Queen Elizabeth High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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137703 Unique Reference Number 17 August 2007 Inspection date Daphne Prescott 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 1992. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Wembley in the London borough of Brent. Part of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and welcoming family home. The childminder's good hygiene practices and procedures reduce the risk of cross infection within the home and to the children. For example, children do not attend if they are ill; the childminder washes her hands before

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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 preparing snacks, and before and after nappy changing. Children are also learning good hygiene practices as they are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate to enable her to effectively treat children in an emergency, should the need arise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide packed lunches for their child and the childminder provides healthy snacks such as fresh fruit. The childminder discusses all dietary needs and food preferences with parents, which means that all children's individual needs are taken into account. Children can independently access drinking water throughout the day, as they have their own individual beakers. The childminder also reminds the children to have a drink so that they are not thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily fresh air and exercise. In the childminder's secure and safe garden, they are able to ride bikes, climb and slide on the climbing apparatus provided. Children also benefit from outings to the park, library and toddler groups where they are able to socialise with other peers and widen their play experiences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and very happy at the childminder's home. Space is well organised to help children to explore independently and to rest, eat and play comfortably. Children eagerly use toys and resources, which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. They are able to help themselves to toys and resources as a selection are at a low level, which helps towards encouraging children's independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a child focused environment where risks are identified and reduced to safeguard the children. The childminder carries out regular checks on the toys and equipment to make sure children are not exposed to any hazards. Children's safety in the event of a fire has been considered. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are all in place. A clear written plan of how to evacuate the home has also been devised. However, this needs to be practised with the children regularly to ensure the procedure would be effective in the event of an emergency which helps promote children's safety. There are good procedures to ensure that the children remain safe on outings, as the childminder teaches the children to cross roads safely and ensure that younger children are strapped in the buggy correctly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is protected through the childminder’s good understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection. She has devised a child protection policy which is shared with parents. The childminder is aware of the indicators of abuse and the procedures for reporting any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and extremely confident within the childminder's home, as a result they thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. The childminder displays an enthusiastic interest in the children and responds quickly to their requests. The childminders good knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework results in children being busy and fully occupied. The childminder understands how children learn and develop and provides suitable challenges and support as a result children make steady progress in all areas of their development. They are having lots of fun whilst learning through play.

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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 They are happily exploring their surroundings as they play and have fun as they develop their early writing and creative skills as they draw, stick, and use play dough. The childminder enthusiastically talks and consistently commentates to the children to extend their understanding and language skills. She asks the children questions and offers choices and always responds to encourage them to communicate and think for themselves. The childminder encourages children to recognise their name, shapes, colours and numbers. For example, they count the number of pegs and name the colours confidently as they give the pegs to the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are beginning to explore their senses as the childminder encourages the children to feel and touch the texture of the play dough between their fingers. Children enjoy making different shapes and eagerly tell the childminder that they have made cakes that are round. Good hand-eye coordination is well promoted as children learn to use rolling utensils, shape cutters and glue sticks with good control. Children are learning about caring for plants and how things grow as they observe and care for different plants and vegetables in the childminders garden that they have planted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have close relationships with the childminder and they seek comfort and support during their play. They are well cared for as the childminder knows them really well. They are secure and comfortable because their parents share information about their individual needs, interests and experiences with the childminder at the outset of childminding arrangements. The childminder knows their individual likes and dislikes, and responds warmly to their individual needs. As a result, children are happy and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about other cultures and festivals. There is a range of toys and resources to promote children's understanding of diversity such as dolls, small world toys and books. However, there are no toys and resources which reflect positive images of people with disabilities, which would help towards children developing a positive attitude to others. Children are developing their understanding of responsible behaviour because of the childminders gentle and calm manner that positively encourages children's understanding of learning right and wrong. Good manners are also reinforced which helps to create a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere. Children are developing a positive self-image of themselves as the childminder offers praise and encouragement in their daily activities. She gives them lots of praise and encouragement when they have done something well. For example, when they complete their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

sticking activity and when they help to tidy up.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good partnership with parents and carers contributes significantly to the children's wellbeing. The childminder works closely with parents to meet children’s individual needs and strives to ensure all children are cared for appropriately. She provides parents with verbal and written feedback about the children's routines and activities. The childminder provides very clear and informative written policies and procedures about her service which are shared with parents, promoting children's care, safety and welfare. Positive comments are made by parents about the childminder and they are very happy with the care that the childminder provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a relaxing and welcoming family home. The childminder is warm, affectionate and caring towards the children who are relaxed and happy in her care. Children's

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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 welfare, care and development needs are met effectively as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of caring for children. However, the childminder is aware that she needs to practise fire safety with children. Children have good access to toys and resources. However, the range of toys and resources that reflect people with disabilities needs to be developed. Through the childminders frequent attendance on training courses; she is enhancing her skills and knowledge of a variety of childcare related topics. As a result, children's experiences in the care of the childminder remain positive and in-line with current good-practice.

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Organisation

All of the required documentation is in place and it is very well organised and maintained. The childminder shares daily information with parents to keep them well informed about their child's activities. This helps towards continuity in their child's care. The childminder organises her day so she is able to give the children plenty of support, attention and encouragement. The children are having a lovely time whilst in the childminder's care. They settle well and feel secure; their individual care, learning and welfare needs are fully promoted. 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 last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that any hazards including those in the garden are inaccessible to children and ensure that the daily records of children's attendance include their arrival and departure times.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has removed all hazards including those in the garden and keeps daily records of children's attendance including their arrival and departure times, which promotes children's safety and welfare.

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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 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): • ensure that fire evacuation procedures are practised with the children • develop toys and resources which reflect positive images of people with disabilities and varying needs.

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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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