Queen's College, London

Inspection report for early years provision

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101157 Unique Reference Number 16 April 2007 Inspection date Hilary Elizabeth Tierney 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 lives with her husband and adult daughter in a three-bedroom, semi-detached house in Wymans Brook, which is to the north of Cheltenham town centre. The home is within walking distance of local shops, a park and Gardeners Lane School and family centre. The ground floor is used as the main play area. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the house available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been childminding for 23 years and has completed two childminding courses. She is registered to care for six children at any one time. There are currently nine children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is actively promoted. They are encouraged to wash their hands before meals, after being outside and using the toilet. Separate hand towels are used by each child which minimises the spread of infection. Children have regular access to fresh air and exercise. They

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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 walk to the park and to and from school. During the summer months they are also able to access the rear enclosed garden for outside play such as football.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a clear knowledge of the documentation she must keep to ensure an accurate record is kept of all medication administered and of all accidents involving children. Children do not attend when ill and all parental emergency numbers are close to hand to prevent any delays should there be an emergency. The childminder has completed first aid training and is confident in dealing with any minor injuries to children. All parental written permissions are in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular access to drinks. Older children may get these when they choose from a jug of prepared drinks in the kitchen, younger children are regularly offered drinks through the day. The childminder provides a range of healthy snacks which are generally balanced and healthy. Particular dietary needs are discussed with parents so particular requirements can be met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a warm, friendly environment. It is generally clean, suitably maintained and of an appropriate temperature. Children have adequate space to play freely and access toys and equipment. Children have free access to the enclosed rear garden during the summer months.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a suitable awareness of safety issues and takes steps to prevent dangers to children. A stair gate prevents children accessing upstairs unsupervised. Although children are aware of how to evacuate the premises during an emergency, this has not been practised with all children attending. This puts children at risk as they are unfamiliar with the procedure. The childminder ensures that only authorised people are able to collect the children. Parents nominate authorised collectors on the registration form. Through discussion with the childminder it was evident that she has a suitable outings procedure in place for when she takes children on trips.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected adequately. The childminder is able to recognise the possible indicators of abuse and knows what to do if she has concerns about a child. However, records of children's existing injuries are not kept and shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are involved in a suitable range of activities. They talk about what they have enjoyed and would like to do with enthusiasm. They make decisions for themselves, choosing a variety of activities from the range available to them on a daily basis. Children enjoy taking part in activities such as craft, making cards and puppets. The childminder provides a suitable range of resources and materials for children to develop their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy, confident and comfortable in the childminder's home. There are good interactions between children and the childminder. They talk about what they have done over the weekend, their holidays and family.

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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 are supported in their play by the childminder. She understands their needs and likes well, because she has cared for the children for many years. The childminder is affectionate towards the children and a strong relationship between her and the children has developed. Children are interested and well occupied in a variety of activities and the childminder joins in their play, for example, playing board games with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has detailed records of children's specific needs so she is able to accommodate their individual needs. There is a small range of multicultural resources which promote children's awareness of the world around them. The childminder works closely with parents to enable her to provide support children with learning difficulties and disabilities adequately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. They interact well with each other and the childminder. Children are polite, well-mannered and need little encouragement from the childminder to use 'please' and 'thank you'. Although the childminder shares information about incidents with the parents verbally, she does not keep written records of these. The childminder is a good role model and this encourages children to behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A satisfactory relationship with parents has been developed. Children are generally cared for according to parents' wishes. Written parental permissions are in place including taking children on trips and in a car. Parents are kept informed about their child's day, however, any incidents that take place are not written down and shared with them. Parents have appropriate access to information about the complaints procedure. The childminder displays the poster for parents and she has a clear understanding regarding the recording of complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has all legally required documentation in place for registration. She keeps all paperwork connected with her childminding business secure and confidential. However, records of incidents and children's existing injuries are not kept. Suitability of household members has been completed and children are closely supervised to ensure their safety.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps a daily accurate record of children's attendance and shows that children receive satisfactory levels of adult support as appropriate ratios are maintained at all times.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider has three actions from the last inspection. These were to complete a first aid training course; develop knowledge and understanding of the requirements for recording complaints and sharing relevant information with parents and display the registration certificate.

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Improvements since the last inspection

These have been successfully completed. The childminder has completed her first aid training and is now confident in dealing with any accidents. A complaints record is now being kept and parents have access to the relevant information. The childminder is now displaying the registration certificate which means parents have access to information about conditions of registration.

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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

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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 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 fire evacuation procedures are practised with children and records are kept • ensure records of children's existing injuries and any incidents are kept and shared with parents.

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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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