Highams Park School

Inspection report for early years provision

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137558 Unique Reference Number 09 February 2007 Inspection date Caren Carpenter 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 1993. The childminder lives with her husband and two children. They live in a four bedroom house, located within the London borough of Brent. Children have access mainly to the ground floor and to the box room on the first floor. There is an enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for a maximum of five children under 8 years at any one time and is currently caring for three children under 8 years. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. The childminder takes children to the local parks, to a local toddler group and the local library. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 benefit from a clean and well maintained home. Children's good health is well promoted as the childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection. For example, as part of the daily routine children are encouraged to wash their hands after outdoor play and before meal times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good policies and procedures are in place for first aid, accidents and medication. This ensures that children are well cared for. Children are protected from unnecessary illness as they do not attend if they are infectious. Children benefit from regular outings to local parks for fresh air and exercise where they can play on large outdoor equipment. This provides children with greater opportunities to promote their overall physical development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy nutritious meals which meet their individual dietary requirements, in comfortable surroundings. Plenty of drinks are available throughout the day, ensuring children eat and drink very well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are secure and settled in their surroundings. They are looked after in a warm and welcoming environment. Children are able to explore and move around freely and safely. The childminder has minimised all potential hazards and risks both indoors and outside. This means that children are developing their independent skills as they safely help themselves to toys and resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are comfortable and safe as they use appropriate child sized tables and chairs. Parents are asked for written permission for children to travel in the car and go on outings. Children use appropriate safety seats and restraints when travelling in vehicles.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the child protection procedures to follow, if she is concerned for the well-being of a child in her care. The supporting documentation that is in place ensures that she acts in the best interest of the children at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content as the childminder knows the children well and meets their individual needs effectively. They enjoy a close and loving relationship with the childminder. For example, she gives lots of hugs and cuddles and responds extremely well to their individual needs.

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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 Children independently choose from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which provides good challenges to them. For example, puzzles, building and constructing and imaginative play resources such as dressing up clothes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy looking at books and maintain a good level of interest when listening to stories, they eagerly identify pictures. Children's learning is well supported by the childminder's knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop through play. The daily routine ensures that children have a familiar and consistent environment, which enhances their feeling of security.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain a positive self-image. They learn about the world they live in as the childminder provides suitable toys and resources. The childminder understands the importance of helping them to develop a strong identity and feel good about themselves, their family and others. As a result, children gain self-assurance and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved. The childminder provides consistent boundaries and offers lots of praise and encouragement when they do something well. Children respond well to the childminders clear and simple rules for acceptable behaviour. They are content and show a sense of belonging. Children are familiar with the routines and have developed trusting and friendly relationships with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the close partnership the childminder has with the parents. They enjoy close relationships with the childminder and receive lots of individual attention. Children are happy and confident. The childminder discusses their individual needs carefully with parents. This helps to settle them and avoids disrupting familiar routines and comforts.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for young children. She meets their welfare, care and development needs effectively. The warm and comfortable home is welcoming for children. Children’s close relationship with the childminder helps them to feel safe. Children are happy, confident and feel at home, as they receive lots of individual attention to promote their well-being.

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Organisation

Children are secure because they are supervised, valued and familiar with everyday routines. Children’s individual needs are met through well-organised and flexible routines. The organisation of space and resources enables children to move around freely as they choose toys, play, rest and eat comfortably.

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Organisation

Records and documentations are well organised. However, written permission from parents for seeking medical emergency treatment for their children is not in place.

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Organisation

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

The childminder has made good improvements since the last inspection. She was required to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and the local Safe guarding board’s procedures. Children are protected from harm because the childminder has attended child protection training. As a result, she has gained further knowledge and understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of reporting child protection concerns.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was required to establish links with the Early Years Development Childcare Partnership, to take up training and development and to build and extend on existing knowledge and skills in childcare. The childminder has updated her knowledge and skills by attending a range of childcare courses. This included behaviour management, Birth to three matters frame work, developing childminding practice and food and hygiene. This means that children’s welfare is fully promoted.

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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): • ensure that parents provide written permission for seeking medical emergency 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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