Crisp Vocational Provision Ltd

Inspection report for early years provision

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147950 Unique Reference Number 15 January 2008 Inspection date Bharti Vakil 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 1995. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a house in Hatch End in the London borough of Harrow. The whole of the ground floor is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There are no pets on the premises.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding nine children under eight years old who attend various sessions. She also cares for children over eight years old. She walks to local schools and pre-school groups to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children learn about healthy hygiene practice through the routine because overall, procedures to promote this are in place. For example, they wash their hands after toileting. However, children are not encouraged to wash hands before snack time. Children are cared for in a clean and well kept home. The childminder ensures that her kitchen area is clean and hygienic, thus promoting the welfare of the children when preparing food.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of healthy vegetarian meals and snacks. Their individual dietary needs are catered for as the childminder has a comprehensive knowledge of their needs, likes and dislikes. They are provided with regular drinks throughout the day and children are confident to ask for snacks and drinks when feeling hungry or thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective procedures are in place for the recording of accidents and the administration of medication which ensures that children are well cared for and their needs met. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate which enables her to deal with an emergency appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to be physically active. They benefit from playing outside, walking to and from school, visiting local parks and outings to the local toddler groups and soft play area. Children are learning to take responsibility for their own safety when outdoors as the childminder talks to the them about road safety and encourages children to hold on to the buggy when out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are happily settled in the childminder's home which is warm and welcoming. The dinning area is attractively decorated with children's artwork and colourful posters. They are able to move around happily as the space has been organised to meet their individual needs. There is clear space for children to play on the floor. The designated areas for rest and meal times are comfortable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe and secure as the childminder has identified most risks in her home and taken appropriate steps to minimise these, for example, electrical sockets are covered and hazardous substances are stored out of children's reach. However, the glass cabinet doors in the dinning area may pose a risk to children. The childminder has developed a clear written fire evacuation procedure and practised this with the children. This ensures quick and safe evacuation from home, should the need arise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder provides a good range of toys, resources and equipment to meet the needs of the children effectively, for example, a high chair, safety gate, buggy and a toilet step are available. The childminder is vigilant and constantly supervises young children's play to ensure they are safe. Toys and play materials are stored at low levels so children can reach them easily. This helps children make independent choices and sustain a good level of involvement in their play activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and understands the reporting procedures to follow if concerned.

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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 good. Children play enthusiastically with an interesting range of activities that are age appropriate and extend their development and learning. They enjoy a very warm and close relationship with the childminder, which enables them to extend their learning in a supportive and caring environment. The toys and play resources available encourage progress as well as being fun, for example, a young child shows delight as they play a drum and involve the childminder with another musical instrument. They thoroughly enjoy 'making music' together as the child giggles and sways.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children can independently choose what they would like to do after school, they have the opportunity to play or relax. They enjoy an interesting variety of activities appropriate for their ages and are involved in planning activities for the following few days. Children involve the childminder in their play and in return receive lots of positive attention which helps build their confidence and enables them to successfully extend their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children are becoming competent learners as the childminder incorporates the Birth to three matters framework, which supports children in their earliest years, into the planning of the routine and activities. They have good opportunities to develop problem solving skills as they sort objects, build with bricks, post shapes and fit puzzles of varying challenges. They develop their vocabulary as the childminder asks them questions and encourages conversation. Children are developing good hand-eye coordination as they practise their early writing skills when they draw, colour and play with sand. They get pleasure from outings to child friendly settings such as toddler groups and library, for story and rhyme sessions. This gives them opportunities to socialise with other children in a group situation and broaden their play experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy care that promotes their well-being and a positive self-image. The childminder knows the children in her care well and is, therefore, able to ensure that they are treated with equal concern and that their individual needs are met. Children confidently voice their requests and needs, and the childminder meets them affectionately. Children have access to a meaningful range of books and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their understanding of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond well to the consistent praise and encouragement that they receive during their time with the childminder. This encourages them to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment. The childminder uses age appropriate behaviour management strategies. She works positively with the children and enables them to begin to take responsibility for their actions and learn about right and wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well-being. Parents are encouraged to share information about their child before they start and this helps the childminder settle the children successfully, consequently, children feel happy and secure. The regular exchange of information with parents about their child's care, activities and achievements helps ensure children receive consistent care and make progress in their development.

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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’s care and developmental needs are well met as the childminder has good knowledge and understanding of caring for young children. She effectively uses her knowledge gained from attending relevant training. She is keen to enhance her knowledge by attending further training.

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Organisation

Children are settled and confident in the childminder's home which has well organised play space, allowing them to move around freely. This enhances their learning opportunities. Overall, steps have been taken to keep children safe and healthy, however, not all risks have been minimised. The childminder ensures children are not left unattended with persons who have not been vetted. This helps to safeguard children.

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Organisation

The required documentation, which contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being is in place and is well organised and maintained. Clear policies and procedures are shared with parents to ensure that children are well cared for. This also supports building positive relationships with parents and ensures that they are well informed. The childminder has a good knowledge of the needs of the children in her care and organises her day and activities to enable these to be met.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has ensured that all household members over the age of 16 completed Ofsted's vetting procedures. This is required by Ofsted to ensure children are safeguarded.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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):

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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 • ensure there are consistent procedures in place to encourage children to wash their hands at appropriate times • ensure that glass in the dinning area does not pose a hazard to children

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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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