The Mountbatten School

Inspection report for early years provision

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129163 Unique Reference Number 20 December 2006 Inspection date Anneliese Fox-Jones 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 a registered childminder since 1984. She lives with her husband and their two adult children. They live in a house in Cuffley, Hertfordshire. It is situated in walking distance to all local amenities. The downstairs areas are mainly used for childminding purposes. There is a large fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She currently has six children on roll who are minded at various times throughout the week.

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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 are protected from infection and are well taken care of if they become ill of have an accident. Appropriate measures, such as the childminder's maintenance of a valid first aid qualification and sufficient medical supplies to administer emergency aid, all contribute to maintaining children's health care needs. Children learn to understand good health and hygiene as they follow the daily routine, such as when washing hands. Most of the required documentation is in place, with the exception of written parental consent for non-prescribed medication and up to date medication records. This potentially compromises the children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a well-balanced diet. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and children's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children. Children remain well-hydrated as drinks are always available and replenished periodically throughout the day. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities which contribute to their good health. Each day they walk to and from school and enjoy regular trips into the village or to the local park. They also have access to a secure and safe garden area which is suitably equipped with a range of physical equipment. Younger children rest or sleep in line with their needs whilst older children sit completing their homework or playing quiet games to recuperate their energy levels.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure family home where necessary safety precautions remain in place. The childminder is vigilant in undertaking regular checks of the home and equipment prior to children's attendance. Children remain in sight and hearing at all times. Children access a range of resources that are suitably maintained. Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder clearly explains house rules, such as not playing in the kitchen and reminds children not to stand on chairs as they may fall. Children have access to a dedicated playroom where resources are easily accessible and chosen for children of all ages.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder demonstrates a strong knowledge of child protection. She has recently completed an awareness programme and knows where and how to report concerns in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures. However, the childminder does not have an incident record or system to record any concerns, discussions or observations that she may have. Therefore, children's welfare is not fully safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and very settled in the childminder's care as they are animated and talk freely during their play. They benefit from the childminder's interaction and enthusiasm. A wide range of resources encourage children's all round development and offer new experiences.

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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 Significant emphasis is given to allowing children the opportunity to guide their own play, where they can freely access a variety of age-appropriate equipment in addition to the childminder offering additional suggestions. Children enjoy activities such as imaginative role play, drawing and are enthusiastic when invited to help hang up the clean washing. However, the childminder is not yet familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework to guide her practice with children under three years. This potentially will enhance the learning experiences offered to young children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved, busy and interested in the activities provided. They readily use their initiative to independently select activities for themselves. Consequently, they are able to pursue their individual interests and develop their own learning opportunities. Children develop social skills as they visit other adults and their children. They benefit from visits to local places of interest. This provides children with access to different environments and opportunities to socialise with others. Children develop self-esteem because support and meaningful praise encourages children to become independent and know when to ask for help.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well cared for, information about their background and individual needs is provided by parents, thus enabling the childminder to provide appropriate care for all children. Planned activities celebrating different festivals and a sufficient selection of resources enable children to learn about the wider world. All children have equal access to all of the resources and both boys and girls enjoy playing with the dolls and pushing the buggies around. The childminder has an understanding of how to support children with special needs. She appreciates that some children may need additional support to enable them to reach their potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good working relationships developed between the childminder and parents. All information is shared verbally between both parties and this enables the childminder to meet children's individual needs at all times. However, parents wishes and concerns can not be fully respected and acted upon as the childminder is not aware of the complaints system required in line with current regulations. The childminder treats children with respect, acknowledges and praises their achievements and encourages them to make choices throughout their daily routines. For example, children choose what fruit they would like to eat for snack, decide when they need to go to the toilet and decide what area of play they would like to pursue. As a result children are developing self-esteem, confidence and independence. Children respond appropriately to the expectations for their behaviour. Praise is awarded frequently for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

good behaviour. If necessary, children have time out and away from others to think about any unwanted behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are familiar with their routines which helps them to feel secure. Children enjoy the flexible structure to their day which enables them to participate in a variety of self-chosen activities as well as enjoy a balance of fresh air and exercise. They are fully supported as they

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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 explore safely. Consequently, children's care, learning and play are promoted by the care provided by the childminder. Older children who attend after school are active in accordance with their needs.

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Organisation

Most procedures and documentation are in place to promote children's health, safety and enjoyment. Effective organisation and communication with parents ensures children's continuity of care. The childminder uses her time and available space well. Children feel at home and are at ease in their surroundings. They benefit from the dedicated play room where toys and resources are organised before children arrive. Further opportunities are made for resources to be rotated around and for children to select toys of their choice. Overall, the children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that an accurate daily attendance record is maintained and that sufficient toys are available for children five to eight years. The childminder now records children's arrival and departure times and has increased the selection of resources for older children, such as games, cards and dominoes. These have promoted the welfare and enjoyment of the children in her care.

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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): • obtain prior written parental consent before administering non-prescribed medication and maintain an accurate medication record • devise a system to record any incidents or child protection concerns that you may have

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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 • use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enhance the experiences offered to young children • improve knowledge and develop systems for the recording of complaints, 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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