Staplands Nursery and Tutorial

Inspection report for early years provision

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130123 Unique Reference Number 24 September 2007 Inspection date Julie Whitelaw 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 has been registered since 2000. She works with her mother, who is also a registered childminder and cares for children from her house. The co-childminder's husband and teenage son live at the property, which is situated in South Oxhey, Watford, Hertfordshire. Schools, shops and play areas are within walking distance. The ground floor is used for childminding. There is a separate play room, covered patio area and fully enclosed garden for outside play. Children do not access upstairs other than to use the family bathroom. The family have two dogs. The childminder holds the Nursery Nursing Education Board qualification. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children and when working with the co-childminder may care for a maximum of six children. Currently they are caring for four children between them. Both childminders have joint responsibility for the childminding practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's physical skills are promoted well whilst playing in the garden. They enjoy using a wide range of equipment, including a trampoline and ride on toys. As they play on the covered

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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 patio area they enjoy the benefits of fresh air. Children have the chance to exercise when walking to the park and shops. A sports day, held in the summer, encourages children to be active. Indoors, children's physical skills are promoted through music and movement sessions. Children can rest or sleep on the settee in the living room or in a travel cot. This ensures their needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop an understanding of personal hygiene as they learn that they need to wash their hands before eating, after going to the toilet and after touching the dog. Appropriate procedures are followed when nappy changing that ensure children stay healthy. Children's health is promoted through the policy that is in place to exclude sick children. However, their health is compromised as the childminder has not updated her training in first aid.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their health and individual dietary needs met as the childminder works in partnership with parents. Information regarding allergies and preferences is recorded on the contracts. Children enjoy nutritious snacks and meals. The childminder has an appropriate knowledge of nutrition and encourages children to eat a varied diet. For example, for lunch they have a sandwich, tomato, fruit and a yoghurt. Children learn about healthy eating as they help to make sandwiches or pizzas. Drinks are freely available which ensures children stay hydrated.

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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 welcoming environment. Their safety is promoted as the childminder ensures they are closely supervised at all times. Visual checks of the premises are carried out before children arrive and potential hazards addressed. For example, safety gates are in place to prevent children going into the utility area. Safety catches are on the kitchen cupboards and cleaning fluids have been moved out of children's reach. Toys are well organised and regularly cleaned and checked to ensure they are safe. Therefore, children can play safely and are able to independently access the toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted in the garden as a secure perimeter fence is in place. The gate is bolted and the trampoline has a safety net. Children learn to stay safe as they know they must not run indoors, are taught not to touch the cooker, and told which areas they must not to go in to. The fire evacuation procedure is displayed in the kitchen and occasionally practised. When on outings children's safety is promoted as appropriate car seats are used. The childminder takes parents' contact details with her in case they need to be called in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures that children are protected because she has a sufficient understanding of her role in child protection issues and is therefore aware of how to deal with any concerns regarding a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy the time they spend at the setting. The childminder, through previous training has a clear understanding of child development and how children learn through play. The well-organised environment ensures that children can independently access a wide range of resources and make choices in their play. For example, the covered patio area is an extension of the indoor environment. It is utilised during dry weather and gives children variety in their

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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 play. In this area children's sensory development is promoted as they play with water and sand. Children have opportunities to be creative as they paint, draw and play with play dough.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans different topics and appropriate activities each week to promote children's learning. For example, the current topic is bugs. Posters, books and plastic bugs are introduced into the play room and activities such as searching for bugs in the garden extend children's learning. The childminder is also led by the children's interests. Mathematical skills are promoted through games, jigsaws and as children are encouraged to count during the daily routine. The childminder asks open-ended questions that encourage children to think and express their feelings. This ensures that they feel valued and promotes their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The effective settling-in procedure ensures that children quickly feel at home. Children are respected and valued. Art work displayed on the wall in the play room promotes their self-esteem. A wide range of resources, including books, dressing up clothes and play food, develop children's understanding of differences in society. Children learn about the wider world through discussion. For example, through topic work children learn about the different jobs people do. Children develop a sense of responsibility as they talk about why they should not throw rubbish away and the importance of recycling.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a clear understanding of how to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She appreciates that some children may need additonal support or resources to enable them to reach their potential. Children behave well and respond positively to the clear consistent boundaries the childminder sets. For example, they understand the need to share toys and take turns. Rules displayed on the wall in the kitchen reinforce children's understanding of positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works effectively in partnership with parents to ensure children's needs are met. The regular verbal exchange of information ensures that the childminder is kept fully informed and that parents are aware of the day's events and the progress children make.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is aware of how to meet children's needs effectively. They benefit from the individual attention she gives them. The organisation of the environment and resources ensures that children learn through play and have fun. Children's safety is promoted because the childminder ensures that anyone over the age of 16, living at the premises, is vetted.

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Organisation

The childminder develops her knowledge and skills by attending training. However, she has not updated her knowledge of first aid and her certificate has recently expired. Most of the required documentation is in place, except written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Therefore, children's health is potentially compromised. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was given a recommendation to ensure that the daily attendance of children is recorded and that records are updated on a regular basis. The register

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 now shows the time children arrive and depart and records are frequently reviewed. As a result, children's well-being is promoted.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was also asked to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures. The childminder has completed training in child protection and now has an adequate understanding of what action she should take if she had concerns regarding a child's welfare. This promotes the safety of the children in her care.

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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 the 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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure that written permission is obtained from parents, at the time of the placement, to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future.

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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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