Moreton Hall School

Inspection report for early years provision

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124877 Unique Reference Number 31 October 2006 Inspection date Ceri Ann Mills 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 1994. She lives in a semi detached house in Purley with her family of five children, two of whom are adult and three are teenagers. The property is situated in a residential area within walking distance of the main line station and the town centre.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Childminding is carried out on the ground floor only where there are toilet and sleep facilities provided. Children have their own play room and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum for four children at any one time and has four children under five years currently on roll. The childminder attends local child centred activities on a regular 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 good. Children's good health is promoted well because the childminder has effective procedures in place to ensure all areas where children play, rest and eat are clean and well maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of experiences which contribute to their good health. They receive plenty of fresh air and exercise as they are taken out for walks most days and have regular opportunities to relax and sleep in comfort. Children use resources such as wheeled toys and a play tunnel indoors, as well as fixed equipment in the park, which helps develop and enhance their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn good personal hygiene habits, such as washing their hands after using the toilet and before handling food. They are very well supported with this routine when taken to the bathroom. The childminder provides appropriate equipment which enables children to reach the basin so that they can access the soap and dry their hands on the paper towels with increasing independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual health and welfare needs are safeguarded because the childminder gathers relevant information and secures the necessary consent from parents to administer medication and seek treatment in the event of an emergency. The childminder has drawn up a sickness policy which provides parents with information about the care of children when they are unwell.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished throughout the day and their individual dietary needs are met in accordance with parents wishes. Children receive a varied and balanced diet of home cooked food. Drinks and snacks are healthy, and children are beginning to learn about different types of fruit and vegetables from the posters displayed in the kitchen and through purposeful activities, such as shopping and cooking.

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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 safe, secure and well organised environment, where potential risks have been identified and necessary precautions taken. Nursery equipment is effectively used to prevent children accessing the stairs which means they are able to move safety and freely around all areas on the ground floor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently choose play materials which interest them and have easy access to age appropriate resources as a result of the safe and effective storage systems. The childminder ensures equipment and toys conform to safety standards and that younger children do not have access to small items which may present a choking hazard. Children are closely monitored whilst they are sleeping and their individual sleep patterns are respected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are developing an awareness of keeping themselves safe. For example, when they are taken out the childminder talks to them about road safety and potential dangers so that they

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 learn safe practices. Children know where to safely cross the road and why it is important to hold hands.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective fire safety arrangements are in place. A fire blanket and smoke detectors are appropriately positioned and the childminder has an emergency evacuation plan which is regularly practiced with the children. As a result children understand the importance of fire safety and know what to do if they hear the alarm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected well because the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues, enabling her to follow relevant procedures, should she ever have concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from the close and supportive relationship they have with the childminder, which contributes to their emotional well being. They are very settled and content in the childminders care because she provides a welcoming environment and shares her attention equally between them which ensures their individual needs are met.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has enhanced her understanding of the developmental learning needs of children since completing the training in Birth to three matters, the framework to promote younger children's learning. As a result she is beginning to develop a system for planning and recording children's progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play enthusiastically with the wide range of appealing play materials which are readily available in the well resourced play room. They make their own choices and freely extend their games into other areas of the home. For example, children have fun playing with the tunnel together in the living room and then use the hallway for role play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have regular opportunities to develop their creative and imaginative skills. The childminder takes the children to music sessions at the local library and they enjoy using malleable materials such as play dough, which they assist in making. Activities are suitably adapted so that all children are able to participate. For example, whilst older children help to design the pumpkin, younger children have fun exploring its natural texture. Good use is made of the garden to extend children's learning of the world around them. Children happily recall their experience of finding different size snails with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children regularly socialise with other children and are developing an understanding of the diverse community in which they live as they walk to and from local child centred facilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's well being benefits from the positive relationship the childminder establishes with parents. Children's individual needs are met effectively because the childminder obtains relevant information from parents to ensure continuity of care. The daily exchange of information about

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 children's care routines and their achievements enables parents to feel involved in their child's day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's welfare is assured because the childminder secures written parental consent for all aspects of care including outings and photographs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder spends time with parents discussing her provision and has devised a range of policy statements, which under-pin her service, including procedures for complaints, sickness and behaviour management.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children feel valued and learn to respect each other's similarities and differences because the childminder treats them as individuals but with equal concern. They are cared for in a fair and positive atmosphere where good behaviour is consistently promoted. Children are encouraged to share and cooperate, and are rewarded with frequent warm praise which leads to the growth of self assurance. As a result children behave very well and develop good relationships with each other.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's general welfare, care and learning is promoted well because of the childminder's professional and organised approach to childminding. She reviews her own practice to ensure children receive the highest levels of care and is committed to continuous improvement and development. She has attended a wide range of training courses, including first aid, food hygiene, child protection and Birth to three matters, the framework to promote younger children's learning, which she is beginning to implement.

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Organisation

Children benefit from being cared for in a well organised home environment. Space and resources are practically and appealingly arranged to facilitate children's freedom of choice and accessibility. The daily routine takes into account children's individual requirements for rest and food, and provides children with a stimulating balance of active and quiet play opportunities.

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Organisation

Children of different ages and abilities play safely and comfortably whilst under the close supervision of the childminder at all times.

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Organisation

Children are protected from persons who are not vetted because the childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of regulations. All mandatory records which contribute to children's health, safety and well- being are accurately and confidentially maintained. 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 asked to make improvements to the way in which some records are maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has addressed the recommendations by ensuring all necessary details are recorded for incidences, accidents and medication; and that parental permission is secured for outings.

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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 These measures ensure children's safety needs are assured.

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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 action in order to meet the National Standards. 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): • continue to develop knowledge and understanding of Birth to three matters to aid the planning and assessment of children's progress.

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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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