Briscoe Lane Infants' School

Inspection report for early years provision

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105399 Unique Reference Number 25 January 2007 Inspection date Keriann Belcher 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 1995. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 11 years in Slough in Berkshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children full-time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes minded children to local parks, toddler groups and visits the local library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Slough Childminding Network Scheme.

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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 remain healthy because the childminder has appropriate policies to prevent the spread of infection. She has a written sickness policy and children play within a clean environment as the childminder cleans her home daily.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive appropriate care if they have minor accidents as the childminder has a current first aid certificate. She maintains appropriate accident records and details of medication given together with the necessary consents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have adequate opportunities to develop their physical skills as the childminder takes them on walks and to music and movement groups. Children's dietary requirements are met through food provided by their parents which the childminder stores appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play quietly within the designated playroom. They move freely to access the activities and resources that are easily available to support children's learning. For example, books and toys are displayed at children's eye level on shelves or in toy boxes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play within a safe environment where the childminder has identified and minimized risks. A safety gate, for example, ensures children do not access the stairs and the childminder takes children out to the park for outdoor play as she is not using the garden at present while waiting for work to be carried out on it. Children's welfare is generally safeguarded as the childminder understands her responsibilities with regard to child protection and she has a written policy to support her practice. However, she is not aware of the procedure to follow if an allegation of abuse is made against herself or her family.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children relax and enjoy themselves within the childminder's care. They sit and play contentedly with her. The childminder is kind and caring and supports children's emotional well-being by taking a genuine interest in them and talking gently to them, providing cuddles as appropriate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play with coloured rice and a selection of equipment, having great fun as the rice trickles through their fingers. They are developing their vocabulary as they repeat words spoken to them by the childminder which extends their thinking and mathematical development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their social skills as they interact with other minded children and their peers at toddler groups. Children are making good progress in all areas of their development as the childminder has a good understanding of how children learn. For example, she takes photographs

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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 of the children counting in their play and writes a brief explanation about the skill that they have learnt.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected for their individuality. For example, the childminder finds out about the babies' routines and the families' lifestyle. Children are beginning to learn anti-discriminatory attitudes from the childminder, as she promotes a positive view about the world we live in. For example, the children celebrate various religious festivals, such as Diwali and have the opportunity to taste foods from other cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in the childminder's care and daily discussion with parents ensures they are kept informed about their child's minded day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

They develop in self-esteem as the result of the praise the childminder gives them as they play, and learn a sense of responsibility as they are encouraged to help tidy toys away. The childminder has a written equal opportunities policy and a range of resources to help develop children's awareness of diversity within society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are welcome in the childminder’s home as she has a positive attitude towards this area of childcare. However, she needs to gain knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to ensure that she is aware of her responsibilities as a service provider.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and child-friendly home. The provider has a good understanding of the adult/child ratios so that the children have sufficient adult support to feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her time and space effectively to ensure children experience a variety of activities both within and outside the home environment. She has attended training relating to both childminding and pre-school work and has a good understanding of how to support children's development. Overall, children's individual needs are respected and they are treated with equal concern. The childminder's poor awareness of her responsibilities as a service provider, with regard to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, may result in a disabled child being excluded from the service.

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Organisation

Overall, the childminder takes steps to reduce hazards both inside and outdoors. However, her limited knowledge about safeguarding children compromises children's welfare.

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Organisation

The childminder has in place well organised documentation which includes policies and procedures which are used effectively and help contribute to children's safety and well being. These are stored securely and made available for inspection. For example, the accident book, register and children's details are kept in a lockable cupboard.

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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 The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to update documentation to ensure parents are given Ofsted contact details for concerns or complaints. She has provided all parents with a written copy of the information and also has it displayed on her notice board for parents, this ensures that they are aware of who to contact if they need to report a concern or complaint.

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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 a copy of the publication 'Disability Discrimination Act 1995.What providers need to know', from the Department for Education and Skills • enhance knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children.

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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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