Kirkby High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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140001 Unique Reference Number 01 February 2008 Inspection date Angela Ramsey 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 a registered childminder since October 1993. She lives with her husband and adult son. They live in a two bed roomed flat in the London borough of Southwark.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The living room and kitchen are used for childminding purposes. Toilet facilities on the top floor are also used. 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 at any one time and is currently caring for two children aged three and eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean home, where the childminder teaches the children the importance of hygiene and personal care through their everyday routines. For example, children

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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 are reminded to wash their hands before eating their meals and snacks and after using the bathroom. Good dental health is also promoted as children clean their teeth after eating their meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has up to date knowledge of first aid and she has obtained written parental permission to seek emergency advice or treatment. She has a written procedure in place in the event of a child becoming ill and obtains written consent to administer medicines to children. Records are also kept of any medicines administered.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of children's individual dietary needs and their likes and dislikes and she provides for these accordingly. She prepares meals such as chicken and rice, fish, pasta and homemade soups.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical activities which contribute to their good health and they have daily opportunities to play outside. They enjoy playing in the childminders garden where they can ride wheeled toys including scooters, push pushchairs and play with footballs. These all help to develop their coordination, balance and physical skills. Children also walk to the local school with the childminder to collect a child from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder takes positive steps to promote safety within her home and on outings. For example, safety gates prevent children having access to the stairs and the kitchen. This enables children to move around safely and independently. The childminder is also conscientious about ensuring children are safe on outings. For example, she talks to the children in her care about the importance of road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire safety is good the childminder has smoke alarms fitted on each floor. A fire blanket is also available in the kitchen. The childminder has also devised an emergency evacuation procedure and she practises this drill with the children. This ensures that they are aware of the appropriate action to take if they need to leave the childminders home in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys, resources and furniture are in good condition. Children are able to choose activities from a good variety of quality resources, which the childminder makes sure are suitable for their age and stage of development, so they can play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of how to protect children. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and knows the appropriate procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child. The childminder has a copy of the government booklet 'What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused'. She has devised a child protection statement based on this booklet.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, content and settled and make themselves at home whilst in the childminder's care. They have opportunities to independently choose from a varied selection of resources, which enables children to build on their natural curiosity. The children relate well to the childminder, because she joins in with their play and is very positive in her interaction. Children

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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 experience a wide range of activities, both inside and outside of the home; this contributes to their overall development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a good range of home based activities, which the childminder organises well. Children engage in pretend play, play musical instruments and enjoy using interactive toys which assist children learning the alphabet. Children's creative development is promoted through the arts and crafts activities which are planned. Children also enjoy reading books, completing puzzles, playing with cars and building with construction toys such as Lego and stickle bricks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities to enable children to consolidate their knowledge and understanding of world around them are provided. For instance with the childminder's help children plant flowers, runner beans and tomato plants. The children water and nurture these plants. The children then enjoy eating the runner beans and tomatoes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Outings are planned, for example, visits to a one o'clock club, which develops children's social skills as they meet with their peers. School age children who attend before and after school are able to complete their homework as well as playing a selection of board games such as Ludo, Snakes and Ladders and Dominoes, which help children to concentrate and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Close relationships have been developed with parents. The childminder gathers relevant details about children's individual needs and uses the information to plan for each child's care needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder sets realistic expectations with regard to children's behaviour. Her good use of praise and encouragement helps to build children's self esteem. For example, children learn the benefits of sharing. Children learn to be kind to each other, by the childminder's good example and positive interaction. They show increasing independence, for example when they select toys and play materials.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have access to resources that promote a positive view of the wider community. The childminder helps children to understand about the wider world, for example whilst looking at books which depict others of different cultures, race, gender and disabilities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment, which helps them gain confidence and be independent. Children have opportunities for free play as well as more structured activities.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed a child care course and has devised policies and procedures that are shared with parents. Children's needs are well met because of the good relationships and effective communication with the parents. Parents are well informed about their child's day and the care provided.

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Organisation

All documentation is well maintained and kept confidentially. The maintaining of these documents works well in practice, to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection required that the childminder ensure her gas fire is made inaccessible to the children. The gas fire has been replaced and is not used when childminding. This, therefore promotes children's safety.

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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): • continue to keep up to date with child care practices through training

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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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