Kite Ridge School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 138102 Inspection date 05 December 2005 Inspector Christine Stimson

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 outstanding. 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 1992 and lives with her husband and adult daughter. Her daughter is also a registered childminder and works with her mother. The house is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in Raynes Park, which is in the London borough of Merton. There are local shops, parks and a library within walking distance. All areas of the property can be used for childminding, although children mainly play and sleep downstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time

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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 when working alone, and may care for eight children at any one time when working with her daughter. There are nine part-time children on roll at the present time. The childminder both drives and walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends parent toddler groups, a childminders' drop-in centre and visits the local library and parks on a regular basis. She has a cat which is kept as a pet. She is a member of National Childminding Association (NCMA) and has completed a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 in Childcare and Education. She has also completed the NCMA Quality First programme and is part of the Merton networking scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health and welfare are of high priority to the childminder. She ensures they play in a clean environment where they learn, at an early age, the importance of good personal hygiene through effective organised daily routines. For example, one child, who was under three, told the childminder she must wash her hands after changing the babies nappy, explaining that germs on your hands causes tummy aches. The childminder has devised a medication policy, which is shared with parents, so that they are aware that the childminder only gives children medicine if she has their written consent. A sick child policy informs parents that children should not attend if they are sick, ill or infectious. This helps prevent the spread of contagious ailments to other children. The childminder has a well stocked first aid box and holds a current first aid certificate. This means she can give appropriate care to children if there is an

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Helping children to be healthy

accident. She is meticulous about recording any accidents in a log book, and has requested permission to take children to hospital in an emergency. This good practice ensures that the health and wellbeing of children are always her first consideration. Children receive a wide range of home cooked meals which are both healthy and nutritious. Detailed menus are available to parents who are kept informed of their child's food and drink in-take at the end of each day. Children develop healthy eating habits as they sit together at a small table, eating good food and enjoying each others' company. Each day a child is picked to be a special helper. This involves them helping to serve drinks to other children, and helping the childminder tidy away toys and activities before snack and meal times. The children really enjoy being given this responsibility. The childminder ensures children play outside each day. She takes them to the local

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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 park where they enthusiastically explore apparatus suitable for their age and stage of development. She plans time for children to play in the garden where their physical skills are extended as the ride on bikes, developing their confidence and becoming aware of space for themselves and others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in a secure environment where they can move around safely, and where high priority is given to their personal safety. The childminder takes precautions to prevent accidents, for example keeping a gate secured between the kitchen and the play room. She undertakes regular risk assessments of her home to ensure all hazards have been identified and dealt with. For example, the morning after Bonfire night a risk assessment was done of the garden to ensure no stray fireworks were lying around for children to touch. Within the home, fire fighting equipment is tested regularly and children take part in monthly fire drills. They learn to evacuate the premises in a safe and disciplined manner, which enhances their understanding of keeping themselves safe. The childminder plans projects for children to increase their understanding of safety. For example, she has recently done a project on stranger danger and road safety, and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

has made arrangements for the children to visit a local fire station. The police are also planning to visit her home to talk to children about their job and show them their safety equipment. Both indoors and out in the garden children have easy access to an excellent range of toys and resources appropriate for their age and stage of development. All toys are maintained in very good condition and they are kept at child height so that children can choose what to play with. The childminder does a regular check of the toys to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. The childminder is also vigilant about children's safety when on outings. All children who are too young to walk are strapped safely into buggies, and older children are taught to hold the pushchair or to hold hands whilst walking along the road. When using the car children are strapped into appropriate car seats and the childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

ensures her insurance and driving documents are up-to-date. Children's wellbeing is consistently supported as the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues, and a very good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children explore and experiment through a range of activities that are carefully planned and organised to match their needs and ages. The childminder shows an understanding of how to develop children's breadths of skills and enhance their

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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 knowledge and understanding. For example she regularly takes children to farm visits where they are able to stroke and feed animals, or pick some fruit and vegetables to eat for their tea. This enables children to care for living things and to learn where and how their food is grown. These outings have excellent outcomes for all. Children enthusiastically play outside in the garden each day or are taken to the local playground for physical exercise. The childminder actively encourages them to extend their physical skills by designing obstacle courses in her garden for children to challenge themselves. They regularly take part in ball games where they practise their throwing and catching skills, and they have opportunities to ride on small bikes and cars, practising their pedalling skills. Children take part in art and craft activities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

where their fine motor skills are extended using a variety of one handed tools such as glue sticks, pens and paint brushes. The childminder is skilled at encouraging children to express themselves. Children in her care confidently speak up in a familiar group situation and relish the time given to them for singing solos to their peers. The childminder asks open questions which encourages children to think and respond. Children spend time on self chosen activities that are stimulating and educational. These activities are supported by an excellent range of toys and equipment which enable children to explore and experiment. Meaningful observations of children's development are undertaken by the childminder, and these are shared with parents in the form of a progress report every six months. Children are encouraged to be independent from a young age. For example, the childminder encourages all the children to help tidy away the toys

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

before moving onto the next activity. Each day a child is chosen as a 'special helper', which boosts children's confidence and gives them a sense of responsibility and belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder gives children regular opportunities to learn about the world they live in. For example a visit is booked for the children to go to the local fire station, and a police officer is to visit the children in the new year. Children are introduced to other cultures through planned activities such as the celebration of festivals like Chinese New Year and Diwali. Positive images adorn the playroom showing people from other cultures and those with a disability, such as athletes competing in the Para-Olympic games. The childminder ensures children go out and about in the local community and they regularly attend parent toddler groups and childminding drop-in sessions. Here children socialise with a rich ethnic mix of local people. The childminder enables children to develop a sense of belonging whilst in her care, for example by responding to a child wanting a cuddle or sitting close together during

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Helping children make a positive contribution

story time. Children relish the time spent with the childminder, who has a close and

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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 loving relationship with them. The childminder supports children with special needs and is skilled at adapting activities to ensure all children are included. She is currently learning Makaton and has attended courses on understanding children with autism. The childminder supports children throughout the day. She encourages them to take turns and share fairly and has developed strategies for inappropriate behaviour. She gives children choices of whether they think they are showing good behaviour or bad behaviour. She focuses on the positive behaviour they have shown and the results are that children play harmoniously together and are well behaved and polite. The childminder has superb relationships with parents. She produces a monthly newsletter informing them of future events and keeps them informed verbally about

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their child's day. The childminder records observations noting the children's development and progress and produces a half yearly report for parents to keep.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from being cared for by a qualified and experienced person who is committed to attending childcare training and development courses. This ensures she has sufficient knowledge of current childcare practices to support the care and learning of the children. Children's welfare is promoted within the setting as the childminder works alongside her daughter who is also registered as a childminder, and this ensures children always have appropriate supervision. Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. She ensures all children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents. Informal discussion with parents each day ensures continuity of care, and half yearly reports on children's development and learning are given to parents informing them of their child's progress. The layout of the childminder's home and outdoor area is very well organised for

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Organisation

children to play safely. They benefit from an environment where they receive excellent adult support to help them feel safe and secure. The day is very well planned, allowing children time for quiet and active play. Information kept on children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. Overall the provider meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure all hazardous substances in the kitchen were made safe and secure. Since then good progress has been made

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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 as child locks have been fitted to the kitchen cupboards. There is also a gate kept at the doorway of the kitchen/play room to prevent children from accessing the dangerous substances. This supports children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received one complaint relating to Standard 12: Partnership with parents. The complaint related to a parent being asked to return to collect her child. No evidence was found that the National Standards had been breached. The provider has made a record of the complaint in her complaints log, and remains qualified for registration.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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