Nunnery Wood High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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137051 Unique Reference Number 04 October 2006 Inspection date Claire Jean Douglas 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 was registered in 1996. She lives with her partner and three sons aged 15, 12 and 10 years old. The family live in a four bedroom house in a residential area of Beckenham in the London borough of Bromley, close to local schools and parks. The whole of the house is used for childminding purposes and there is direct access to a secure garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder currently has three children on roll. Two children were present during this inspection. The family have two pet cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds an NVQ three qualification in Childcare, a full Child Care Practice (CCP) certificate and is also Montessori trained. The childminder has attended MENCAP training, and a number of other short courses related to childcare. She makes regular use of the local pre-school facilities and is a member of 'Bromley Men cap' and 'Childcare-extra' childminder networks.

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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 begin to learn about the importance of good hygiene practices when they are encouraged to wash their hands before they eat. Each child has their own flannel, which helps reduce the risk of cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children benefit from a varied menu which promotes healthy eating, for example the children are offered plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables on a daily basis which helps to ensure the children's nutritional needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in daily physical activities, such as walks to the park, pedalling bikes around at the regularly attended toddler groups or kicking a football around in the childminder's garden, all of which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children's health is well protected because the childminder has effective systems in place to keep records of any accidents children have and any medicine they need to be administered. The childminder has ensured that parents have given their written consent for seeking medical advice or treatment for their child in an emergency. This means that parents' wishes regarding action to be taken in an emergency are clear.

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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 warm, clean and well maintained environment with facilities to meet their needs. For example the area in which the children spend most of their time is organised to allow children adequate space to move around safely. The range of activities which the children are offered are stimulating and age appropriate helping to promote their development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with toys that are clean, in good condition and suitable for their age. This helps ensure they can play safely. Furniture and equipment provided is appropriate for their purpose and helps to create an accessible and stimulating environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder takes effective steps to identify and reduce potential hazards. For instance, she ensures children cannot access the television, the stairs and any exposed electrical sockets. Children are helped to learn about keeping themselves safe as the childminder consistently explains to them why they have to hold hands when they are out and the green cross code when crossing roads. The childminder keeps a written fire evacuation plan and practice records which help the children to be protected from the risks of fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has an up to date knowledge from attending recent training courses. She is familiar with possible signs of child abuse or neglect, and is aware of her responsibility to report any concerns. The childminder has the written guidance on local procedures and details of whom to contact if she is worried about a child.

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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 This means relevant information would be readily accessible to enable the childminder to act quickly if required.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and feel at home at the childminder's house. The childminder is attentive to their needs and responds to them warmly. Children benefit from a familiar daily routine for outings, meals and sleeping or quiet time. This helps them feel secure and settle quickly. The childminder plans a range of stimulating activities which includes visits to local toddler groups and parks as well as activities within the home which are planned around a theme, using her knowledge of the Birth to three matters to move the children on to there next level of development. The children are able to choose from the variety of toys that are available at the childminder's home independently, enjoying squashing and rolling out play dough, looking through attractive stories and pushing themselves around in a coupe car in the garden. The childminder varies toys regularly so children remain occupied, and they have

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

opportunities to take part in some planned activities such as painting or making models.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed into the setting and valued as individuals. Children benefit from positive relationships between the childminder and their parents. Parents are given written information each day informing them of the basic details such as sleep patterns and how much lunch or tea their child has eaten. They also talk to each other every day to exchange information, which helps children experience consistent care. The childminder has written contracts with all parents. This means that agreements and expectations regarding the care of the children, the activities provided and other business arrangements are clear. The childminder has a range of references and previous parents comments kept on file which praise the service provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder's positive and consistent approach to rules and boundaries helps the children behave well. The children begin to develop a positive view of the wider community when they use a good range of resources, such as play figures which promote diversity, for example a child in a wheel chair and an elderly lady with a walking frame. The childminder has attended training to develop her knowledge of caring for children with special needs and has had past experience in doing so. The childminder ensures that appropriate steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child, in partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Indoor and outdoor space is well organised to maximise play and learning opportunities for children. This allows them to confidently initiate and extend their own play and learning. The children benefit from a well-trained childminder who is committed to her work and enjoys children's achievements. She records and shares children's progress with parents on a regular basis to ensure she effectively meets all children's needs. All legally required documentation,

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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 including policies and procedures, which contribute to children’s health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed. However, the complaints policy needs to be updated with the current contact information, and further knowledge and understanding of the regulations relating to complaints procedures is required. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Appropriate records with regards to parental consents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment, are now obtained before a child starts at the setting, which ensures that relevant information is available, in the event of a medical emergency, whilst a child is in the childminders 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): • improve knowledge and understanding of the regulations relating to Complaints procedures and update Complaints procedure information.

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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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