Bentley Wood High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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137178 Unique Reference Number 15 October 2007 Inspection date Elizabeth Ellen Mackey 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and 10 years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

They live in a house in West Wickham, close to local schools and parks and public transport.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding including an extended play area. Two bedrooms are used for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight. Currently there are three children under five years on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean, comfortable home that is organised effectively to meet their needs. Good standards of hygiene are maintained and children are encouraged in their personal hygiene routines; they have their own towels and are reminded to wash their hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's needs are discussed with parents and up-to-date records are maintained to ensure consistency of care, this benefits the children's well-being. Detailed accident records are kept and signed by parents to ensure that the children's health is well protected. The childminder has an emergency medical procedure, which includes written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment. This ensures emergency procedures are agreed and implemented without delay. The childminder has contingency plans for minded children in the event of an emergency, however, they are not recorded in the procedure. A recommendation is agreed to confirm these arrangements with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with healthy meals and snacks and regular drinks throughout the day. An appropriate menu of home cooked food ensures they have healthy choices. A wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables are included in meals and snacks. Babies meals are currently provided by the parents, whilst older children enjoy tasty meals, for example trout, broccoli and rice. 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.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities for physical outdoor play, when they enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise. The childminder also visits the local park regularly and makes excellent use of her garden for children's play. Children enjoy a wide range of outdoor activates, these are suitable for their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a child centred and well organised home. They play safely both indoors and outdoors as the childminder is vigilant to ensure all safety measures are in place. The childminder ensures children are with her sight or sound at all times and frequently checks on the baby sleeping.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All hazardous materials are stored safely out of reach. The childminder ensures all equipment is safe and appropriate, for example small items are stored out of babies reach. The childminder has most required safety measures in place, however, there is only one smoke detector in the house, this weakens fire safety precautions. A recommendation is agreed for a smoke detector to be fitted on every level of the home. Polices and procedures are in place for the security of the premises and for outings. The childminder has appropriate car seats and information pertaining the recent guidance for transporting children in a car.

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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 she is clear about her responsibility to safeguard children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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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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 provided with a range of exciting resources and stimulating activities that motivates them and engages their interest. Children have ample space, including a dedicated playroom that is bright, comfortable and very well equipped. The childminder utilises the resources well, for example she encourages the children to express themselves through performing puppet shows which the children respond well to.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond positively to physical contact with the childminder, they snuggle in close to her as she gets them ready for their nap. They fall asleep quickly which demonstrates they are settled and feel secure in the childminders care. The childminder balances the needs of the children well and she spends time with them on her lap or sitting with them on the floor. She has a good awareness of children’s developmental needs and ensures that they spend their time purposefully. Children enjoy building a train track and welcome the input of the childminder, who achieves a good balance of helping and enabling them to do things for themselves. Children become familiar with the local environment as they embark on trips to places of interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy close relationships with the childminder. As a result they are happy and secure in her care. The childminder organises the daily routine so that it is flexible. She knows the children's personalities and needs well. Children enjoy a family atmosphere where the childminder includes them in all activities. Children are valued, and have their individual needs met by the childminder who works closely with their parents. Detailed information is sought from parents prior to the childminder caring for them. It includes information about their likes, dislikes, cultural and religious background. This enables the childminder to plan ahead to meet their needs, interests and personalities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder offers lots of opportunities for children to learn about their local community as children enjoy regular outings. The childminder has a good range of resources which raises the children’s awareness of other cultures. For example, books, dolls and puzzles reflect cultural diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are welcomed into the childminder’s home as she offers an inclusive service and would ensure that the appropriate care is given.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An effective relationship with parents contributes to children's well-being. There is a good flexible induction period that enables both parents and children to be comfortable with the childminder before care begins. The childminder completes an information sheet for parents to share at the end of the day. This is a useful way of keeping parents informed of what their children have been doing throughout the day. This relationship with parents has positive impact on the welfare of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and respond well to the childminder's positive attitudes towards behaviour management, such as encouraging the children to take turns and share.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's effective organisation. She plans her time, home and the resources, to maximise the provision for children. Appropriate safety measures are in place, with the exception of a smoke detector on the ground floor. The childminder is committed to developing her practice, she has attended training courses and is committed to further training.

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Organisation

Most records and documents are well organised and used to support the care of the children and to comply with regulations. Policies and procedures are well thought out and are shared with parents. Contingency arrangements for emergencies have not been confirmed with parents. Agreements are used to identify children's individual needs, these are kept updated. The childminder is aware of the need to maintain a log of complaints.

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Organisation

Parents are very well informed about the service that the childminder provides through written policies, clear agreements and frequent discussions. Information to parents is further enhanced by the childminders consistent use of a record sheet which details relevant information about the child's day. Overall, evidence suggests that the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve her knowledge of child protection and improve the system for recording incidents. The childminder now has a system in place to record incidents and has attended child protection training, which has enhanced her knowledge and understanding of how to safeguard children.

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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 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): • improve emergency procedures to ensure plans are clear and agreed with parents

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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 • improve fire safety precautions by ensuring there are smoke detectors on every level of the house

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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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