Parkside Studio College

Inspection report for early years provision

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138368 Unique Reference Number 13 July 2006 Inspection date Victoria Vasiliadis 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 1999. She lives with husband and two children aged seven and nine years in a residential area of Ruislip, in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The downstairs of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children and is currently minding two children under five years on a part time basis.

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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 are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are beginning to learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. Appropriate hygiene procedures maintained by the childminder enable children to be cared for in an environment that reduces the risk of infection. For example, children do not attend the setting if they are unwell.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are met as the childminder records information on their needs and preferences. Children enjoy the food that is prepared for them and benefit from nutritious and balanced meals offered such as sandwiches, yoghurts and fruit. The meals provided take into account special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children benefit from regular outdoor exercise. They go for walks, visit local parks, play in the garden and attend toddler groups. This helps to improve their large muscle skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a selection of resources. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe, appropriate and suitable for their ages. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has most of the required documents and procedures in place. For example, the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures to be followed if abuse is suspected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home is comfortably furnished and equipped enabling children to make good use of space that is well organised with the child in mind. There are designated areas for children to eat, rest and play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to explore freely as the childminder has minimised possible hazards in her home although, the fire blanket is not correctly located. The childminder has developed written safety procedures which help to keep the children safe. For example, she has written a fire evacuation statement and a safety policy to keep children safe when on outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are engaged in activities and in general play happily with one another and with adults, they enjoy using resources such as the large wooden dolls house with accessories and creative materials that are suitable for their ages and development. The children are becoming independent as they choose from a range of resources that are well organised and easily accessible to them. Resources promote learning and are enjoyed by the children.

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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 children enjoy outings to child friendly settings such as local parks and to a variety of sessions at toddler groups. This provides many good learning experiences for them that are enjoyed by the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are making good progress in all areas of their development, as the childminder has a sound understanding of how children learn and develop through play and having fun. The children involve the childminder in their play and they receive lots of warm, individual attention. This enables them to successfully extend their learning experiences. Children enjoy a warm and secure relationship with the childminder, which enables them to extend their learning in a supportive and caring environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are provided with a limited selection of resources which promote a positive view of the wider world, such as books. The children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the needs of children with learning difficulties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in partnership with parents and carers which contributes significantly to children's well-being. The childminder ensures that parents know how their children are progressing and developing, she shares information with them verbally on a daily basis and has some written policies in place.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and according to their ages. Children are generally well behaved and are beginning to learn right from wrong. They are encouraged to share, take turns and to have regard for one another. The childminder has an understanding of the needs of the children, whilst ensuring parent’s views are sought.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder regularly communicates with parents and carers to keep them informed about their child. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. However, the childminder is not aware of recent changes in legislation to the National Standards regarding the recording of complaints.

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Organisation

The children feel at home and at ease in the environment provided by the childminder. This means that children are confident, comfortable and settled enough to initiate their own play and learning. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to maintain records signed by parents when administering medication and to develop her knowledge of child protection. She has achieved this and now has appropriate records in place should she administer medication, and has

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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 developed her knowledge of child protection. This now ensures children's safety and welfare is maintained.

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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 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): • ensure the fire blanket is correctly located • provide children with resources that reflect positive images • maintain a system for recording complaints which is in line with current regulations.

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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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