Clay Hill School

Inspection report for early years provision

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140046 Unique Reference Number 16 August 2007 Inspection date Lisa-Marie Jones 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?

This childminder has been registered since 1994. She lives with her husband, two adult sons and 14 year old son. They live a three bedroom house situated on a residential road. They are located in Upper Norwood., which is within the London borough of Lambeth.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to all areas on the ground floor and the toilet and washing facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family pets are a dog and terrapin.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for five children under the age of eight years, she currently has three children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of The National Childminding Association and visits local places of interest, including parks, drop-ins and a library.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health is exceptionally well promoted. The childminder has an excellent understanding about the importance of good hygiene practices and keeps the home environment extremely clean, tidy and well organised. She ensures that effective hygiene practices are undertaken to protect children from illness and the risk of cross infection. For example, the family pet dog attends regular grooming sessions to ensure it is healthy and does not pose a health risk to children. All parents adhere to the comprehensive written sick child policy and the childminder ensures that appropriate measures are taken when children are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive from taking part in a range of stimulating physical activities and by having a well balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Parents are consulted on the children's daily intake of portions of fresh fruits and vegetables so that they can continue at home, which contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept very safe as the premises are extremely safe and secure and are suitable for the purpose of childminding. The childminder takes positive steps to promote safety within the home and on outings, she ensures that precautions are taken to prevent accidents. Regular risk assessments are done to suit the children's individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected as the childminder is very aware of her responsibilities in relation to child protection procedures. She ensures that she fully complies to the local safeguarding boards procedures. She has attended training and has all the information available to her should she be concerned about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are mainly met and their welfare is promoted as the childminder informally plans and provides activities and play opportunities to develop children's all round development. Children go out on a daily basis and have the opportunity to socialise with other children at local drop in sessions for childminders and at playgroups. Children are very comfortable in the childminders care. They happily play with toys and activities available to them and are very proud of their art and crafts achievements. They snuggle up with comforters on the childminders lap and respond well to the childminder. Children have the opportunity to explore nature and investigate bugs and insects in the secure garden and have daily opportunities to take part in messy activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder does not currently take into account the Birth to three matters framework to encourage the children to be skilful communicators and competent learners. She intends to develop her knowledge further to enable her to implement it into her care.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practice for all children is promoted exceptionally well. The childminder has an excellent understanding of all issues and ensures that she is fully aware of all the needs of the children. Children have access to meaningful activities and an excellent range of resources that reflect diversity, which gives them a wider view of the community and the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware that some children have specific needs and is very proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting, in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. The childminder has good strategies in place and has consistent expectations about acceptable behaviour, which is reinforced with children and agreed by parents at the time of placement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from concrete and professional relationships between their parents and the childminder. All parents have copies of the written polices and procedures and agreement forms are drawn up, which highlight the children's individual needs. Settling procedures ensure that children settle quickly and with ease and are comfortable in the childminders care. Parents have opportunities to share experiences with other parents. Past parents are very positive about the service that the childminder offers and state that she is exceptionally helpful and has a great understanding of children's needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from having a well organised and trained childminder, who ensures that children have access to the resources they require to meet their individual needs effectively.

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Organisation

Records, polices and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, and to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained. However a complaints log that is shared with parents is not kept.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection one recommendation was set, to improve the care that is provided. Make sure that low-level glass panels are safe or inaccessible.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children's safety has now been improved as all low level glass has been made inaccessible to children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet that National Standards.

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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 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 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): • devise and implement a complaints log that is shared with parents • have regard for the Birth to three matters framework and implement this into the care of children under three years

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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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