Windlehurst School

Inspection report for early years provision

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131889 Unique Reference Number 14 June 2006 Inspection date Daphne Jane Brown 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 has been registered since 1999.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her husband and two school aged children. She is registered to care for five children under eight years old. There are currently three children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

They live in a house in Chessington, within walking distance of parks, shops and public transport. All areas of the property are used for childminding, with children having free use of the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play, the area housing the fish pond has been completely fenced off and children do not access this area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

It is a non-smoking household. The family have two cats, a rabbit, and goldfish in a large pond.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of Kingston Childminding Association.

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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 good. Children enjoy a worthwhile range of activities which help promote their good health. They enjoy regular physical exercise with visits to local parks, adventure playgrounds at farms, in the garden and music and dancing sessions at home. The children's own daily routines are followed allowing the children time for meals, rest or sleep.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children always wash their hands after using the toilet, before and after eating and after craft activities. However this is not extended to hand drying as a communal towel is used which could promote cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy meals which are provided by either the parents or the childminder. Food is stored and prepared appropriately. Children's health is further promoted by the childminder's clear policy on sickness and the information given to parents about infectious illness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children learn to keep themselves safe within a secure and child orientated environment. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming home where space has been organised well allowing children to be able to move safely from the playroom into the kitchen and dining area. Toys are stored at low level so that children can access them encouraging their independence. They are also stored so that toys suitable for older children, which have small parts and could be harmful to younger children, are not within their reach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is also promoted well when on outings. The childminder is vigilant and assesses the various venues. She also carries out a risk assessment on her own home each weekend, including checking fire alarms are in good working order, for the safety of the children. Children are involved in practising emergency evacuations of the home and a comprehensive written plan is display and given to parents. Children thoroughly enjoy playing in the garden as this has been made child friendly by preventing children's access to a pond and greenhouse.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of her responsibilities in protecting children from harm and informs the parents of it. She has recently attended a refresher course and also holds a current first aid certificate which further contributes to the safety and welfare of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very well settled and at home in the childminder's house. They enjoy a good variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages. They are happy and confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. Although the childminder might have activities planned she works spontaneously and adapts them according to the children's interests. During a story the childminder asks the children questions helping them to develop their language and numeracy

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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 skills. She is skilled at using open ended questions to encourage children to think and learn through play based activities. Children thoroughly enjoy music and frequently burst into song which they all join in. Although the children vary in age and ability the childminder adapts activities for them all and divides her attention equally between them. Children's creative and imaginative development is very much encouraged through activities such as art and craft, music, dressing up and pretend play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children feel comfortable and valued as the childminder is extremely warm and affectionate. She enjoys their company and has very good relationships with the children. She spends lots of time talking and playing with them, consequently children are well supported in their play and are making good progress in all areas of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave very well. They are treated with respect helping them to feel good about themselves. Children respond very well to the consistent praise and encouragement they receive all the time which encourages their good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are treated as individuals and cared for accordingly. The childminder has had some experience in caring for a child with special needs and understands the importance in building positive and trusting relationships with parents to ensure all children receive the care they deserve and need. Children learn about diversity and different cultures through her positive attitude and a small selection of books and toys. They learn about the world and people around them through regular outings provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's welfare is advanced by the very good partnership the childminder forges with parents. She has spent time producing a folder about her childminding service and as well as her own comprehensive policies she has an information pack of her policies and procedures for parents to read and sign. Written feedback from parents shows that they appreciate the high quality of care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder ensures she meets the conditions of her registration at all times. She is extremely well organised and has developed a very informative pack for parents about her service and important policies and procedures. She finds out about and takes advantage of training opportunities available and has recently completed the National Childminding quality assurance scheme. She is now studying for a further childcare qualification to extend her knowledge and continually evaluate her practice. Although the childminder plans activities she is flexible and adapts activities according to children's interests and moods on the day. Each child has a wonderful 'Magic moments' book, which the childminder uses to put photographs and observations of the children in, to monitor their development and share with parents. The children receive very good support from the childminder who knows them well helping them

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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 to feel valued and confident. As a result 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 requested to ensure the first floor smoke alarm is kept in working order and to obtain written parental permission to the seeking of medical advice or treatment. Both smoke alarms are now tested on a weekly basis on a Sunday as part of the childminder's risk assessment of her home. The childminder has also updated her contracts with parents and this now includes written consent from parents to the seeking of medical advice or treatment.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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): • ensure hygienic hand washing and drying procedures are in place for all children.

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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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