Merton Infant School and Nursery

Inspection report for early years provision

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116004 Unique Reference Number 14 September 2007 Inspection date Michelle Julie Gutcher 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 outstanding. 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 September1994. She lives with her family in a ground floor maisonette in Feltham. She is registered to care for three children under the age of eight years. Currently there are two children on roll. The whole of the home is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups, library and activity centres. The family have a pet cat. The childminder has attended High Scope child development training. She is a member of the Feltham First Childminding Network and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are assisted by the childminder in washing their hands before and after meal times and after messy activities. Even though the children are young the childminder talks to them about the importance of cleaning their hands and faces to get rid of the germs, which means that they are learning why they carry out such actions. The childminder uses individual wet wipes and paper hand towels to restrict the risks of the spread of cross infection to the children.

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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 The childminder has efficient procedures in place to deal with nappy changing, which means that the risks of cross infection are reduced. For example she uses a changing mat which is thoroughly cleaned after each use and nappies are disposed of in an outside bin. The childminder washes her hands after changing each child. She completes cleaning routines which take place at the weekends and prior to the children arriving at the setting. Toys are cleaned as is needed on a regular basis. The childminder has excellent daily routines such as always washing her hands and making sure that work surfaces are clean before she begins to prepare foods.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder plans menus for children. Menus are available so that parents are able to see what is on offer to the children. Meals offered are tasty and nutritious and consist of home cooked fresh foods such as sausages and mash. There are a variety of fresh fruits available at snack times, these include sliced apple and banana. This develops children's healthy eating habits and gives them the opportunity to experience tastes and textures. Children's drinks are available, they regularly drink and this ensures they do not become thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder uses the garden on a regular basis and ensures that children also benefit from daily outings to various local parks, where they have plenty of opportunities, to enjoy the fresh air, walk, run, and make use of the large play equipment to develop their physical skills. Children have regular opportunities to visit parent and toddler groups, where they are able to meet their friends and take advantage of the range of activities and toys on offer there.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and welfare are protected as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and the fist aid box is suitably stocked. This means that children are well safeguarded in the event of an accident. To ensure continuity of care is fully maintained, parents are kept fully informed of any accidents and medication given. The childminder has appropriate written consents in place in relation to medication and emergency treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in an extremely safe environment because the childminder has taken all precautions to minimise hazards. The fire and hearth are protected with a fixed guard and the electrical sockets are protected with covers. All low level windows are kept locked. The childminder regularly assesses the risks within the home and ensures all areas are safe and suitable for the children whom she is caring for. She scrutinises the floor surfaces and removes tiny objects to prevent children from choking. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the importance of having an emergency fire evacuation plan. The plan is readily available for all to see and practised with the children so they develop an awareness of fire safety. Space is organised very well within the home. Children are able to play, eat and sleep comfortably using furniture appropriate for their ages. Toys and play materials are stored on shelving enabling children to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

help themselves and make choices about their play. Toys are safe and suitable for the age group of each child. The childminder constantly supervises children's play to ensure their overall safety is maintained at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are excellent systems in place for the safe arrival and departure of children. The premises are fully secure and children are unable to leave unsupervised. The childminder informs parents that children can only be collected by authorised personnel and a secure password system is in place to protect and safeguard children.

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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 The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues and fully understands the procedures to follow if she is concerned about a child. This promotes and safeguards children’s welfare within the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have extensive opportunities to participate in a stimulating, fun and diverse range of play experiences. They undertake numerous outings to local parks, drop in centres and enjoy feeding the ducks at the near by pond. The experiences enable them to socialise with other children. The childminder provides a fun and relaxed atmosphere, enabling children to enjoy themselves, make new friends and feel settled and secure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in many purposeful activities, enabling them to be highly stimulated and confident in the childminder's care. Children enjoy activities which are suitably planned to cater for their different developmental milestones. They enjoy challenges and develop confidence to try new things and gain new skills, as the childminder allows them to explore and experiment and develop interest and curiosity. Children use great concentration as they independently spoon the uncooked pasta from the box into the bowls. They hold the spoons with good control and begin to learn colours as the childminder calls out 'Green, orange and yellow.'

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children form very strong relationships with the childminder and enjoy close interaction. Young children successfully make their needs understood by vocalising with her, which the childminder responds positively to, demonstrating a clear understanding of their needs. The children's learning is constantly extended by the childminder's skill of talking to them about the activities they are engaged in. Children enjoy close and loving relationships with her. She engages in play with them and enjoys their company. Children sit with the childminder on the floor and use the small world figures and dolls house furniture to re-enact every day domestic situations. The children carefully sit the female and male figures on the couch together and balance the television on the stand.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder demonstrates a full understanding of stimulating children's development and children develop high levels of confidence and self-esteem. They feel listened to and clearly understand that their needs will be recognised. They feel valued as members of the childminder's family, enabling them to be extremely relaxed, happy and secure in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder gives children regular opportunities to learn about the world they live in through outings and activities that introduce them to other cultures, for example they celebrate Chinese New Year at the drop in centre and taste prawn crackers and noodles. Their appreciation of other cultures is enhanced by the variety of toys, books and puzzles that reflect diversity. Some of which are home made. They have opportunities to play with small world figures including wheelchair users and play with different skin tone dolls. Children enjoy helping the childminder fit the jigsaw pieces together and talk about the picture of the Daddy hanging the clothes out on the washing line with the little girl. There is a wide selection of varied toys available. They are non gender specific and are readily available for the children to freely play with.

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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 The childminder enables children to develop a sense of belonging whilst in her care, for example by responding to children wanting a cuddle. She has developed a close and loving relationship with them and they look to her for support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder gives clear rules and boundaries about what is expected, which is age appropriate to different age groups. They are beginning to understand that they must sit down when eating their fruit at snack time. The childminder constantly praises children's achievements and this helps build up their self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder recognises the importance of working with parents to ensure there is a very effective partnership which benefits the children. A portfolio containing lots of information about the childminder's practice is given to the parents before the children's placement begins. Formal contracts are completed and parents sign to agree with the childminder's practice. They give permission for their children to go on outings, have photographs taken, be transported in a vehicle and have medication administered. Information is shared verbally with parents on a daily basis, along with daily diary sheets which details significant events in the day. A written record of the children's development is maintained separately. This all ensures children experience consistent care and attention. Parents' formal and informal written feedback confirms that they are satisfied with the care offered by the childminder. Comments include 'Thank you

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Helping children make a positive contribution

for taking care of my child so well in the past two years. You have so much energy and we would not have survived without your support.'

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from being cared for by a professional and experienced person who aims to fully support both children and their families. She is dedicated and motivated to undertake further training to enhance her knowledge and skills. As a result of this, children thrive in an extremely well-organised and relaxed homely environment. The childminder is very clear about her role and responsibility in providing a high quality service to the children and their families.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation and records relating to the minded children are retained, ensuring that the childminder is able to care for children in a safe and confident manner. The childminder holds a current first aid qualification helping to ensure that incidents or accidents are dealt with in an efficient and prompt manner. Children's individual needs and requirements are well known and discussed with parents prior to their child starting, ensuring their individual needs are well addressed and provided for.

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Organisation

The childminder has formulated a comprehensive portfolio of policies and procedures that she shares with parents. She uses the policies effectively to promote the welfare and safety of the children in her care. The childminder makes good use of contracts to consolidate the discussions she has held with parents in relation to their children's individual needs. Information is shared with parents on a daily basis to keep them fully informed about the service that she offers and the activities that their child has been involved in. This contributes to the continuity of the children’s care. The childminder fully dedicates her time and attention to the minded children when they are present in the setting.

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Organisation

The childminder provides a very wide range of play resources. These are presented in an attractive and inviting manner and means that the children are able to access them easily. It also enables them to have sufficient confidence to initiate their own play and extend their learning. The effective planning and monitoring of the children's development and activities,

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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 enables them to make very good progress in all areas of their learning. 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 there were two recommendations raised and these related to the fire blanket and medication. The issues have been fully met. The fire blanket is wall mounted in the kitchen where foods are cooked. It is easily accessible in the event of an emergency. The childminder obtains prior written permission from parents before administering medication and gains agreements to seek emergency medical advice or treatment from medical professionals. This means that parents' wishes are respected.

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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 action in order to meet the national standards. 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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