Beckenham Convent School

Inspection report for early years provision

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126799 Unique Reference Number 05 August 2008 Inspection date Janette Mary White 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?

The childminder was registered in 2000. She lives with her family in Hextable, Swanley, Kent. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden 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 minding two. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a dog and two cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing confidence when trying out new skills and know when to ask for help. This is supported by the childminder’s understanding about appropriate types of activities. There is written permission to seek emergency treatment on the child’s behalf, but this does not include permission for emergency advice. First aid equipment is easily accessible and taken on outings. Children's accident records do not have all the details. For example, the time the

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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 accident happened or where this took place. However, details of administering medication are sufficiently recorded and there is a system to maintain records on existing injuries. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate in order to ensure she administers appropriate first aid care to the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are supported when making healthy choices in the snacks or meals provided by the childminder. She agrees with parents to promote healthy options. They are becoming aware of when they need to have a rest or a drink. Drinking water is freely available and within easy reach. Children enjoy an adequate range of activities which contribute to their good health promoting their sense of wellbeing. They have some opportunities to play in the garden, but this is generally organised in fine weather. The childminder supports children’s independence, such as offering gentle reminders to wash their hands. Children use soap and individual towels to dry their hands. They are beginning to understand why they must wash their hands because germs make them ill. A changing mat and gloves are used when changing children’s nappies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and confident in the childminder's home. They have space to move around and play freely within safe boundaries. For example, there is a safety gate across the front room. Children are supported as they make choices from the toys and resources. They are beginning to develop an understanding of how to keep safe. However, the emergency escape plan has not been sufficiently practised with children in order for them to develop an understanding of what to do in an emergency. Smoke alarms are not provided on every level. This hinders children’s opportunities to evacuate the premises promptly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gives some consideration to helping children understand safety outside the home. For example, the childminder describes how they practise crossing the roads safely. Children select resources from a sufficient range of toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. These are regularly checked to ensure they are safe and appropriate for the child’s stage of development. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures approved by the Local Safeguarding Children Board. She is aware of her responsibility to protect the welfare of the child. However, the policy does not have sufficient details of the relevant agencies to contact.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled as they confidently enter the childminder's house. The childminder supports the child's self selection as they choose between a variety of resources. For example, art and craft, puzzles or musical instruments. The childminder has extended resources to promote equality of opportunity and children can freely choose what they wish to play with. For example, water painting or playing with ‘play food’ to support their role play. However, toys are not stored in a way to promote or develop children’s independent choice. For example, toys and resources are not labelled with words and pictures. The childminder does not use the Birth to three matters framework to adapt activities for younger children. Children enjoy making decisions when choosing resources. They show good levels of curiosity and imagination as they enthusiastically help when completing their favourite puzzle or choose their favourite picture

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

book. Children are beginning to learn about the house rules and boundaries. They benefit from contact with the childminder as she spends time talking and playing with them and praising

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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 them for their achievements. For example, well done for helping to tidy the toys away. This helps to encourage children to care for the resources on offer.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has an appropriate understanding of the importance of treating each child with equal respect and concern. Not all the information to enable appropriate care is recorded, such as religion and language spoken. However, the childminder explains how this aspect of children’s care is discussed with parents. Children benefit from consistency of care and feel secure. This is due to the childminder and parents working together. The childminder has not ensured that parents have given written permission for their child to be transported in any vehicle or to be taken on outings. The childminder has some understanding of her policy for parents to make a complaint. She now has a system in place to log complaints and to maintain a summary for parents. The childminder has a general awareness of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are only released into the care of authorised adults. However, there is no procedure in place for an emergency, such as passwords. Children are developing an understanding of the behavioural boundaries set by the childminder and respond well to frequent encouragement and praise. However, the house rules do not help children’s early recognition skills. For example, these are not promoted in pictures and words. Children are provided with a range of toys, resources and experiences, some of which promotes positive images of equality. They have opportunities to learn about themselves and one another because the childminder takes time to talk to children and extends their knowledge through books.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The registration certificate is displayed during the hours of operation. The register has not been maintained with the children’s hours of attendance. This is a breach of regulation. However, the childminder will take appropriate action to address this point. In addition, the childminder has not recorded when visitors are present. Records are easily accessible and ready for inspection and the childminder is aware of how long these must be retained. Children's welfare, care and development are generally promoted, due to the childminder keeping some of the required records and documents. The childminder has all the relevant checks. Children are comfortable and settled within a homely environment. They feel secure and make themselves at home and ask for what they need. The childminder has experience of working with children of differing ages and abilities. First aid training is up to date. The childminder meets the needs of the range

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection highlighted one recommendation to expand resources which promote equality of opportunity.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has increase the resources enabling children to have opportunities to play with a variety of resources reflecting equality of opportunity.

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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

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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 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 children understand the fire safety precautions and improve fire safety precautions by providing smoke alarms at every level of the house. • obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in any vehicle and for outings. • ensure a daily record show children’s hours of attendance.

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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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