Upperby Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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128583 Unique Reference Number 06 December 2007 Inspection date Michelle Smith 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 since 1999. She lives with her two adult children in Crofton Park within the London borough of Lewisham. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a full time and part time basis. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group. She takes children to the local library and park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children access a clean and presentable home, where they are developing an understanding of good hygiene practice. They wash their hands before meals and after using the bathroom. The childminder has a good understanding of good hygiene practice, through this children's health is protected. For example, children wash their hands after visits to the local farm. Children are developing their independence as they are beginning to tend to their own personal needs. For

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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 instance, children can take themselves to the bathroom, where they have access to appropriate hand washing facilities. She has updated her knowledge in first aid. Therefore, she can administer first aid safely in the event of an emergency. This means children's wellbeing is protected. There is a first aid box in place, with the required contents. However, a bandage was not in a sealed packet, this means it was no longer sterile.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are clear procedures in place for caring for children that become unwell. Children with infectious diseases are not permitted to attend. This helps protect children from infection. There is documentation in place for recording medication administered to children. All accidents are recorded and information shared with parents. There are records in place for seeking emergency treatment. The children's emotional needs are met through the affection shown by the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children visit the local parks where they run, jump and enjoy playing on the swings and climbing equipment. This means children are developing coordination and body control. They benefit from fresh air as they walk to the local playgroups and shops. Children are becoming healthy through the range of outdoor activities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy meals that are well balanced and meet their individual needs. The childminder promotes healthy eating through the varied menu. Children enjoy fruits and vegetables daily, such as melons, oranges, apples and pineapple for snacks. The childminder provides children with seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables. This means children enjoy healthy snacks and developing an understanding of healthy eating. They have access to drinking water throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children access a home that is warm and welcoming. They benefit from adequate space, where they can move around safely. All safety equipment in place is in working order and checked by the relevant services. There are adequate toileting facilities where children can tend to their personal needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy a substantial range of toys and equipment that meets safety standards. The toys are accessible and age appropriate to meet the needs of the children. There is sufficient equipment in place to meet the needs of the children and to aid them during play. For example, child size chairs and tables.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are clear procedures in place for going on outings. For example, she has devised a diagram for seating children in their car seats. The childminder uses appropriate crossing areas and secure playing areas, so children can play safely. This means children's wellbeing is protected. The childminder has a good understanding of safety inside and outside the home, children access a secure outdoor area. However, there is storage located on the lawn in the garden. Children are supervised inside and outside of the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues. She has implemented a child protection policy, which is shared with parents. She has updated her knowledge in child protection issues, via training. This means children are protected from harm and their wellbeing is safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and very settled in their learning environment. Children walk to the local park, where they investigate nature in different seasons. Therefore, children are developing an understanding of their natural surroundings. Children take part in different creative activities in the home. For example, cutting and sticking. Children enjoy visits to different places of interest. For instance, the Hornium museum and picnic's by the river. The childminder ensures children are well entertained throughout the day and provides meaningful play experiences, such as visits to Dean city farm. Therefore, children are well stimulated and spend their time purposefully. Children can make choices in regards to their chosen activity. For example, a child decided to do a variety of different puzzles independently. This means children are becoming confident in what they do.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children can take on different roles, as they dress up in a wide range of different dressing up clothes. For instance, nurses and polices outfits. The childminder takes children to the local playgroups and Early Years Centres, where they play and interact with others. Children are becoming effective communicators as they make their interest known to the childminder. Children benefit from a resourceful range of play materials that are age appropriate and rotated on a regular basis.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are well behaved in their setting and developing close relationships with their friends. There are clear systems in place to manage children's behaviour, these are shared with parents. The childminder has recently updated her knowledge in behaviour management issues. The childminder has built good relationships with the children and knows them well; this means children are developing a sense of belonging and self assurance. Children are openly praised for their achievements. Therefore, children are developing positive self esteem and becoming confident; and competent learners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy regular outings to the local library, where they listen to story time and sing songs with others. Children benefit from opportunities, to visit different places of worship. For example, the local church, where they observe the lit candles. Children investigate different religious festivals in the home and at different groups they attend, such as Christmas, Diwali, Easter and Chinese New Year. They are beginning to develop an awareness of differences through interaction with children and adults from different cultural backgrounds. They access provision reflecting positive images of differences, including disability. The childminder has a positive attitude towards learning difficulties and/or disabilities and welcomes all into her setting. The childminder willingly works with other professionals and parents to meet the needs of children that attend the service. The childminder treats children as individuals and respects

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the importance of treating them as such. The childminder has established good working relationships with parents and communicate effectively on a daily basis. Therefore, children benefit from the continuity of care. The childminder offers love and affection to the children, through hugs and cuddles. This contributes positively towards the children's emotional wellbeing.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the organised home. There have been changes to household members. However, the changes do not affect the suitability of household members. This means those that have unsupervised access to children are safe to do so. Children move around confidently and initiate their own play. There are comprehensive policies and procedures in place, which are used to promote the welfare, care and learning of children.

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Organisation

The childminder has a level 3 qualification. She updates her knowledge through accessing various courses, via the Early Years Development and Partnership. Parents are kept well informed regarding the service, daily routine and children's activities. This contributes to continuity of care. All relevant documentation is in place for monitoring children's progress and to keep children safe. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed, to ensure that the fire blanket is fitted according to manufacture's instructions. The fire blanket is fitted securely on the wall in the kitchen. The bedrooms upstairs are inaccessible to children. The childminder is not fostering at present and aware that if she starts fostering children, that Ofsted must be informed.

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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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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): • make sure all opened first aid equipment is disposed of, where they are no longer sterile • make sure the garden is made safe, through removal of unused equipment.

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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 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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