Springfield School

Inspection report for early years provision

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116461 Unique Reference Number 19 April 2007 Inspection date Margaret Moffat 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 1997. She lives with her husband and grown up son in the rural setting of Winchmore Hill near Amersham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and 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 a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five and two children over five before and after school, all on a part time basis. The childminder travels to the local schools to take and collect the children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes the children to the local park. The family have a rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene procedures. The childminder has a first aid certificate and has good procedures in place for

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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 recording accidents and medication administered, promoting children's welfare within the setting. From a young age children develop basic hygiene skills through the simple routines the childminder encourages, such as using soap and drying hands with a towel. Children have many opportunities to play in the fresh air and have regular exercise. For example, outdoor play in the garden and local parks. The childminder ensures children have access to large play equipment in the park and at the local toddler group. Indoors younger children have access to a small ball pool and an indoor slide.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder relates well to babies and young children in a warm and affectionate manner. She works closely with parents to ensure their individual needs are met for example, with regard to sleeping routines and special dietary requirements. The childminder provides a flexible service with regard to providing meals. Some parents prefer to provide a packed lunch for their children which the childminder stores appropriately and prepares for the children. Meals are healthy and nutritious and the childminder ensures the children have vegetables and fruit daily, helping them to develop good eating habits. Older children have opportunities to make choices about what they would like for their evening meal as the childminder discusses this with them the previous day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where the childminder has taken suitable precautions to minimise hazards. For example, there is a fitted fireguard in the lounge and when she leaves the room to deal with children's needs; she ensures the younger children are safe by strapping them into a buggy and the high chair. Fire safety precautions are in place, an emergency evacuation procedure is displayed and a fire blanket is available in the kitchen. However, the childminder does not have a smoke alarm on both levels of the property and she does not practise the emergency evacuation procedure with the children. This compromises children's safety in the event of an emergency. Children are developing an awareness of how to keep themselves safe through discussions with the childminder about road safety and knowing the boundaries when out walking. The childminder encourages the children to be aware of their

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

capabilities for example, when in the park she encourages them to play on the equipment which is suitable for them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a good range of toys and resources for babies and children of all ages to play with, these are safe, age appropriate and in good condition. Children can independently reach toys and resources as they are readily available for them to access.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues to safeguard children’s welfare. She recognises signs of abuse and is aware of whom to inform if she has a concern. However, the childminder does not have a copy of the local procedures to ensure children are safeguarded at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have opportunities to play with a broad range of activities suitable for their age and stage of development. For example, young children have fun sitting in the ball pool throwing the balls around and the childminder joins in as she throws the balls that have landed outside back to them. Children interact warmly with each other as they show babies the pictures in the book and pretend to 'read' the stories. Children acquire new knowledge and skills through

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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 everyday play as the childminder regularly rotates the toys and resources to ensure they have a variety of experiences. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of child development and the activities she uses to help children learn. Older children have opportunities to learn how to sew and be involved in art and craft activities making cards and gifts for special occasions. Outings are undertaken on most days providing the children with an opportunity to socialise with a wider group of children. Children visit the toy library and are able to choose items they would like the childminder to borrow. Older children have the opportunity to look at the catalogue and choose, then if the item is available the childminder borrows it for them. The childminder is warm and affectionate towards the children making them feel comfortable

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and valued. She develops good relationships with them and they receive good support in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a strong sense of belonging in the childminder's home. They are warmly welcomed by the childminder and other children on arrival. The childminder celebrates everyone's birthday and makes them all a cake. The childminder is fully aware of the children's individual needs and caters for these appropriately. For example, she gently encourages children to inform her if they need to go to the toilet and changing children's nappies when required. Children access a range of resources that promote a positive view of the wider world, such as books and small world figures and become aware of the local community through visits to the park and local activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has good strategies in place to deal with behaviour issues. She talks about ways of dealing with children’s behaviour that is appropriate to the children’s age and stage of development. Children respond well to the praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents and develops friendly but professional relationships with them. She verbally exchanges relevant information with them about routines and activities the children have been involved in and provides daily diaries for those who wish. This promotes continuity of care for the children. Parents report they are very happy with the care their children receive and how much their children enjoy their time with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are at home in their surroundings and have ample space to move around and play comfortably. Children are able to initiate their own play as they choose from the activities available and they receive good support from the childminder.

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Organisation

The childminder has high regard for children's welfare and always works within her ratios. She is aware of her responsibilities as a registered childminder and organises her time, space and documentation to reflect this. She ensures children are protected from non-vetted persons by following the required vetting procedures effectively and managing any visitors to the house. 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

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. This permission is now in place and ensures children's welfare within the setting.

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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): • improve fire safety precautions by ensuring a smoke alarm is available on all levels of the property and the emergency evacuation is practised with the children • obtain copy of Local Safeguarding Children Boards procedures.

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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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