Sayes Court School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 125290 Inspection date 29 November 2005 Inspector Jenny Kane

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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 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 registered since 2000. She lives with her husband and four children in Greatstone. All areas of the ground floor area used for childminding and there is a large enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 11 children aged from 1 to 10 years on a part-time basis. Schools, pre-schools, toddler groups, shops, parks and the beach are nearby. The family have a pet dog.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment. The childminder pays good attention to personal hygiene when changing nappies. Individual towels and wipes are used and children wash their hands after eating. Children benefit from the provision of nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day which they eat together in the kitchen using suitable chairs. Drinks are freely available and younger children have their own cups with lids which are easily accessible. Older children help to prepare drinks and snacks and this helps them to understand about healthy eating. The childminder consults with parents regarding menus and gathers all relevant information regarding diet and medical history. She takes into account their wishes and requirements which ensures she meets children's individual dietary needs. Children are able to rest when they need to. They have their own bedding and the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder uses a monitor. The childminder discusses the routine and the best place for children to sleep, with parents. She records sleep patterns, food intake and nappy changes in the contact book, which helps to keep the parents informed and ensures continuity of care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a spacious and child-friendly environment. The childminder takes positive steps to promote safety at all times. A risk assessment of all areas ensures that children use the space freely and safely. There is plenty of room for children to move around and they negotiate space well manoeuvring round obstacles. The garden is secure and the childminder regularly checks the play equipment to ensure that it is safe. Children have access to a range of good quality toys and resources that are suitable for their age and stage of development. Outings to the toddler group, the beach and parks give children plenty of opportunity to develop their physical skills. The childminder ensures children are safe by using reins and pushchairs and carrying first aid equipment, wipes and a mobile phone. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues, which safeguards children and promotes their welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and relaxed because the childminder provides a variety of interesting games and activities that fully support their developing needs. They make choices for themselves and select what they play with from the toys that are stored in boxes around the play areas. Toys are changed and rotated to ensure children do not become bored with them. Young children express their feelings and needs

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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 verbally and non-verbally. They receive lots of warmth and affection from the childminder. She has good interaction with the children, gives help when needed and joins in with play. This supports their emotional well-being and gives them the confidence to explore new experiences. The daily routine is flexible and planned around the wide mix of ages of the children attending. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and how children learn through play. She would like to increase her knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework and intends to pursue training which will help to provide a wider and more structured range of activities for younger children. Older children make decisions about what they do after school. They choose where they play, have

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

space to do homework and are encouraged to be independent, for example by making themselves drinks and helping to prepare food.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children with respect and as individuals. They have a sense of belonging because she makes them feel part of her family. This ensures children are confident and relaxed. Children are encouraged to make effective use of all the toys including books, games and dolls which reflect diversity and positive images. The premises are user friendly, with good facilities suitable for children with special needs or a disability. The childminder is confident that she could provide care for children with a range of abilities. The childminder and parents discuss methods to manage children’s behaviour and deal with any problems as they arise which ensures consistent care. She uses explanation and diversion, encourages sharing and apologising, and has reasonable expectations about what children can achieve. As a result, behaviour is generally good. The partnership with parents is good. The childminder shares information about the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children's care and development both verbally and in the contact books. Written information is in place, which sets out arrangements for care, policies and procedures. However, some of these need updating and the parents would benefit from having their own copy. Children feel secure and have a sense of belonging because the childminder listens to the parent’s views and two-way communication is good.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a well-organised environment. The childminder cares for a mix of ages but manages her time effectively so that she can give children time and attention. She has activities prepared and is ready for children when they arrive. Her flexible approach allows older children to organise and pursue their own activities and games. This routine helps children feel secure and settled. All

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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 relevant documents are in place, kept confidential and are readily available to parents. The childminder has a good commitment to her self-development and training and her professional approach provides children with continuity of care and promotes their welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has updated her accident and medical records. They are now maintained correctly.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 enhance the range of activities for the younger children, for example by using the Birth to three matters framework • update written information and policies and share them with parents

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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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