Tweendykes School

Inspection report for early years provision

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139628 Unique Reference Number 28 March 2007 Inspection date Jane Lester 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 satisfactory. 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 1993. She lives in Sutton, Surrey in a second floor flat in a residential area close to local parks, schools and shops. Access to the flat is via a lift and stairway. All areas of the flat, except for one bedroom, are used for childminding with access to a communal garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five for a variety of sessions. The childminder walks or drives to parks and to local toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have opportunities for daily physical exercise. They walk to local playgroups, parks and toddler groups where they have space to run around and develop their climbing and balancing skills. At local groups they move to music and enjoy action rhymes.

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Helping children to be healthy

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 are learning to take responsibility for their own hygiene as they independently go to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. The childminder is a positive role model as the children see her regularly washing her hands, for example before preparing food and after changing nappies. Nappies are hygienically disposed of immediately although the childminder does not always use a mat or towel to lie the baby on and this increases the risk of cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate medication records are maintained which ensure continuity of care for children. The childminder has obtained parental permission to seek medical treatment in the event of an emergency which means serious injuries can be dealt with promptly. Her first aid box is well stocked and her accident records show she can deal with minor injuries effectively. However, her first aid training qualification has expired. Therefore her knowledge of what to do in the event of a child having an accident is not fully up-to-date.

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Helping children to be healthy

Although the childminder does not offer care for children who are obviously ill, she has not made it clear to parents that children who are contagious must not be brought to the setting. This increases the risk of cross-infection. All food is supplied by parents and stored and prepared hygienically by the childminder. Children's drinks are regularly replenished to ensure their dietary needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The areas that children use are organised well to meet their needs. They have small tables, chairs and a sofa where they can relax, eat or do craft activities. Children choose to play in either the bright comfortable lounge or in the adjoining hall. They rest on the sofas or in one of the bedrooms. Toys and resources are in very good condition and suitable for the age of the children attending. A broad range of toys are rotated regularly to ensure they remain fresh for the children and they can ask for favourite toys to be available. Children are therefore able to make independent choices about their play opportunities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected by the childminder's close supervision and her continual assessment of risks. They are learning about safety as she explains why it's not safe to do certain things. For example, she reminds children not to climb on furniture in case they fall off and hurt themselves and on outings she talks to them about road safety. When they go out children are secured in buggies or understand they must hold tightly onto the pushchair. On car journeys they are fastened securely into appropriate seats. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues and knows how to proceed if she has concerns about a child in her care. This safeguards children's welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play safely within the home as hazards have been minimized, for example, cleaning fluids have been moved to high cupboards. Electrical wires and sockets are generally inaccessible to children although one adapter in the lounge is accessible and does not have a socket cover. Entrance to the building is limited as it is via entry phone and locks on the front door are too high for children to reach. Emergency evacuation procedures have been practised with the children to ensure the childminder could leave the building swiftly with them should a fire break out.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's care. All children benefit from the close caring relationship that they have with the childminder. The childminder provides lots of opportunities to further their physical, social, emotional and intellectual development and supports them well in their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Resources are of very good quality and children choose activities that sustain their interest. The childminder is alert to children's development and amends activities to support them. She recognises, for example, that the method of play for the older ones has recently changed and gives them space in the hall to express their feelings through imaginary play. Younger children learn how to walk by pushing along small buggies and trolleys. They develop fine motor control by posting shapes into sorters and putting tiny finger puppets on. Children have developed a love of books through regular story times and use pictorial clues to retell favourite stories. They are starting to recognise letters and are developing an awareness of numbers. Children are able to count competently and solve simple problems, such as one more than four. They communicate confidently with adults and develop positive relationships with each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated kindly and with respect by the childminder. She demonstrates she values what they say by listening attentively to them, which fosters their self-esteem. She praises good behaviour and encourages them to be kind to each other and, as a result, children are developing a good understanding of right and wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about their local community through visiting local parks and toddler groups. A variety of toys and resources reflecting diversity help them to learn about other people in a positive way. The childminder encourages children to celebrate and share their culture with each other. She adapts activities to ensure those with disabilities and/or learning difficulties can be fully included.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive good information about the childminder and the service she provides, although they have not been given information on how to raise concerns with the regulator. The childminder builds close relationships with parents and liaises closely with them to ensure each child is provided with the care and support they need. Parents are informed verbally on a daily basis about their child's day although the childminder is happy to complete a written daily diary should the parents prefer this.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have space to explore and have access to appropriate resources in the childminder's well-organised home. The daily routine offers them sufficient opportunities for free play and rest, as well as time for outings and organised activities. The childminder arranges her day so that she can offer good support and care to make each child feel secure. The required documentation is in place to support the care and welfare of children, however, she has failed to maintain a current first aid certificate which is a breach of the National Standards. She communicates well with parents which means children receive continuity of care and she

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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 maintains confidentiality to ensure children's dignity and privacy. 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 add to the range of play resources reflecting positive images of ethnicity, gender, religion and disability. Her resources now include puzzles, dolls, books and a variety of cooking utensils which reflect the diversity of the community in a positive manner.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • construct a sick child policy to share with parents and revise nappy changing procedures to reduce the risks of cross-infection • ensure parents are informed of how to contact the regulator should they need to register concerns • complete a first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young 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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