APPLE ORCHARD SLINFOLD

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

125451 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2008 Inspection date Mary Van De Peer Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and children in Leybourne, West Malling, Kent. The whole ground floor area of the house and the upstairs bathroom are used for minding children. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding six children. She walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local Toddler Group. The family keeps a pet guinea pig. The childminder is able to support children with learning difficulties or disabilities. She has a Higher National Diploma qualification in Early Childhood Studies and a National Diploma in Social Care. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She also receives support from the Local Authority.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has very good self-care procedures in place, which she helps and encourages children to follow. They learn about why and when to wash their hands, such as after using the toilet. A clearly written sick children policy provides parents with good information regarding

p.2

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 ill children. The childminder does not care for children who are unwell, this helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Good procedures regarding the administration of medication are in place. Written permission from parents is always obtained and accurate records are kept. Accident records are also very well kept, detailed information ensures parents are clear about any injuries their children sustain. Well stocked first aid kits are ready for use both indoors and when out and about. The childminder has attended first aid training when required and has a current certificate displayed.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to develop their physical abilities in many areas, for example, using scissors, painting, moulding and sticking in creative play. They play and go outdoors on a daily basis and benefit from the fresh air and exercise. Sleep routines are discussed with parents and children are able to rest when they need to.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures she provides children with a nutritious and balanced diet. She follows the five-a-day fruit and vegetable guidelines. A menu is displayed for parents and includes pasta, chicken, curry, bread sticks and yoghurts. Drinking water is available for children at all times. They are learning about healthy eating.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has identified hazards both indoors and in the garden, for example, a stair gate and socket covers are fitted and secure fencing surrounds the outdoor play space. This means improved safety for very young children. As all the downstairs area can be used by the children, they can usually find their own space if they need to. Children can play freely and safely. Child-size furniture is available and children can choose what they want to do from a wide range of toys and resources, stored at their level. The garden area is on one level and children are able to enjoy outdoor games and activities in the fresh air. The childminder's car is a multi-person vehicle with all the required safety seats and features fitted, enabling children to travel safely. The childminder has an emergency evacuation procedure, which she regularly practises with the children. This results in them learning how to keep safe in an emergency. A

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

register recording children's arrival and departure times is kept, there is also a visitor's book. The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and has a comprehensive policy in place. Children's welfare is safeguarded thoughtfully and professionally.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children settle well and have a warm and caring relationship with the childminder. They make themselves at home, freely choosing activities they want to play with. They are treated as individuals and their needs are well catered for by the use of age-appropriate, good quality toys and activities. These resources are stored at children's height so they can make choices in their play. The childminder uses the Birth to three matters and the curriculum guidance effectively. This results in her being able to provide stimulating activities such as story telling, mark-making, art and craft and role play to promote the children's learning. They listen and respond well to stories read to them. Children are confident, relate well to the childminder and socialise with their peers through regular visits to local toddler clubs. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They achieve well because the childminder is professional, caring

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and has a good understanding of how young children develop and learn.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children can play with a wide range of suitable toys which show positive images of people and cultures. This helps ensure they can learn about each other's differences and needs. Children receive individual attention when required and get lots of praise even for slight achievements, for example, painting lovely round red circles. Children's individual needs are met. The childminder has effective, written behaviour management strategies which are agreed and shared with parents. Children play freely within effective boundaries and develop good self-esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Information on children's development and behaviour is shared verbally with parents and is also written in a daily contact book. A parent questionnaire is completed at various times and helps the childminder to reflect on her child care practices, making changes where needed. These measures ensure children receive consistent quality care. The childminder's service statement is well written and has a very welcoming tone to it. There is also a comprehensive range of clear, well-written policies and procedures. Parents know exactly how their child is cared for and are able to be fully involved.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The children's care is greatly enhanced by a childminder who is extremely professional in her manner and outlook. Her record-keeping and paperwork is exceptionally well maintained. Parents receive their own copies of everything that is applicable directly to them, such as the childminder's policies and procedures. A notice board displays relevant posters and information for parents and visitors to view, for example, the Ofsted registration certificate. The childminder has developed very good communication channels with parents and discusses all areas of individual care for their children with them. The childminder ensures children are well supervised and supported at all times, helping them feel secure and confident. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement and development for herself by attending training and regularly reviewing her practice. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

One recommendation was raised at the last inspection. The childminder was recommended to provide a wider range of toys to promote equal opportunities. She reviewed the content of her activities and assessed what the most appropriate resources would be required to meet the needs of all the children. The childminder has added puzzles, books, dressing-up clothes and dolls to help provide children with positive images reflecting different cultures and disabilities. They are able to learn about other people's lives.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

p.4

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.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • consider updating the written complaints procedure shared with parents.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5