Ashmount School

Inspection report for early years provision

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120352 Unique Reference Number 17 May 2007 Inspection date Hazel Stuart-Buddery 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 has been registered childminder since 1997. She lives with her husband and family in Sunbury-upon-Thames and is a qualified Nursery Nurse. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor, toilet facilities are provided on the first floor and one bedroom is used as a sleep area for minded children. There is an enclosed back garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of six children at any one time and currently has four children under eight and four children over eight on the register. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Good daily routines and explanation from the childminder help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet and before eating reduces the risks of passing on germs. Children play in a clean and well maintained home where they learn to follow good hygiene procedures, such as cleaning their teeth after eating. There are effective procedures in place to prevent the

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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 spread of infection, for example, all children have individual towels and flannels. Children receive appropriate care if there is an accident as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Most documentation is in place. This means children are cared for in accordance to parents' wishes. However, prior written consent to administer pain relief in an emergency is not in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy, nutritious meals provided by the childminder. The children enjoy helping to prepare their breakfast and confidently cut the toast into squares. They enjoy healthy snacks, such as apples and have access to water throughout the day. Children enjoy daily opportunities to play outside. They particularly enjoy playing in the garden and some children recall their favourite game and demonstrate well how cricket is played. They excitedly explain that when you hit the ball it goes for miles.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a well-organised and accessible environment. This allows them to move around freely and safely. They have easy and safe access to a wide range of age appropriate resources and activities which are well maintained. Children sit safely and independently on appropriate chairs to enjoy their meals and are reminded gently on occasions to sit properly on the chair in case they fall off. Children are protected well from hazards because the childminder identifies and minimizes the risks around the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from the risk of fire. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place. The childminder regularly talks to the children about escaping in an emergency, although has not practised the fire drill with them. Children's welfare and safety is promoted. The childminder has a good awareness of child protection issues and of the procedure to follow should she have concerns. She has all phone numbers and publications to hand and has informed parents of her responsibility.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children play and learn in a highly stimulating and rich environment. They are inquisitive and willing to try new experiences. For example, some children held a snake around their neck when they visited a local animal centre. The home is organised extremely well and provides different areas of interest for children to explore and investigate. Children enjoy looking at the sun flowers seeds and recall with excitement how big they grew last year. This year the children notice that the seeds are not growing very well and after using a magnifying glass to check the growth suggest that new seeds are bought to see if they grow any better. Resources are imaginatively laid out and are inviting for the children to explore. The children enthusiastically participate in a wide range of interesting and worthwhile activities that are enhanced by direct involvement from the childminder. Children eagerly get ready to paint, after putting on aprons,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

some children mix two colours and wait excitedly to see what colour is made. They mix purple and orange and describe the newly mixed colour as 'beautiful sunshine'. They paint large pine cones and explain confidently where they come from. The children constantly chat with the childminder and other adults and explain that they are painting the cones to make them look beautiful. The childminder encourages the language skills of younger children by reading books with them and naming the pictures on each page. Younger children snuggle into the

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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 childminder's lap as they listen attentively and look with interest what is in the book. Children make excellent progress in their learning and development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is warm and affectionate towards the children. She is highly committed to providing exciting opportunities for the children. She plans and prepares activities in advance to ensure the children receive a excellent range of opportunities that interest and excite them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated fairly and with respect. A good range of resources that reflect diversity are accessible for children to play with. Children learn about other cultures and differences through topic work; this helps children to have a balanced view of the world. Children benefit from the childminder's clear guidelines for behaviour and her calm, patient manner. Children receive constant praise and encouragement and are safe and secure in a loving environment. Children respond well to the praise and display good levels of confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a very positive relationship with the parents. She discusses children's needs thoroughly to ensure individual needs are met and continuity of care if offered. Comprehensive policies and procedures are shared with parents. Photographs are available to show parents how the children spend their day at the childminder's home. Parents have written letters to express how extremely happy they are with the care provided for their children. Older children have also written letters and drawn pictures telling the childminder how happy they are to be in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children thrive in a child friendly, loving environment. They are happy, relaxed, very settled and benefit from a well-organised a highly stimulating home. Children receive appropriate levels of support and excellent relationship are fostered.

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Organisation

Children benefit from a wide range of stimulating and creative resources that promote their development in all areas. All resources are easily accessible and keep the interests of the children. The childminder is committed to improvements and attends courses and workshops to enhance her knowledge and understanding. All documentation is well maintained and most parental consent is in place. Daily diaries are completed to ensure parents feel part of their child's care and learning. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop the current child record form to include greater detail about children's individual needs. The childminder now uses NCMA record forms which are completed by the parents. This improvement promotes the partnership with parents and improves the safe management of the provision.

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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. The provider is

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Complaints 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 required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other then 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): • obtain prior written consent from parents to administer pain relief in an emergency.

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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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