Overton Grange School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

136756 Unique Reference Number 07 January 2008 Inspection date Melissa Turner 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 satisfactory. 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 2000. She lives with her husband and four children aged 13, ten, six and four in Orpington, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children at different times aged two, four and seven. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has two cats.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing a satisfactory awareness of hygiene procedures, for example they are supported with washing their hands after going to the toilet and before eating their snack. However, methods for hand drying do not avoid the spread of infection as children use a shared towel. Nappy changing procedures are not always appropriate; children are changed directly

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 on the floor, not offering them the most hygienic environment for this aspect of care. The childminder adopts positive hygiene practices such as using antibacterial spray on table tops and maintains a clean home environment.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing healthy eating habits as they enjoy snacks such as raisins or banana. The childminder also provides healthy, freshly prepared lunches and evening meals. Children help themselves to their drinks which are set out for them accessibly, this helps ensure they stay hydrated. Children benefit from physical activity on a daily basis. They walk to and from school; enjoy outings such as the toddler groups, toddler gym and going to the park. They enjoy outdoor play in the garden in better weather. These aspects help promote positive enjoyment of physical activity. The childminder has the required medical documentation including a first aid certificate enabling her to deal appropriately with accidents and illness, however currently permission for emergency treatment is not in place.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a mostly safe home environment; however, the smoke alarms are not currently located appropriately on ground and first floor levels. Children have access to a suitable range of age appropriate toys; these are stored accessibly in low level drawers and boxes to encourage them to choose for themselves. The childminder promotes and maintains safety with children appropriately, for example, she supervises children during their play, and talks to them about safety, such as why it's dangerous to climb on the furniture. Appropriate safety equipment is in place around the home, for example stair gates, sockets covers and cupboard locks. This helps to keep children safe whilst in her care. The childminder has suitable systems in place for ensuring children's safety when on outings and in the garden. The childminder has a satisfactory awareness of child protection issues which helps her to safeguard children in her

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children play happily with a wide range of resources which they can help themselves to at one end of the lounge. They appear settled and content in the childminder's care and relate to her and her family well, showing they are happy and established. Children appreciate support from the childminder when exploring toys such as the Lego. They talk about the pieces they need to construct a house or a car, the childminder offers them encouragement and discusses with them the size of the wheels they might need for the car they have made. Children thoroughly enjoy playing with the sparkly play dough for the first time; the childminder encourages their imagination in this activity as she provides them with a range of resources to support them such as rolling pins and cutters. Children are very helpful as they are invited to help sweep the floor afterwards which they do with enthusiasm. The childminder offers a variety of outings

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and activities including trips to toddler groups, toddler gyms and the park. As a result, children are able to enjoy and achieve in the childminder's care.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated and well cared for as individuals. Their needs are met and they are cared for appropriately in a welcoming home environment. They have access to a range of resources;

p.3

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 some reflect the differences in society, such as books, play figures and dolls. This supports children in beginning to learn about diversity. Children are well behaved and use good manners. The childminder uses praise regularly and tells children how helpful they are. They are thanked when they have done as they are asked. The childminder encourages children to share and take turns and resolves any disputes quickly. These aspects help contribute to building children's self-esteem and confidence. There are appropriate methods used to work with parents, they are offered daily verbal feedback and a diary which is completed daily. These aspects help ensure children's needs can be met and parents are able to receive information about their children.

p.3

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder works from a welcoming home environment which meets children's needs. She has most documentation in place; however some items are missing or require updating such as permission forms. In addition, the record of attendance has not been maintained, which is a legal requirement. The childminder has completed the required first aid course and a Birth to three matters course. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection in April 2004, the childminder was set two recommendations. The recommendation relating to maintaining a register has not been met and is a legal requirement, and consequently has been set as a recommendation again at this inspection. The first aid kit is now up to date and available.

p.4

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. 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

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.4

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.

p.4

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 methods used for nappy changing are hygienic • ensure methods for hand drying avoid the spread of infection

p.4

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 • ensure smoke alarms are fitted correctly on every level of the house • ensure all required paperwork, as required by the National Standards, is in place and up to date

p.4

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