The Leventhorpe School

Inspection report for early years provision

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117588 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2007 Inspection date Victoria Vasiliadis 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 1984. She lives with her one adult daughter, in a ground floor maisonette close to local amenities and public transport in the borough of Ealing. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom upstairs is available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children and is currently minding one child on a full-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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 satisfactory. Children enjoy a selection of activities which contribute to their good health. There are regular outdoor activities to places of interest such as toddler groups and tumble tots. These activities develop the children's physical skills and allows them opportunities to socialise with other children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are happy in their surroundings. The childminder has appropriate hygiene procedures in place that enable children to be cared for in an environment that reduces the risk of infection. For example, children do not attend the provision if they are ill with contagious illnesses or infections. The childminder maintains appropriate records when recording accidents and medication, this ensures children's health is supported and parents kept informed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy varied and nutritious snacks that are provided by the childminder in agreement with parents. Snacks consist of fruit, vegetables or rusks. These take into account special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy. The childminder ensures the children's food is heated appropriately to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to surroundings that are relatively safe and free from potential risks. The childminder has identified and minimised most hazards within the home. For instance, smoke alarms are fitted to each level of the home, a fire blanket is in place and written fire evacuation procedures are in place. However, the fire guard in the living room is not securely fitted and cleaning materials are accessible in the bathroom.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a selection of resources that are safe and well maintained. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys and only purchases resources that meet safety standards, this ensures they are safe for the children to use. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has the required procedures and documents in place. For example, she has satisfactory knowledge of child protection issues and the procedures to follow if she is concerned about a child, she also holds a valid first aid certificate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in an environment that is comfortably furnished and equipped which allows them to make satisfactory use of space. The home has been organised with the child in mind, and floor space has been maximised as the childminder has kept furniture to a minimum.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children have access to a satisfactory selection of toys that are appropriate to their stage of development, for example the baby enjoys the freedom of being in the baby walker and exploring the objects hanging from the baby gym. The childminder offers support to the children

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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 as she sits on the floor and plays alongside the children and helps them to spend their time purposefully.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enter the childminder's home happily and settle quickly due to her friendly, caring manner. The children develop relationships with the childminder; they are happy and comfortable in her care, they receive lots of cuddles and kisses. The childminder is aware of the children's needs, for example she notices when a child's nappy needs changing or when he needs a sleep.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are provided with opportunities to develop their fine and gross motor skills, as they have daily outings to toddler groups and tumble tots and participate in garden games. They have access to resources such as rattles, musical toys and stacking blocks. These activities promote hand eye co-ordination and improve the children's physical development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder cares for children in a warm manner and meets their needs by giving them attention and valuing their individuality. Children feel valued as the childminder increases their awareness of themselves. For example, she smiles to give encouragement and praise for their achievements. The childminder has appropriate behaviour management systems in place and discusses these with parents at the initial meeting in order to obtain consistency.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and content because the childminder has good relationships with the parents. They work together to meet the child's individual care and developmental needs. Parents are kept informed about their children's day and general well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn about the world in which they live as they have access to a small selection of resources which reflect different cultures and gender such as dolls, books and videos. The childminder has acknowledged some festivals with older children such as Diwali and Christmas.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and settled in the childminder's care. They benefit from organised play space and resources that are all easily accessible to allow children to select independently. The childminder has not completed a local authority pre-registration course. Through completing this training it will extend her skills and childminding practices. Regular informal discussions with parents ensures continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The childminder has in place most of the legally required records and her paperwork is adequately maintained. However, attendance records are not always kept up to date. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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 required to devise and practise a fire evacuation plan and improve her knowledge of child protection procedures. She has completed both of these recommendations. Written fire evacuation procedures are in place and she has improved her knowledge of child protection issues through reading appropriate literature. This promotes children's safety and well-being.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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

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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): • ensure the attendance registers are kept up to date • ensure children are not exposed to hazards in the home • provide children with more resources that reflect positive images • complete a local authority approved childminder's pre-registration course in order to update knowledge and skills.

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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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