Alma Park Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

105389 Unique Reference Number 30 October 2007 Inspection date Elizabeth Juon Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1991. She lives with her husband and adult daughter in Cippenham near Slough. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is available for childminding and one bedroom for rest. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder's registration is to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and she is currently minding four children attending on a full and part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder maintains a clean, tidy, well presented home by having suitable hygiene routines, helping to safeguard children's health. Children follow the childminder's guidance and learn good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands after the toilet and before eating.

p.2

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 However, there is only one towel available for hand drying, changed every two days, which does not effectively prevent cross infection. The childminder has a current first aid certificate which means that children receive appropriate treatment if they have an accident. Procedures for recording accidents and any medicine given are appropriate to safeguard children’s welfare.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a range of activities, which contribute to good health and physical development, such as walking to and from school each day and trips to the park. Children have opportunity to play outside in a safe and secure garden. The children's own daily routines are followed to ensure they eat and rest according to their needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children sit together to eat their meals at a small table to encourage good eating habits and manners. Parents currently provide packed lunches for the children, which sometimes include a microwave meal. The childminder stores the food appropriately in the refrigerator and follows any cooking instructions to ensure food is safe for children to eat. Drinks are available at all times and fruit is available for snacks if the children become hungry.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play in comfort and safety in a warm and welcoming home. The childminder takes practical precautions, such as removing hazardous products from low kitchen cupboards and keeping a stairgate in place to ensure children’s safety. Space within the home is well organised and includes a varied range of good quality toys and resources that are easily accessible to the children, encouraging their independence, including child size chairs and table. Toys are clean, in good condition and regularly checked to ensure there are no broken parts that might harm children. On outings, children are safe in the buggy and learn about road safety, using the crossing and the green cross code.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder has a working knowledge of what child abuse and neglect means and is familiar with the possible signs of abuse. The childminder has recently undertaken child protection training to update her understanding of her role and responsibility to protect the children in her care. There is a written child protection procedure, current information and appropriate contact numbers to enable the childminder to make an informed decision should concerns arise about a child in her care.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder creates an appealing atmosphere for children in the family home. Children are happy, confident and settled. The childminder interacts with the children well to encourage and extend play, down at their level enabling children to play cooperatively. Children take part in a range of play activities that promote their development in all areas. Children use their imagination in role-play, pretending to feed and dress their babies and making meals from playdough. There are ample resources to encourage this play so that all children are included. Children have the opportunity to use their creativity in art and craft. Regular visits to the local toddler group, the library and park extend children’s experiences, develop social skills and raise awareness of the local community. The childminder knows the children well enabling her to meet their individual needs, enhancing their feeling of security in the setting. Good relationships

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are evident between the childminder and children. She cares for siblings as parents bring their second children to the childminder because of the consistent and flexible care on offer.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are comfortable and content because the childminder treats them with kindness and respect. Children form close attachments to the childminder and each child benefits from the close attention she gives to them. The childminder gathers adequate written information about the child’s specific needs and has a daily exchange of information with parents to provide continuity of care between childminder and home. The children are gaining an awareness of diversity through their regular outings into the local community and resources such as dolls and books promote positive images of people.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is good. They respond well to the childminder’s routines and expectations of appropriate behaviour. The childminder praises and encourages children’s achievements to raise self-esteem and encourages turn taking and sharing, enabling children to play happily together.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the favourable relationship the childminder has with parents. Parents are appreciative of the childminder and the care she offers which is evident as she cares for children from the same families on a long term basis. The childminder has a system to inform parents of Ofsted’s contact numbers should they have a complaint. There are written policies and procedures in place to inform parents about the childminder’s working practice.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are at ease in the childminder’s care. They settle quickly and soon become involved in activities. The layout of the living room gives children space to move freely to support play opportunities. Children easily reach and self select toys and resources from well-organised, low-level storage containers. This encourages their independent choice and decisions about play. The children’s wellbeing is supported as the childminder organises her time appropriately, taking into account children’s routines and individual needs. Adult to child ratios are maintained to ensure children’s safety.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has all the required documentation in place. The records contain the necessary information to meet children’s individual needs including parental consents. These measures safeguard children’s welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Care inspection actions were set for improvement. The childminder was asked to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children, develop a system to keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken and devise a method to inform parents how they can contact the regulator, Ofsted, gain knowledge of child protection issues and the procedure to follow in the event of any concerns and ensure that the child protection procedure complies with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB).

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken appropriate action to improve practice and fully meet the required standard. The childminder now holds a current first aid certificate to ensure children are given appropriate care in the event of an accident. A written child protection statement informs

p.4

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 parents of the childminder's responsibility to children. A child protection training course has been completed to update the childminder's knowledge to protect children and provide relevant contact numbers if concerns arise. A written complaints procedure informs parents and Ofsted contact details are on display. These measures and the childminder's updated knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulation, promotes the welfare of the children.

p.4

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 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 hand drying facilities are suitable to prevent the spread of infection

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5