Stepney Green Mathematics and Computing College

Inspection report for early years provision

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100969 Unique Reference Number 14 January 2008 Inspection date Ruth Tharme 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 registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and their four children. Their home is a semi-detached house in the Churchdown area of Gloucester. There are shops and local amenities within walking distance. The whole of the property, with the exception of the master bedroom, is available for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the property which is available for outside play. The family has a pet dog and a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder offers full-or part-time care throughout the year. There are currently eight children on the register. Children are taken on regular outings to parent-and-toddler groups, the library, parks and local attractions. The childminder is a member of a local childminding group and the National Childminding Association. She is a qualified nurse and midwife, and holds a qualification in Early Years Care and Education at Level 3.

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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 good. Children's good health is well promoted. Hygiene standards are high, with effective procedures in place for hand washing and nappy changing which means that the risk of infection is minimised. Good use is made of local facilities, such as the nearby park so children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a well-equipped first aid box readily available to ensure that children have access to appropriate treatment should they need it. Arrangements for sick children mean that others are protected from illness. There is an exclusion policy in place for those who are infectious.

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Helping children to be healthy

Drinks are readily available. Children know where their cups are during the day. In addition, the childminder reminds them regularly to take a drink. The childminder takes time to speak with parents and gathers written information to ensure that she is well informed about specific dietary needs and that she can meet them effectively. The children benefit from a healthy diet. The childminder works with parents to ensure that packed lunches are well balanced. Fresh fruit is readily available for snacks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and comfortable in the clean and welcoming environment. The childminder's house and all equipment is cleaned regularly and is maintained to a high standard. Bright posters, photographs and examples of children's work enhance the homely environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All resources are checked regularly and the childminder takes account of each child's age and stage of development when providing toys to make sure that they are safe and suitable for use. Equipment is attractively presented and is sensibly stored in shallow boxes and at low level which means that children can help themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risks to children are identified and addressed effectively. The childminder uses stair gates, safety harnesses and cupboard locks to keep children safe. In the garden the shed and garage are locked to make them inaccessible to children and the play area is fully enclosed which means that they cannot leave the premises unsupervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The danger from fire has been minimised as smoke alarms are tested regularly, evacuation plans are well practised and a fire blanket is readily available in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended relevant training which means that she is able to recognise some of the possible indicators of abuse and identify a child who may be at risk. Clear procedures are in place, including written contact details, to ensure that such a child is appropriately protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a broad range of activities including role play, reading, singing and outdoor activities. The use of time is well planned to ensure that children take part in a variety of activities that help them to make good progress in their development. Children make decisions

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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 for themselves about their activities, which the childminder supports effectively. She knows the children well so she is able to identify and address their needs when they communicate in a non-verbal manner.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Resources are well presented and provide children with a variety of media and materials, such as wet and dry sand, which gives children the opportunity to explore and investigate. They are encouraged to think for themselves as the childminder skilfully uses open questions such as 'what do you think?' to promote conversation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are interested and want to play with what is available. They make use of equipment which is stimulating and fun and provides them with appropriate challenge. This means that children are engaged in specific activities for sustained periods.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's care. She shows them much warmth and affection and has developed a strong and caring relationship with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are clearly taken into account. The childminder takes time to discuss specific requirements with parents, and ensure that a written record is maintained. She adapts her practice, for example, using children's home language in addition to English, in order to support them effectively. A range of multi-cultural resources and books, puzzles and posters with positive images help children to learn about diversity. There are clear procedures in place to ensure that children with learning difficulties or disabilities are suitably supported. The childminder is aware of the importance of working closely with parents and other professionals in order to provide appropriate care for such children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour is managed sensitively. The childminder uses positive language and gives praise to encourage children to continue to behave well. The written policy is shared with parents on joining to encourage a consistent approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for in accordance with parent's wishes. The childminder takes time to request their written permission before taking children on outings, administering medical treatment or allowing them to use outdoor play equipment. The prospectus provides parents with clear information about policies and procedures, and written contracts ensure that they are well informed about the setting. There are daily exchanges of information with parents, in the form of diaries, examples of work or photographs, which ensure that parents are kept up-to-date with their child's progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The poster for parents is clearly displayed so parents have access to information on how to make a complaint, but, the childminder is not clear about how information should be recorded and shared should a concern be raised. This means that parents do not all have access to relevant details about the concern and how it was resolved.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is suitably qualified to provide care for young children. She has completed all mandatory training. She demonstrates a clear commitment to improving her knowledge and

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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 skills, having completed a range of additional courses including food hygiene, behaviour management and diversity training.

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Organisation

All household members are cleared as suitable and the children are well supervised at all times to ensure that they are not at risk from un-cleared adults.

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Organisation

Children are effectively supported as good use is made of space and resources. Areas used for childminding are well planned so children have ample space to play, easy access to the outdoors and a peaceful area to sleep. The well-maintained register provides an accurate record of children's attendance and shows that suitable ratios are maintained at all times, proving them with appropriate levels of adult support.

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Organisation

Documentation is stored securely to maintain children's confidentiality. All entries in records are countersigned by parents which acknowledges that relevant information has been shared. The certificate and insurance documentation is clearly displayed which means that parents have access to important information.

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Organisation

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 last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that written consent is obtained from parents on each occasion a course of medication is required. Written consent is now routinely requested from parents each time medication is required, and a clear record is maintained, ensuring that medicine is only administered to children in accordance with parents wishes.

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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 action on 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): • further develop knowledge and understanding of requirements for recording information about complaints, to ensure that if a concern should be raised, all parents have access to relevant information.

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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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