Shepperton Green County First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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130049 Unique Reference Number 15 May 2006 Inspection date Jill Nugent 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 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 registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a house in Watford. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. Currently she is minding one child under five.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. There are adequate procedures in place to promote children's health. All the necessary permissions are sought from parents and medical records are maintained appropriately. Children

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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 are excluded if suffering from an infectious illness so as to protect others from infection. They sleep according to their needs, in a place where they feel comfortable. The childminder is attentive to hygiene. She washes her hands after changing nappies. Children are aware of the need to wash their hands when cooking and eating. They play in a clean and tidy environment. Consequently, children keep healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder offers a range of well-balanced meals. Children enjoy a home cooked lunch and light tea. They like to eat fruit and vegetables, and taste cress after growing some from seed. The childminder takes account of parent's wishes in order that children can eat appropriately. They have drinking water available at all times. Therefore, they are well nourished. They have opportunities for physical exercise in the garden and enjoy a variety of resources, including a slide and sand pit. They visit local parks and go for nature walks in the nearby countryside. This helps to keep them fit and healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are generally safe and secure. Children play safely in the conservatory, and lounge, as there are safety gates fixed on the kitchen and staircase. They are always accompanied if going through the kitchen to use the downstairs toilet. There are good fire precautions in place. However, the childminder has not practised evacuating the house with the children. Children have not therefore been re-assured about what would happen in an emergency situation. They play safely in the garden as it is well maintained and free from hazards. A security system on the front door helps to ensure that children are always secure in the house. The childminder only allows them to leave with a known adult. Therefore, children are safe and secure in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with a selection of suitable resources which are easily accessible in the conservatory. These are in good condition and checked regularly so that children can play safely. The childminder has a good range of equipment for very young children. She encourages children to respect her toys. She increases their awareness of how to keep themselves safe while playing indoors and outdoors. Children learn about road safety when out walking. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection, having recently attended a training course. She has information at hand to enable her to seek advice if she has any concerns. Consequently, children are well protected in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play happily. They have fun playing computer games with the childminder and joining in action rhymes. They are forming close relationships with her and often request her help and attention. They particularly enjoy sharing picture books or finding out how sound books work. They are encouraged to be independent, as the childminder suggests activities but allows them free choice. They show much interest in colouring different pictures printed off the computer. They show confidence in responding to her questions and attempting to communicate. They

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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 like to take part in different creative and cooking activities. Overall, they have a variety of play experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning while they play. They learn new songs while playing on the computer. The childminder helps them to extend their vocabulary through naming objects in pictures. She raises their awareness of colours, shapes and numbers during play. Children enjoy much praise for their achievements. Young ones are encouraged to talk through her conversation with them. The childminder has a copy of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to which she can refer for ideas in helping young children to further develop their skills. Consequently, children make progress in their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel included. They are treated as part of the family and are very content in the childminder's care. They receive good support as she works closely with their parents to ensure that she meets their individual needs. Children are becoming aware of a wider society through sharing books which reflect diversity. They enjoy much individual attention. The childminder responds to their interests effectively, for example, helping them to choose pencils to colour different parts of a picture. Therefore, they have a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. They are aware of their boundaries and get on well with each other. They learn to share, and take turns, and therefore play harmoniously. The childminder has good relationships with parents. She informs them about her practice and is available to talk with them at the end of each day. Parents of very young children receive a daily diary. Parents are very satisfied with the care their children receive. They have been informed about the recent changes to the complaints procedures. However, the childminder does not have a complaints record in place. Therefore, parents' concerns may not be dealt with appropriately. Overall, children benefit from a good working partnership.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's paperwork is well organised into files and easily accessible. The childminder ensures that her first aid qualification is kept up to date. She maintains a neat attendance register. Children have plenty of space to play in the house and garden. The conservatory has been transformed into an attractive play room and provides easy access to the garden. The childminder makes good use of her time in playing with, and caring for, the children. Her procedures contribute to their good health, safety and happiness. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to update her information for parents. This is now up to date and provides information about the childminder's family and an outline of what she can offer children.

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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

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 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): • practise an evacuation procedure with children • ensure that a complaints record is in place.

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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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