Parmiter's School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 136899 Inspection date 06 October 2005 Inspector Stephanie Graves

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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 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 1991. She lives with her husband and two teenage children, in Orpington, Kent. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children under eight years of age. She walks to the local schools to take and collect children. The childminder works at a local crèche and attends with minded children.

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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 satisfactory. Children are provided with a range of experiences, which help to promote their knowledge and understanding of good health issues. For example, they are encouraged to adopt good hygiene practises and know when they need to wash their hands and why. Children benefit from procedures which ensure they are taken care of if they have an accident, or become unwell. This is because accidents are recorded and children do not attend if they have an infectious illness. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure the individual health needs of children are promoted. However, she has not yet received training from a qualified health professional, to carry out some procedures requiring technical knowledge. Children's physical development and sense of well being is promoted well. They are provided with a range of energetic activities, both indoors and outside, but also benefit from a peaceful environment in which to rest, or sleep.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to drinks at all times and are developing an awareness of healthy eating. They enjoy their favourite foods, which are generally provided by parents. The childminder provides snacks, discusses healthy eating with the children and allows them to choose from a range of healthy foods, such as cheese, bread sticks, vegetables and fruit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, secure environment where risks are identified and reduced. This results in plenty of unobstructed space for children to move around and play, within safe boundaries. Toys and equipment are checked regularly. They are safe and appropriate for the individual needs of the children attending. Children are developing an awareness of how to help keep themselves safe. For example, even very young children learn how to climb the stairs safely, because the childminder supports them according to their individual needs and ability. She also takes the time to explain why this is necessary. Children are well cared for due to effective procedures, which promote their welfare and safety at all times. For example the childminder has an emergency evacuation procedure, which is practised with the children, and a clear understanding of child protection issues, which meet with current requirements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and make themselves at home in the childminder's house. They demonstrate a strong sense of well being and involvement, because the childminder provides a good range of toys and resources for them to play with. For

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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 example, they can choose to look at books, freely access art and drawing materials, or engage in self chosen activities, such as building with blocks and playing with toy dinosaurs. The childminder has a good understanding of the developmental learning needs of children of all ages. She is developing her knowledge of the Birth to Three Matters framework, so that play opportunities can be adapted to meet the needs of babies and young children. Children play purposefully and are confident enough to ask the childminder for what they need, for example, they may ask for a specific toy or a book. Very young children are developing good social skills. This is because the childminder takes time to talk with them and ask questions to help them think and respond. Children play creatively as they represent real life scenarios with resources, such as dolls and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

buggies. They use their senses, to explore interactive toys, including a telephone and steering wheel activity centre. Children actively communicate with the childminder as they talk about their favourite activities and interests.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed and acknowledged as individuals by the childminder. They demonstrate a sense of belonging, and are confident enough to initiate communication and offer their own ideas. They are provided with a range of toys, resources and experiences, which are easily accessible. They have opportunities to learn about themselves, one another and the wider world, through outings and resources which promote positive images of equality. Children are respected and treated with equal concern by the childminder. They feel secure because the childminder knows them well and enjoys the time she spends with them. Children are well behaved because they understand the behavioural boundaries set by the childminder. Young children respond well to frequent praise. As a result, their self-esteem is promoted. Children benefit from consistency of care because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure their needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and settled within a generally well organised environment. As a result, they make themselves at home, lead in their play and are not afraid to ask for what they need. The childminder has experience of working with children of all ages and abilities. Records include a daily attendance record, although this does not currently contain clear arrival and departure times for children. The registration certificate is clearly displayed for parents. First aid training is up to date. Children's welfare, care and learning are promoted because the childminder has a positive attitude towards ensuring she keeps up to date with current requirements. The childminder provides a professional service. As a result, the needs of all children in her care are met.

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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

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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): • promote children's good health by ensuring written permission is in place to seek medical advice or treatment, medication records meet with current requirements and professional training is received to administer medication requiring technical/medical knowledge • ensure the records of attendance show clear arrival and departure times for children.

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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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