Space Studio West London

Inspection report for early years provision

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142126 Unique Reference Number 12 September 2006 Inspection date Michelle Tuck 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 1996, and holds a level three qualification in childcare. She lives with her son in a detached two bedroom cottage set in a rural location, surrounded by farm and woodland, close to the village of Buckland St Mary. She only uses the ground floor of the premises for childminding which offers a sitting room, dining room, play room, kitchen, bathroom and separate toilet. There is a large, well secured back garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight, of whom three can be under five, including one under one. There are currently five children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Family pets include a dog, two cats and bantams.

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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 have a clear understanding of good hygiene routines. They use toilet facilities independently, when appropriate, and have their own individual towel, which limits cross infection. However children have access to the dogs water bowl.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs and allergies are respected through the childminder's clear awareness of their individual needs. This is achieved through written records, from initial and on-going discussion with parents. Drinks are offered regularly at home to support their well being. Children have a good choice of healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit, to promote their dietary health. Children benefit from a variety of healthy meals at lunch time some provided by the parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is well supported as they have good opportunities for fresh air and physical play in the garden. They benefit from regular walks and outings to local parks and local attractions such as an animal sanctuary. Consequently, children have good opportunities to use their bodies to climb, balance and run, and do so with confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The risk of accidental injury to children is minimised by the childminder's effective risk assessments, and high level of supervision. Children are protected from harm by fitted safety equipment. Children can access some toys and equipment safely from low level storage in the play room, which encourages independence in choosing what they want. The secure garden enables children to be safe at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy regular outings safely, through good supervision and sensible precautions. Children take increasing responsibility for their own security. They are reminded about road safety, and encouraged to learn about keeping safe through regular discussion and re-enforcement. For example, they wait with the childminder and know when they are out walking they are to remain within her sight at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's protection from harm and neglect is enhanced by the childminder's secure knowledge of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are engaged in stimulating play appropriate to their age and stage of development. They enjoy playing with bright good quality toys on the floor with the childminder. She effectively supports their play through good interaction. For example, she encourages very young children to recognise colours when completing stacking rings, by asking them to find the blue one or the red one.

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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 Young children's individual needs are understood and met well. Sleeping and eating routines are consistent with home yet flexible. The childminder has a clear understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and refers to this to develop their play across all areas of development. Older children have a broad range of activities appropriate to their needs after a day at school. They are able to relax or be more active as they want.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from effective partnerships between the childminder and the parent. Children's individual needs are understood and well met through regular communication and information sharing. The childminder gives parents a booklet about herself and her provision and finds out about the child's likes, dislikes and other specific needs if appropriate. This ensures as much consistency with home as possible is offered to each child. Parents are given regular feedback about their child's day and the progress they make. Dairies are used to record information if parents desire. Parents also have the opportunity to discuss anything as it arises.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and relaxed due to the childminders gentle manner. Babies benefit from appropriate affection and cuddles resulting in them feeling safe and secure in their environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about diversity through opportunities to look at books and play with resources which reflect diversity. Children benefit from the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities. She has no experience of caring for children with learning disabilities or difficulties, however she has good knowledge in this area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. They benefit from receiving praise and encouragement resulting in good self esteem. The childminder manages behaviour effectively, she has a good understanding of appropriate strategies to use, always considering the age and understanding of the child.

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Organisation

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

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Organisation

Children are very at home in the well organised environment. The space available has been organised in such a way that the children can move freely and be independent. Children benefit from a dedicated playroom, with easy access to toys.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the good organisational skills of the childminder and her knowledge of individual needs. All documentation is well presented and stored appropriately. Written information about the care given is available to new parents and information is shared regularly to form good partnerships.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to developing her provision and keeps up to date with relevant early years information.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop her knowledge of special needs, and extend the range of resources which reflect disability. She has completed a behaviour course to help increase her knowledge and has resources such as 'special needs Becky' which is a doll in a wheel chair.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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): • ensure children do not have access to animal feeding bowls.

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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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