Sparrow Hill Primary and Community School

Inspection report for early years provision

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105782 Unique Reference Number 21 December 2006 Inspection date Denys Rasmussen 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 and works jointly with her partner, also a registered childminder. The premises are a second floor flat close to Sloane Square and public transport routes, in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea. All areas of the premises are available for childminding. She is registered to care for a maximum of eight children when working with her partner. She currently has six children on roll, aged from one year to four years. The children attend on a full-time and part-time basis. The childminder collects children from local nurseries.

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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. The childminder promotes the good health of children. For example, the effective sick child policy informs parents when not to bring their children, reducing the spread of infection. The good hygiene practices such as wearing disposable gloves when changing nappies and having a no outdoor shoe policy in the home helps to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. The childminder is qualified in first aid which means accidents are dealt with appropriately. However, she does not hold parents' written permission to seek emergency medical treatment which means parents' wishes are not known. Records relating to accidents and medication are well maintained and parents sign to acknowledge the entry. She has attended food hygiene training which means she has knowledge of how to store, prepare cook and serve food safely. All dietary requirements are recorded and heeded and the childminder has experience in catering for

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Helping children to be healthy

serious allergies. The childminder has a flexible attitude and agreements are made with parents as to which meals and snacks are to be provided. The children are offered healthy and nutritious meals which include daily helpings of fresh fruit and vegetables. The children are encouraged to think about the food they eat and healthy foods are discussed. Children are encouraged to eat healthily by being involved in the preparation of meals. For example, when they made fruit kebabs.

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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 clean and organised environment. The flat is welcoming to children where their work and photographs are displayed. Space has been well utilised to provide a safe and stimulating environment. There is a large variety of good quality play resources and equipment available. They are stored to enable self selection and age appropriate to ensure their safety. The childminder has taken positive steps to promote the children's safety. There are covers in all accessible electrical sockets and restrictors on the windows. The childminder is vigilant in ensuring children are well supervised which is made easier as she works with her co-minder. She has put much thought into keeping children safe on outings and risk assesses the intended venue. She understands the procedures for lost and uncollected children which helps to protect them. The childminder has attended training in child protection which means

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

her knowledge is up-to-date. The childminder recognises her responsibility to the children in her care and has a very good understanding of procedures to follow about any concerns she may have about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder's exceptional understanding of child development and how children learn contributes greatly to the quality of activities and experiences that the children are offered. The childminder plays with the children at their level, she gets down on the floor and inspires their play by supporting and guiding them, being enthusiastic and knowing them well enough

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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 to know what interests them. Children learn to listen and respond while enjoying and sharing stories, songs and games. The children benefit by the daily outings to local resources. For example, when they visit the science museum to engage in interesting water play; when they visit the natural history museum to learn about dinosaurs and when they visit Hyde Park to play football or picnic. Children are happy and settled with good levels of self esteem because of the close relationships they have with both childminders. They interact with the children in a gentle and positive manner, listening to them and valuing what they say. Children's independence is encouraged when they self select toys and help to tidy up. The children attend groups and meet up with other children. This enables them to make friends building their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

confidence and social skills. Children develop a sense of belonging through the consistent routine and positive relationships they have with both the childminders and each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Parents have clear information about the childminder and the service on offer in her portfolio. This also displays clear policies and procedures, ensuring that parents are informed about the service offered. Parents are kept well informed by daily verbal exchange, e-mail, photographs and a written journal of their child's day. Parents are very happy with the service provided and made comments such as, ' better carers than me, house safe and secure, good communication and exceptional role models'. Parents' wishes are respected and detailed information is taken about the child to ensure appropriate care is given. The childminder's good use of praise and encouragement helps build children's self-esteem and mange their behaviour. Children understand the rules and play well together. The childminder stated that she make sure that the children are having fun and do not get bored. This ensures they behave well. The childminder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

deals with minor conflict in a positive way ensuring it is quickly forgotten. The childminder has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment and is happy to liaise with outside agencies if required. Children have access to resources and outings that promote a positive view of the wider world. For example, by acknowledging a variety of festivals and traditions, visiting local cultural centres and providing play resources that reflect positive images of race, culture and disability.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very well qualified and experienced which means children's play opportunities are maximised. She ensures she understands the children's interests, she inspires them to learn and promotes their enjoyment of the outdoors. The childminder works with her partner as a co-childminder. They work well together and provide a warm, stimulating environment for the children in their care. All the required documentation is in place and well maintained, however, the childminder has not obtained the permission, from parents, to seek treatment or advice for their child in the event of an emergency. Policies and procedures work well in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Parents are well informed about their child's progress and the service provided. All documentation is kept confidentially. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 was asked to ensure that appropriate car seats and vehicle documentation are provided if children are to be transported in a car. The childminder does not transport children in a car but understands her responsibility in the event this changes.

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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): • request written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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