New City College

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

130418 Unique Reference Number 09 August 2006 Inspection date Julie Whitelaw Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1993. She lives with her adult son in a house in West Watford. It is within walking distance of local schools, the town centre and parks. The ground floor is the main area used for childminding. There is a secure garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children and is currently minding four children on a part time basis. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and or disabilities. The family has a dog and two cats. The childminder attends a local toddler group on a regular basis.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health. They regularly visit the park, play outside in the garden and so enjoy the benefits of fresh air. They develop control

p.2

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 of their bodies as they kick balls and crawl through tunnels into tents. Their physical development is promoted as they run in the park, climb the climbing frame and play on the swings. Indoors, they dance to music tapes supported by the childminder.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a clean and warm home. Their health is promoted through the childminder's cleaning routine, storage and preparation of food. Appropriate procedures are followed when nappy changing that ensure children stay healthy. Children's understanding of good hygiene and independence in their personal care is developed as they are encouraged to wash their hands after going to the toilet and before eating. Each child has their own towel and flannel which reduces the risk of the spread of infection. Their health is promoted as the childminder follows the policy and procedure that is in place to exclude sick children.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy nutritious snacks such as fruit and croissants. They learn about healthy eating through discussion when they go to the shops to buy food. Drinks are always available which ensures children are hydrated. Information regarding dietary requirements is recorded on the contracts which ensures children's individual needs are met.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a safe and secure environment. This is because the childminder has identified and minimised risks within her home. Children are able to move freely indoors because it has been made safe through the use of fireguards, socket covers and stair gates. The childminder places high importance on security of the environment. Outside, the garden gate has been fitted with bolts to ensure this area is secure and children are able to play independently.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can freely access a wide range of resources. These are well organised and regularly checked to ensure they are clean, safe and appropriate for the children who attend. Children are kept safe because the childminder has a sound understanding of the importance of supervision. They learn how to keep themselves safe as they talk about stranger danger and road safety when walking to the park.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe through the childminder's adequate knowledge of first aid. This should be updated by attending the required training. They are protected because of her clear understanding of the procedure she would follow if she suspected a child was being abused.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children participate in a variety of activities and learning experiences that promote their development. Their interest is maintained as the childminder plans activities in advance to ensure they are busy and have fun. Children show an interest in what they do as they measure different items in a room and compare their size. They acquire knowledge and skills as they make lists, go shopping and purchase different items. Children develop independence in their personal care as they learn to brush their teeth and put on sun cream. Children's creative skills

p.3

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 are developing well as they are involved in craft activities. Spaceman back packs made by the children are then used in their imaginative play.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play happily together and are beginning to understand that there are rules for acceptable behaviour, such as sharing toys and taking turns. They benefit from the cuddles and affection the childminder shows them. Children's self-esteem is developed as they are praised for their efforts and good behaviour. Children are confident to access the well resourced environment and make choices about what they want to play with. They are encouraged to make progress because the childminder has a sound understanding of what stage children are at and is able to move them onto the next steps in their learning.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and treated as individuals. They benefit from the attention the childminder gives them. A clear settling in procedure ensures children are happy. Photos of the children and a display of their art work ensure they develop a sense of belonging. Children's understanding of the wider world is developed through a satisfactory range of resources and discussion with the childminder. They learn about the wider world as they talk about different places they visited on holiday and taste food from around the world. Children develop an understanding of others as they dress up in different costumes and read books.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with special needs are supported well because the childminder has a clear understanding of how to meet their individual needs. She appreciates that some children may require additional support or resources to enable them to reach their potential.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the trusting partnership that has developed between the childminder and parents, where information is exchanged daily. Children are developing self-control and manners through the clear consistent boundaries the childminder sets. Their self-esteem is promoted through the use of positive methods such as praise and encouragement to reinforce good behaviour.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children make progress because of the individual attention the childminder gives them. The organisation of the each day ensures that children have opportunities for fresh air and exercise. When indoors, they are occupied, have fun and make progress.

p.4

Organisation

Children are protected because the childminder ensures that persons living at the address or visiting the premises are suitable to do so. On some occasions, adult to child ratios are not maintained. Most of the required documentation is in place. However, it is not well organised and some documents are not available for inspection. The daily exchange of information keeps parents informed and involved in their child's learning.

p.4

Organisation

Up to date policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was given an action to record the names of the children looked after and the hours they attend. The childminder does now do this, however this record was not available at the time of the inspection.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

It was also recommended that sharp objects and hazardous substances in the bathroom were inaccessible to children, incidents and significant events were recorded in sufficient detail and that knowledge of the local child protection procedures was developed.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now ensures that sharp objects and hazardous substances are inaccessible. This has improved the safety of the environment for the children who attend. The childminder is aware of the need to record any significant events, however she has not needed to do so since the last inspection. She is also now clear about what action she should take if she suspects a child is being abused which promotes the safety of children in her care.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • update knowledge of first aid by attending the required training • ensure that records are always available for inspection by the early years child care inspector • ensure that when caring for your grand child, ratio's not never exceeded.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5