Western Mere School

Inspection report for early years provision

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128644 Unique Reference Number 12 September 2007 Inspection date Claire Jean Douglas 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 was registered in 1989. She lives with her two adult children aged 18 and 20. The family live in a three bedroom house in a residential area of Lewisham, close to local shops, schools and parks. The whole of the house is used for childminding purposes, the children have access to a specific play area and there is direct access to a secure garden for outdoor play. The family have one pet dog. The childminder includes trips to local toddler groups and parks within her routine.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years old

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

at any one time, and there are currently nine part time children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder uses effective hygiene practices which help to protect children from illness and the risks of cross infection. For example, the childminder encourages the children to cover

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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 their mouths when they cough or sneeze and to wash their hands regularly. She keeps the home environment clean and tidy ensuring toys and resources are regularly washed. Children's health is supported as the childminder has systems in place to keep records of any accidents children have and any medicine they need to administer. The childminder has ensured that parents have given their written consent so that she can seek medical advice or treatment for their child in an emergency. This means that parents' wishes regarding action to be taken in an emergency are clear. Children benefit from a good balance of healthy food, a four weekly menu is devised with the help of the children who attend, contributing to their sense of belonging. Children take part in regular exercise as they visit toddler groups, parks and enjoy playing in a safe and

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Helping children to be healthy

secure garden which encourages their interests and positively contributes to their good health, encouraging them to develop a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well maintained environment with facilities to meet their needs. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder takes effective steps to identify and reduce potential hazards. For example, the childminder placed a picture on the sliding patio door to help prevent children from walking into the glass whilst the door was shut. Children play with toys which are clean, in good condition and suitable for their age. This helps ensure they can play safely. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has attended appropriate training and is familiar with possible signs of child abuse or neglect. She is aware of her responsibility to record and report any concerns and has the relevant contact details available should she need to seek further advice or support. Children are well protected from the risks of fire as fire drills are practised regularly, the childminder has devised an escape

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

plan which she discusses with the children and the childminder ensures parents are aware of her written emergency policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well, they make themselves at home as they play in the child orientated setting. Warm and affectionate relationships are developed with the childminder as she keeps a secure routine and devotes her time to the children to enhance their sense of well-being and emotional stability. Children play purposefully with the range of age appropriate resources available to them. Children quickly become competent communicators, as the childminder encourages their social interactions with peers at groups and uses supportive and enthusiastic interaction at all levels, enabling children to develop confidence and make progress in social learning. The childminder demonstrates an awareness of child development. Young children have their needs met because the childminder has experience and understanding of the way children develop and is proactive in attending training to enhance her practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed into the setting and valued as individuals. The childminder's consistent approach to rules and boundaries helps children behave well. Children learn about the world around them, through outings and local trips. They begin to develop a positive view of the wider community when they use resources, such as books, puzzles and play people that reflect positive images of diversity, and when the childminder encourages them to be kind and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 considerate to others. Children benefit from positive relationships between the childminder and their parents. They talk to each other every day to exchange information, which helps children experience consistent care. The childminder is aware that some children may have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is proactive in ensuring that all children's needs are met appropriately in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for in an environment where their needs are prioritised. For instance, they can play in a room dedicated to childminding, which is next to the kitchen. The children have easy access to a range of toys, resources and child sized furniture, which are suitable for their age and stage of development. Children are not restricted to this area, they can take the toys into the lounge where they have further space to set out resources to play, enabling them to make the most of the play and learning opportunities provided.

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Organisation

The childminder has regular informal discussions with parents where she shares the children's progress ensuring that she effectively meets all the children's needs. The childminder keeps documents and records required to promote the health, safety and welfare of minded children, however, the medicine record book needs to be updated to ensure clarity when obtaining parental signatures. The childminder is aware of the revisions to day care and childminding guidance in relation to the National Standards and has implemented her own complaints log, which enables appropriate action to be taken should the childminder receive a complaint. Children benefit from being cared for by a childminder who dedicates her time and attention fully to the children whilst they are present. 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 previous inspection the childminder was asked to ensure the fire blanket is mounted according to manufacturer's instructions. The childminder has improved children's safety by installing the fire blanket to the wall in the kitchen, allowing easy access in an emergency.

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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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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

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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): • ensure medicine records show clearly where the parents must sign to acknowledge the entry.

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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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