to leave without a suitable adult. Regular visual checks of toys and resources ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of her responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children. She knows how to proceed if she has concerns about a child in her care. This supports children’s well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and secure in the childminder's care. They settle quickly on arrival and explore the toys on offer. Children participate in a varied range of activities which encourage them to develop. They regularly meet with other children to develop their social skills, when they visit local groups or the library.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

In the home, children happily play with an appropriate range of toys and activities, which are rotated regularly to ensure variety. Children are able to play freely in the setting, supervised by the childminder. Children enjoy sharing books with the childminder and singing nursery rhymes, joining in with actions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals. The childminder meets their individual needs by gaining awareness through discussion with parents. She is open to caring for children with additional needs although has limited experience in this area. Children learn about diversity through open discussion and through a small range of toys and resources that reflect culture and race.

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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 Appropriate links exist with parents, although contracts are not up to date as some children's attendance arrangements have changed and these have not been added to the written agreements. Clear systems for communication help to keep them informed. The childminder gives daily, verbal feedback to parents to keep them up to date with changes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave generally well. The childminder has set boundaries in place which children are encouraged to respect, although the methods used to manage undesirable behaviour sometimes give children mixed messages.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from appropriately organised play areas, allowing time for quiet and active play. They enjoy an environment where they receive sufficient adult support to help them feel secure and confident. Children's wellbeing is safeguarded because the childminder recognises her responsibilities in keeping children safe from persons that have not been vetted.

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Organisation

Most required documentation and equipment is in place to support the childminding service. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to maintain a daily register of children's hours and to ensure that potential hazards are inaccessible to children. The childminder now keeps a clear record of children's arrival and departure times within the record of attendance to meet with regulatory requirements. Children's safety is now assured because the childminder has risk assessed her home to address any hazards.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain written permission for emergency medical treatment

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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 • replenish the first aid box • review the contracts with parents to ensure all information is up to date

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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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