Maplewell Hall School

Inspection report for early years provision

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120348 Unique Reference Number 30 April 2007 Inspection date Michelle Julie Gutcher 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 a registered since 1990. She lives with her family in a house in Egham. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight at any one time. Currently there are three children on roll. Shops, parks and pre-schools are all in walking distance. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have no pets. The childminder is member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a home that is very clean, comfortable and well maintained. Visitors to the home are asked to remove their shoes at the front door to protect the carpet from cross infection. Children are learning about the importance of good personal hygiene through the daily routines practiced by the childminder such as washing hands before and after meals. Young babies clean their hands and face before eating and again when finished their meals using wipes. There are good strategies in place to ensure that the risks of the spread

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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 of infection are limited. The floor is swept clean to remove crumbs after meals and this protects young babies from the risk of eating discarded foods. The childminder has good hygiene routines in place when changing nappies, she also has a policy that she does not care for sick children. There are safe systems in place to administer medication, which ensures that children are given the correct dosage, prior written parental consent is obtained. Parents have not given written permission for the childminder to seek emergency advice or treatment. This means that parents wishes are not respected. The childminder currently does not hold a first aid certificate, however, is booked onto a training course.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily outings to local parks and local toddler groups, where they can run around and release their energy. They play on the swings and equipment where they learn to climb and balance. This enables children to develop their physical skills. They have regular use of the garden with a variety of suitable equipment to play with. These measures help to promote their good health and their understanding of healthy lifestyles.

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Helping children to be healthy

Currently the parents provide the foods for their children. They benefit from healthy and nutritious diets. The childminder works in partnership with parents when feeding the children. She is aware of their dietary needs as well as their individual preferences. The childminder provides snacks of home cooked bread rolls, fresh strawberries, pear and apple. Children also enjoy dried prunes, apricots and raisins. Babies are relaxed as they sit in high chairs and feed themselves whole meal bread rolls. The childminder sits alongside them at the dining table eating her breakfast. Children develop from this social opportunity. Drinks are readily available to children throughout the day. Babies enjoy drinking fresh water from their feeder cups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a home that is clean and comfortable. The childminder has made good use of the space available, which means that children are able to play and move around with ease. The childminder has provided plenty of toys and play equipment, they are stored so that the children can access them easily, this enables them to make independent choices. Toys are clean, safe and in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has equipment in place to ensure that the children are safe, for example, a safety gate prevents children accessing the stairs. The childminder also has a fire evacuation policy in place. There is a carbon monoxide detector and interconnecting smoke alarms are in situ. A fire blanket is fixed to the wall according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is teaching the children about safety both inside the home and when outside. She teaches the children to tidy the toys away when they have finished playing with them, so there is space to play and to prevent them tripping over the toys. When out walking she ensures young children are properly strapped into the buggy and older children are learning that they must hold onto the buggy and cross the road with the minder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear knowledge and understanding of her role in safeguarding children. She is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of child abuse and the reporting procedures she must follow if she has any concerns.

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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 enjoy a wide variety of activities and toys that are appropriate to their stage of development. The childminder offers lots of support to young children to ensure they receive maximum enjoyment. She kneels down on the floor and children enjoy this close contact. Good quality interaction from an interested and supportive minder enables the children to feel secure. The childminder plays alongside young children and helps them to spend their time purposefully. They are becoming competent learners as they investigate the toys available to them. The childminder talks to the children, responds to their gestures and sounds and acknowledges their efforts to communicate. Young children receive cuddles and enjoy being with adults they are familiar with whom they trust. The childminder is warm and gentle towards the children making them feel valued.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has developed warm, caring relationships with the minded children and is responsive to their needs. The childminder takes the children out each day so that they are able to meet their friends and experience different kinds of play. They sit on the floor with a variety of activity centres and play freely. The childminder has good skills in talking to children which is helping them to develop their speech and language. The children show good concentration as they pick up the different coloured rings and place them on their arms. They become excited and laugh as the childminder adds more rings to their arms. The childminder names the different colours and the children begin to repeat them too. This game is extended by the childminder as she places a hoop on her head. The children look up and smile. The children stand up and reach forward and gently knock the hoop off onto the floor. Children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

become excited and laugh with joy. The childminder gives lots of encouragement and positive praise to the children for their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats the children fairly and according to their individual needs. More able children have fun creating pictures using glue sticks and collage materials. All children have equal access to the toys and activities offered. The childminder knows the children well, they are respected and valued as individuals which helps to develop their confidence. The childminder discusses the children's needs, such as sleep and dietary requirements with their parents and incorporates them into the daily routine. Children's first language spoken at home is known to the childminder and respected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder deals with any behaviour issues in a calm and quiet manner. She is teaching the children to share and to respect the toys and one another. The childminder gives the children lots of positive praise and encouragement which helps to develop their self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has formed good relationships with the parents of the children that she minds. She has a good settling in processes so that the children and parents have gained confidence and trust in her before they are left for the whole day. Regular verbal information is exchanged, so that parents are kept well informed of their child's eating and sleeping patterns, as well as their developmental progress and the activities that have taken place within the setting. This means that parents are kept well informed and that the children receive continuity of care.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children thrive in a child friendly and loving environment. They are happy, relaxed and settled in a well organised home. The childminder ensures that the home is safe by carrying out a risk assessment. Children receive excellent levels of support from the childminder and good relationships are fostered. Children enjoy a range of stimulating resources that promote their development in all areas. The resources are easily accessible and the childminder responds quickly to the children's individual needs. There is sufficient space available for children to play and move around safely. The childminder organises the day well, she provides activities within the home, gives thought to rest time when children enjoy a nap.

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Organisation

Most documentation is in place as is required although parents have not given permission for the childminder to seek emergency treatment or advice. Records are stored so that children's confidentiality is maintained.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps the parents well informed of their child's progress as she exchanges regular feedback at the end of each day. The childminder is committed to providing a good service to the families and children that she minds. 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 one recommendation was raised and this related to equipment required to meet the children's individual needs. This issue has been fully addressed. There are a wide selection of equipment available for young children. This includes travel cots, high chairs, booster seats and low level harnessed chairs. The equipment available helps to meet the individual needs of the minded children.

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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. 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): • ensure all parents have given permission for seeking emergency treatment or advice.

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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 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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