Whitechapel Middle School

Inspection report for early years provision

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107772 Unique Reference Number 24 August 2007 Inspection date Susan Elizabeth Tovey 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 1997. She lives with her husband and three children aged 11, eight and one year in Denham in South Buckinghamshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a rabbit as a pet.

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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 five children under eight years, part-time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and also a member of an approved childminding network group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, friendly and clean home. The childminder has good hygiene procedures in place that enable children to be cared for in an environment that reduces the

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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 risk of infection. Children are protected from unnecessary illness and do not attend if they are contagious. Children are learning the routines for good hygiene practices as they wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. Effective systems are in place for managing accidents and administering medication. In addition, 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

Children enjoy a varied range of nutritious and healthy snacks and meals, as the childminder understands the importance of providing a healthy diet to maintain their growth and development. They sit together at the table to eat and younger children are given appropriate support to enable them to feed themselves. The childminder seeks information from parents about children's dietary needs and menus are planned accordingly. Children are offered and are able to access drinking water independently at any time so that they are not thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of outdoor activities which contribute to their good health. They enjoy daily walks and activities in the garden, such as gardening, riding bikes and playing in the sand pit. Children regularly visit local activity centres, parks and soft play areas to enable them to climb and use a range of physical play resources. This helps to develop their coordination and physical abilities. Children are able to rest and sleep as they need to.

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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 friendly and welcoming home. They use all available space well and can access the toys and equipment with ease. There is a range of suitable and well maintained furniture readily available to meet the children's needs. The childminder gives high priority to checking the toys to ensure they remain safe for the children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Steps have been taken to ensure that hazards to children are reduced and appropriate safety equipment is in place. The childminder gives high priority to making sure children will be safe in an emergency. She has devised a detailed plan. This helps to ensure that children are escorted to safety quickly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children stay safe when in the presence of people who have not been vetted because the childminder does not leave them unattended. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection. She is clear about the signs and symptoms to look out for and who to contact if she has a concern. This helps her to safeguard children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has an exceptional understanding of child development which enables her to offer flexible, high quality care, which is suited to each child's individual needs. Children enjoy an extensive range of activities, which contributes to their creativity and imagination, such as mini beast making, growing sunflowers, playing with Gloop, dough and performing puppet shows. All activities are planned in advance, especially in the school holidays with a different theme for each week, for example, Mini Beasts, Dinosaurs, Under the Sea and Science. The playroom is decorated to set the scene each time.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children display high levels of confidence in their daily activities and are developing very good independence skills, as they busy themselves and become absorbed in their activities. Their communication skills are extremely well supported through high quality interaction with the

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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 childminder, as they enthusiastically discuss their activities and talk about what they are doing. Older children cut and stick their own drawing in sequence to show the life cycle of a butterfly whilst younger children enjoy building with bricks and looking at picture books. The childminder organises many outings during the holidays, with train journeys to London and Tring to visit museums, participate in craft workshops and go mini beast hunting in Black Park. Children make positive relationships, they play exceptionally well together and are encouraged to consider younger children as they play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is skilful in encouraging children to make very good progress in all areas of development. For example, children participate in a wide range of activities and themes which extend their knowledge. They collect insects in the garden and explain what happened to the egg they left in vinegar during 'Science Week' Children are able to demonstrate what they know as the childminder uses skilful questioning to make them think. The childminder finds out about the children's interests, needs and builds on this information effectively to help children to fulfil their potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder values and respects the children as individuals therefore, they are very settled and confident in her care. Their behaviour is exceptional. The childminder has a very positive, clear and consistent approach to behaviour management, which means children know what is expected of them and they feel very secure. Children play very happily together, they learn to share and take turns, as the childminder uses her skills to encourage and help them develop their relationships with each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to value differences through sensitive discussions, stories and the use of developmentally appropriate resources. They are receptive to the childminder's inspiring role modelling. The children have many opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through organised activities, socialising at activity groups and outings to local places of interest. This positive approach enables the children to develop their social and cultural awareness.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The excellent partnership with parents and carers contributes to the children's care and well-being. The childminder provides detailed information about the service that she provides including well written policies, daily routines and family details. Children are very happy and content because parents share information about their child's individual needs, interests and experiences with the childminder. Children's routines and activities are shared daily, so children are looked after according to parents' wishes and the childminder ensures she has an excellent understanding of their opinions and attitudes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children very feel comfortable within the childminder's home environment. She organises the day to include a good variety of indoor and outdoor play activities. This helps to ensure the progress of children's individual development and learning. They receive lots of warm, individual attention to promote their emotional well being.

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Organisation

Documentation, to ensure the welfare and care of the children, is stored securely and made available for inspection. The childminder regularly shares these documents with parents, which

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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 keeps them well informed about the care that that is provided. However, not all the required paper work is maintained. Children's full names and accurate times of attendance are not recorded in the attendance register.

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Organisation

Children enjoy the time they spend with the childminder as she has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for children; she meets their welfare and care needs effectively. Children receive continuity of care as their routines and achievements are shared between parents and the childminder. 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 was asked to make sure her car insurance includes business use The childminder has in place a car insurance policy which includes business use. This enhances children's safety when travelling in the car.

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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 children's full names and accurate times of attendance are recorded in the daily register.

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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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