King's Caple Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

136759 Unique Reference Number 11 December 2007 Inspection date Elizabeth Ellen Mackey 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 registered in 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 13 years. They live in a house in a residential area of West Wickham. The downstairs of the property is used for childminding purposes and an upstairs bedroom is used for younger children to sleep. There is a fully enclosed back garden for outdoor play.

p.2

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, all of whom attend on a part time basis.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children begin to learn about good hygiene practice because the childminder ensures they wash their hands before they eat their snacks and meals. Children have their own flannels and towels which reduces the risk of cross infection. There is an excellent standard of hygiene maintained throughout the home and resources are kept clean.

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 Children's medical needs are discussed with parents and up-to-date records are maintained to ensure consistency of care, this benefits the children's well-being. The childminder holds an up to date first aid certificate and there is a clear sickness policy in place, to ensure that the children's health is well protected. Accident and medication documentation is exemplary and underpinned by clear agreements with parents and appropriate consents. This ensures emergency procedures are agreed and implemented without delay.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with healthy meals and snacks and regular drinks throughout the day. A very healthy menu of home cooked food ensures they have healthy choices. A wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables are included in meals and snacks. Parents' preferences and children's allergies and dietary needs are discussed with parents at the onset of care. This ensures that the children's nutritional needs are well met.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's emotional needs are well met. Children who are new in placement settle quickly because the childminder tailors the routine to meet their needs and provide consistency of care. Children demonstrate they are secure in the care of the childminder; they sit on her lap and snuggle in close. Children have daily opportunities for outdoor play, they regularly visit local toddler groups, the park and the library.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a well organised home. Safety measures are in place to protect children from hazards. The childminder supervises children at all times and has implemented policies to underpin her safe practice, for example a lost child policy, and an outings policy have been put in place. All hazardous materials are stored out of reach and the childminder ensures all equipment is safe and age appropriate.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has risk assessed her home in terms of fire safety and provided appropriate fire safety measures, including a written evacuation plan. The childminder has contingency plans in the event she is called out in an emergency, however these have not been agreed and confirmed in writing with parents.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s overall well-being is safeguarded because the childminder understands child protection procedures and how to implement these when necessary. She has attended child protection training and has the latest guidance for safeguarding children, which means her practice is up to date.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a warm, consistent standard of care from the childminder who has a good awareness of their needs and development. Children are able to self select equipment from a wide range of resources. They enjoy building with the bricks and show great excitement when sharing a familiar book with the childminder.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's use of language is very good and they are encouraged by the childminder to express themselves. The childminder extends children's learning by encouraging their language and thinking, through asking questions about the activity they are doing.

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 Children gain in confidence from the high levels of attention they receive and meaningful praise. The childminder is extremely focussed on the children at all times and sits on the floor at their level. This enables children new to the setting to feel secure and make their needs known. Children have their individual needs met as the childminder establishes daily routines around these, for example, when a child is tired, a rest is offered appropriately.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed into the setting and their needs prioritised. The childminder values and respects children's individuality and successfully enables new children to settle and feel secure. The childminder is committed to providing an inclusive service and she works closely with parents to identify children's needs and to gather information about their family, cultural and religious background.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides a good range of activities and resources to increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, the children are introduced to different cultures and religions and share celebrations and festivals. Children enjoy participating in activities outside of the home, such as routine outings to the farm, park and toddler group.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are guided by the childminder and the appropriate house rules in place. A well thought behaviour policy sets out the positive strategies used by the childminder to promote good manners and good behaviour. The childminder uses positive discipline which encourages respect and builds children's self esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are happy with the care the childminder provides. Comment from parents who have contributed to the childminders portfolio include, "she is a brilliant childminder and I trust her completely".

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being in a very well organised environment which has been organised to meet their needs. They are provided with a varied programme of activities that are appropriately levelled. Children are secure in the care of the childminder and comfortable and settled in a warm and caring environment where their individual needs are met.

p.4

Organisation

Children are safeguarded by the childminders commitment to safety. She has well thought out policies which underpin her good practice. She ensures all information is regularly updated in line with latest guidance and regulation. One recommendation is made with regard to agreed emergency arrangements.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder demonstrates her commitment by frequently updating her practice through regular training. Overall 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 the childminder agreed to regularly review agreements with parents. The childminder now reviews agreements more frequently, which ensures information is up to date.

p.4

Improvements 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

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 to parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

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): • ensure proposed arrangements for children in the event of an emergency, are agreed and confirmed by parents in writing

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