Glebelands School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 125259 Inspection date 11 April 2006 Inspector Susan Jennifer Scott

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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 has been registered since 1991. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a house situated in a village, on the outskirts of Chatham. The household is non-smoking, there is a pet cat and rabbits are kept outside. The downstairs area of the property is mainly used for childminding, although the children have supervised access to the upstairs rooms occasionally.

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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 learn about their personal care such as toileting, washing hands and animal hygiene. They are encouraged to develop an understandable level of personal hygiene through explanations and appropriate routines. Children's health is safeguarded by the use of health records, such as accidents and the administration of medication, to ensure safe practice and avoid misunderstandings. The children are protected as the childminder does not care for children who are sick, although she does not have current information on exclusion periods for childhood diseases. Children have healthy choices of foods at regular times during the day and access to their drinks throughout the day. Their dietary needs are noted on updated information which is regularly added to. Children are encouraged to try new tastes and foods through discussion and healthy routines. This promotes their understanding and

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Helping children to be healthy

builds their confidence to eat healthily. Children's physical needs are met through regular opportunities to play outside, using local amenities and meetings at local groups. This helps children to understand the importance of exercise and healthy routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a secure and safe environment where they have a choice of areas to use. They are made to feel welcome in the home as they can choose from a range of resources and toys which are displayed. The childminder creates an appropriate environment for their play and development. Toys and resources are rotated and varied to interest children. Children's safety is promoted through the use of safe, regularly checked and cleaned equipment and resources. For example, there are suitable small chairs and a table available for their use. Children are encouraged to develop a sense of their own safety and the safety of others. They experience clear procedures for road safety and when on outings. Children are protected from fire hazards, and precautions are taken to prevent accidents. There are electric heaters in the conservatory, one of which can be accessed by children, which will be replaced by centrally heated radiators soon.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's understanding of child protection procedures and her understanding of the children in her care.

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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 The provision is good. Children successfully develop their confidence and independence through asking questions, chatting and playing with the childminder. Children are happy and relaxed because the childminder is warm and affectionate. They happily approach the childminder, indicating good relationships are built and also receive good support, making them feel comfortable and valued. Children show independence and make choices about the activities they become involved in. The childminder helps them become involved in their play by asking good questions, when she notices a child looking around 'Where could it be?' involving her in the search for dressing up items. Children make good progress, learning to name colours, identify story characters and decorate biscuits. Children talk about their toys and enjoy their play and learning owing to the good

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

support and positive encouragement of the childminder. Children’s creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art and craft, painting, decorating biscuits and dressing up. Their understanding is supported through the good explanations and comments made by the childminder. Children benefit from using the outside environment on a regular basis. They develop their physical skills by walking to the local shops and playing in parks. Children extend their social skills by visiting local play areas, the picnic area and the garden centre, where they play with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs and background are valued and respected by the childminder who uses her knowledge of each child to guide her care. Children are encouraged to respect differences and have access to resources that reflect positive images, so they can develop a balanced view of society. Children with special needs receive care which is suited to their individual needs. Their needs are assessed and regular liaison with parents ensures children with special needs are given appropriate care to meet their needs. Children receive praise and encouragement for their achievements. Strategies are in place for children to learn about right and wrong, in a way that promotes their welfare and development. Children build their self esteem and are encouraged to develop their social skills through caring for the animals and playing together and sharing. The childminder provides parents with verbal information or a contact book about the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children's experiences and routines during the day. Parents are welcomed into the home and exchange verbal information with the childminder to ensure continuity of care is offered between children's home and the setting.

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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 The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the appropriate organisation of the childminding service. Children access safe and stimulating resources in the conservatory, and messy play in the kitchen. They also have accompanied access to other areas of the house, as well as the secure rear garden. They enjoy their play and receive good support and recognition of their needs whenever they need it. The environment is adequately managed to ensure the safety and effective supervision of the children. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to ensure that complaints are recorded and dealt with according to recent regulations, although she does not have the current information. The documentation used to support childminding activities is organised and secure although there is limited written information available to

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Organisation

parents. Parents are kept informed of all matters concerning their children's development which is supported by the childminder's long experience and her understanding of the children's needs. The childminder 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 recommended to obtain consent to transport children in her vehicles. This has been completed and children are now protected by parental consent. The childminder has also obtained Criminal Record Bureau checks for herself, her husband and her two adult children, which she can show parents. This protects children from persons who are not checked and provides reassurance for parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to report 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain information on childhood illnesses and diseases, including exclusion periods • obtain information on the procedures to be followed in case of complaints being received

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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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