Lochinver House School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 117643 Inspection date 21 June 2005 Inspector Christine Bonnett

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1996. She regularly works with another childminder in her premises in Greenford, in the London Borough of Ealing. The whole house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five and two children over five after school. The childminder is not registered to provide overnight care.

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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 The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder is a member of a local childminder support group. The home has no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a National Vocational Qualification level two in childcare and education.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a range of healthy and nutritious food that takes account of their individual dietary needs. Drinks are readily available at all times for older children to help themselves to, and younger children are reminded to drink regularly to ensure they have a sufficient amount of fluid throughout the day. The home is very clean and well maintained which ensures that children's health is promoted. Children are learning self-care skills to help keep them healthy. For example, washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. However, hygiene practices in the cloakroom need to be improved by providing individual towels for each child. The policies and procedures in place to manage accidents, first aid and administer medication are effective and ensure children are well cared for. The regular trips to the local park and library give children plenty of physical exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

In addition, the extensive range of garden equipment allows children to practice their climbing and balancing skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around freely in a spacious environment that is free from obvious safety hazards. The home is light, bright, clean and welcoming for children. The childminder gives high priority to making sure children will be safe in an emergency. She has a devised and practised an escape plan to be followed, should the need arise, which should ensure that all children are escorted to safety quickly. Suitable and well-maintained equipment is available to meet the children's individual needs. For example, travel cots and highchairs. Children are able to access a wide range of play equipment that is also in good condition and clean. Children's welfare is further promoted by the childminders satisfactory knowledge and understanding of child protection matters. She also holds a first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play enthusiastically with a good range of toys and resources that promote

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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 their learning in a variety of areas, such as reading and mathematics. Their vocabulary is developed as the childminder asks questions to encourage them to think and chat. For example, "what colour are your eyes?" Children enjoy listening to stories as part of a group. They also select books independently and are beginning to understand that print carries meaning. Children are content and comfortable in the care of the minder. The interaction is warm and affectionate, so that children are becoming confident to express their needs and wishes. The childminder has a good understanding of how older children learn and provides appropriate activities and resources to encourage and extend their development. Her understanding of how to meet the developmental needs of younger children could be

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enhanced through using the Birth to three matters framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning to be kind and respectful towards each other because the childminder acts as a good role model. Good manners are encouraged and children are valued as individuals. They are developing a sense of belonging within a family environment. Children have access to a good range of resources that enable them to develop a positive view of diversity within society and an understanding of others. Activities with the children, such as sorting items for recycling, enable them to learn about the wider world. As children are engaged in meaningful play, their behaviour is good. Age-appropriate and positive strategies are used to manage any difficulties that may arise. Children benefit from continuity of care as the childminder works well in partnership with parents. All relevant information is exchanged on a daily basis and annual reviews of the placement are held.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a well-organised environment. The childminder works very well with her co-childminder to make children feel at home and safe. The daily routine ensures that the needs of all the children are met in relation to meal and sleep times. The welfare of the children is safeguarded because the childminder keeps detailed and accurate records. She also has policies and procedures in place for their protection and wellbeing. All required records are maintained, which contributes towards children's safety. The

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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 environment is happy, caring and relaxed. It enables children to express themselves and grow in confidence. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was required to gain knowledge and understanding of local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures. She has enhanced her knowledge by reading a copy of "What to do if you're worried a child is being abused", best guidance practice, published by the Department of Health. She now has a sound knowledge of indicators of abuse and how to report concerns.

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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): • enhance hygiene standards in the cloakroom to prevent the risk of cross-infection • develop a suitable range of activities for the younger children , for example by using the Birth to three matters framework

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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