Kenilworth Nursery School & Early Years Training Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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125488 Unique Reference Number 08 May 2006 Inspection date Joanne Wade Barnett 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 1992. She lives with her husband and one school age child and two older children in Tonbridge, Kent.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole ground floor of the childminder's house and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a small enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler groups and takes children to the local parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children all of whom are on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has one dog and one cat.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the West Kent Childminding Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder follows satisfactory hygiene practice whereby daily routines and explanations help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet and before meals reduces the risk of passing on germs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their own drinking cups, which are easily accessible, helping children to keep their bodies hydrated. Children's dietary needs and preferences are catered for, because the childminder maintains details of dietary requirements and preferences. Meals and snacks are generally balanced and nutritious, contributing to children’s health and usually served on a table tray on the floor. Although babies are fed in a highchair, younger children do not have appropriate furniture to allow them to sit in comfort during meal times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children regularly enjoy a range of activities in the garden that contribute to their health and development. The childminder organises outings to the park and in the local community, where there is large play equipment, which gives children plenty of opportunity to develop physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are safe and secure, contributing to keeping children safe. Children move around the ground floor of the property freely, making effective use of the available play space, whilst using developmentally appropriate toys and resources. In addition the downstairs conservatory affords children good opportunities to develop their independence and self help skills to toys from low level cupboards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A clear and consistent routine enables the children to develop a sound awareness of the boundaries implemented by the childminder to keep them safe. For example, children know they are not to climb the stair gates. Systems to ensure the safe arrival and departure of children are good. Details of those authorised to collect children are documented.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted appropriately because the childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She has a good knowledge and understanding of issues and procedures relating to child protection through recent training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The carefully prepared, well-organised and nurturing environment helps children to settle quickly. The childminder is attentive and caring in her approach and the children are content

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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 and settled in her care. The children clearly enjoy exploring the range of brightly coloured toys that the childminder provides. With the support of the childminder they look at books, prepare paint to make bubble pictures and crayons for other children. Effective questioning techniques help children to develop their language and to consolidate their learning fully.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder ensures she shares her time equitably amongst the children, supporting and encouraging them in their play and learning. She ensures the children receive lots of praise and positive intervention, helping to build on their self-esteem and confidence. Regular visits out into the community help children learn about the environment. For example, children enjoy regular walks to the park.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Opportunities for children to explore with their senses are developing with opportunities for children to self select and make independent choices from the range of toys. These are available in low, easy accessible cupboards within the main play area. The childminder has recently completed training in Birth to three matters framework which will help to prepare planning for children under the age of three years, ensuring they receive a broad and balanced range of activities that promote all areas of learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and enjoy a consistent and organised routine that affords them opportunities to be active and relax. Realistic expectations and a consistent approach by the childminder help the children to learn about right and wrong. As a result, children’s behaviour is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals, differences are embraced and each child treated with equal concern. A child record form details children's dietary requirements, medical needs, likes and dislikes, all of which help the childminder provide the appropriate care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a limited range of toys and resources that reflect positive images of society, consequently, children are not yet offered good opportunities to develop their awareness of different lifestyles, beliefs and traditions. Although the childminder has not yet cared for children with special needs and disabilities she demonstrates a strong commitment to provide an inclusive service.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A strong commitment to work in partnership with parents underpins positive relationships. Effective communication contributes to meeting the individual needs of all children and formal contracts detail business arrangements to ensure the care required is provided. As yet, systems for ensuring parents are kept informed of changes in legislation have not been established, as a result parents have not been advised of procedures to follow in the event of a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The organisation of the setting is satisfactory and contributes to positive outcomes for children. The environment is well organised and carefully prepared to ensure children's individual needs

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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 are met. The routine accommodates children’s individual needs and preferences throughout the day, helping them to feel secure.

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Organisation

Most of the required mandatory documentation and consent forms for the safe and efficient management of the setting are in place. However, clear recording of medication and accidents needs to be addressed to ensure individual children's information remains confidential. The clearly displayed certificate of registration enables parents to confirm details of the childminder's registration.

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Organisation

Parents are kept informed verbally on a daily basis. The childminder understands the importance of working with parents. Parents provide information about their child, to ensure the childminder can provide an appropriate service.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection two recommendations were made. These were to obtain written permission from parents to take photographs and to formalise the risk assessment procedures. The childminder has reviewed her procedures on the risk assessment and updated her consent requests from parents. As a result these recommendations have been addressed fully.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted.

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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): • provide appropriate furniture were children can sit in comfort during meal times • ensure complaints policy is in line with current legislation • ensure that confidentiality is maintained when recording accidents and medication

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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 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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