Kent House Hospital School

Inspection report for early years provision

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141697 Unique Reference Number 23 November 2007 Inspection date Dorcas Forgan 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder has been a registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in Two Mile Ash, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding with toilet facilities on the first floor.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children. She is currently minding five children on a part time basis, they are aged fifteen months, four, six and two are over eight years of age. The childminder collects children from the local schools. The family have one dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children remain in good health because the childminder has procedures in place to restrict cross infections; the childminder informs parents of her sickness policy. The childminder uses an accident book to record injuries; she also records any medication given. She ensures her first aid qualification is up to date so that she can treat minor injuries safely. Children are

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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 gaining independence in their own personal care and are learning the importance of personal hygiene. They are encouraged to wipe their own noses and to wash their hands as necessary.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children increase their understanding of a healthy life style as they have nutritional home cooked meals and have access to drinks of water and milk. The childminder encourages the children to eat fruit; it is always available. The childminder works closely with the parents to ensure children enjoy the food prepared for them, however the records are not complete for all the children and do not state whether they have allergies or any specific needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to play and walk in the fresh air as they return from school and enjoy walks around the lake and to local attractions. They do not have the use of the garden at present. Children rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe home. The childminder carries out daily checks of the home to make sure all safety equipment is in place such as the fireguard and the baby gates. Children carry out most activities in the lounge, which the childminder can easily observe and manage; they only have supervised access to the kitchen. The older children have use of the conservatory in the holidays so that they can be separate from the younger children if they wish. Children have access to a good range of suitable, safe equipment. They can choose what they would like to play with from a variety that is on display. The childminder rotates toys and activities with others stored in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe and avoid accidental injury. They are familiar with the emergency evacuation procedure, which they practice regularly. At the request of the childminder, a fire officer has been into the home to offer specific advice and support to children who had real concerns about fires. The childminder supports children to find their own physical limits such as when climbing, so that they can achieve this safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because the childminder understands her role to safeguard children and report any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are at ease with the childminder, they have formed affectionate relationships. The younger children take part in activities that they enjoy but that they also learn from such as, talking about the colours of objects, counting them and gaining hand eye co-ordination as they build a tower of bricks. The childminder encourages them and introduces new challenges. They spend time together singing, talking and reading books to enhance communication and speech. They also like to make and play musical instruments. The childminder involves them in some of the smaller household tasks such as washing up after meals and helping to prepare some items for snacks and meals. Children like to manipulate and make items from the left over pastry. They all enjoy cooking activities. The children initiate their own games independently such as playing inside the tents. Children are making progress and developing new skills with

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging, they derive pleasure from each other’s company and being involved in the family. They socialise with other families and take part in activities together. Children are becoming familiar with the local area as they visit the shops and schools. Children are interested in finding out about other cultures especially when they learn through first hand experiences and discussions realising how customs differ. They learn to respect others. Children receive excellent support from the childminder who has a great deal of experience caring for children with a wide range of learning difficulties and disabilities, although none attend at present.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are relaxed with the childminder and they behave well. Children know what the childminder expects; they sit still when eating a snack and help to tidy away the toys when asked. The childminder talks with the children all the time and explains what she wishes them to do. She praises the children and endorses their good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for by the childminder who works closely with the parents to be sure she meets the children’s individual needs. They discuss issues daily so that changes can be made when necessary.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children play in an organised home where the childminder plans the routine to meet the children’s individual needs. Most of the required documentation is in place and is kept confidentially in files. The days and times that children attend are not always recorded. The childminder informs Ofsted of significant changes and incidents. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection recommendations were made that the childminder should develop her knowledge of child protection and ensure hazards are minimised. She was also recommended to have all documentation available for inspection and this should include the arrival and departure times of children and permission to give medication. The childminder has taken steps to make the home safe and to ensure that her knowledge of child protection is up to date. All documentation was available for the inspection including medication records but the arrival and departure times of children are not always recorded.

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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.

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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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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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure that records are kept for individual children of any specific dietary requirements, medical conditions or allergies • ensure a daily register is kept of all the children present with the times of their arrival and departure

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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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