Brighton College, Dubai

Inspection report for early years provision

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149798 Unique Reference Number 17 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 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 March 2001. She lives with her family in a house in Bedfont, Middlesex. She is registered to care for three children under eight years at any one time. Currently there are two children on roll. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. Local parks, shops and school are all within easy walking distance. There is a small hutched pet. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are developing a clear understanding of the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children are aware to wipe their hands prior to eating their snack and are supported by the childminder ensuring that they wash their hands thoroughly after going to the toilet. Children use paper towels to dry their hands which minimises the risk of the spread of germs and cross infection. Effective nappy changing procedures are in place, privacy is respected and appropriate hygiene standards are upheld. The childminder promotes children's health, for

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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 example, she has attended training and has a first aid certificate in place. The outdoor sand tray is kept covered and this protects the children from cross infection. The childminder works closely with the parents and ensures that the required documentation relating to children's health and individual needs are maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to experience healthy food as the childminder provides meals that are balanced and nutritious which she prepares herself. Meals include Sheppard's pie, beans on toast and casseroles. Children's dietary requirements are met and the childminder ensures she is well aware of any allergies or dietary preferences. Parents are informed daily of the meals provided. Children have a selection of fruit and vegetables daily. They sit at the dining table and eat banana together mid morning. Children have access to frequent drinks as the childminder reminds and offers drinks to younger children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children experience regular opportunities to participate in physical activities and freely access the spacious enclosed back garden. They benefit from the climbing the apparatus, slide, mini roundabout and the various sit and rides readily left available. They visit local parks and have access to open fields where they participate in sporting activities such as football. Children enjoy walks by the river and feed the ducks. The outcome for children is that they are beginning to understand the benefits of physical activity contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe, secure and well protected. The premises provide sufficient space which is well utilised and the childminder has identified and minimised most potential hazards. The childminder has good safety measures in place within the home. For example, stair gates are in position at the foot and top of the stairs and sockets are all protected. Children have restricted use of the large trampoline as it is fitted with a fully secure net. However, the wheel barrow that displays flowers in the garden is a safety risk to children. It is sited on the bark play area where the children climb and run around, the metal handlebars protrude and are unsafe. A fire evacuation plan has been considered and is shared with older children to ensure safety is promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder has a clear understanding of her role and responsibility to protect children. She has an accurate understanding of child protection and has up to date information regarding safeguarding children. She ensures that children's safety is her highest priority.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Policies, procedures and documents are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she ensures she has permission to transport children, take photographs and administer first aid.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with exciting activities, such as painting and play dough. Children play purposefully with their chosen activity and the childminder supports and encourages them giving lots of positive praise. Children are confident, inquisitive and communicate freely with the childminder and their peers. They play happily in the dining room sitting at the table with the different coloured bottles of paint. They turn the bottles over and dab the sponges onto the paper. The children call the paints " Dabbers." The childminder closely supervises the activity

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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 and talks to the children about their pictures. She asks " Have you painted a tree?" The children confidently experiment with the different coloured paints and they touch the paint with their fingers. They become excited as they press their fingers on the paper and swirl the paint around and around. The childminder interacts effectively, using her time well, to allow the children to use and develop their own imagination, allowing them to develop their use of language and comprehension.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children's learning is extended by the childminder's skill of questioning and talking to them about the activities they are engaged in. She joins in with their play and is fun for the children to be around. She gets down on her hands and knees and creeps up to the children. They laugh and scream with excitement as they see her approach them. Children develop in a stimulating environment, where the childminder provides a good range of activities. The children's development is discussed verbally with parents on a regular basis and this helps the parents to be aware of their child's achievements and identifies any areas for improvement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides an interesting daily routine for the children, and is guided by their individual needs and interests. The children attend the local drop in centre regularly to gain social skills. They enjoy visits to the local parks where they can run and make use of the extra outdoor space. Other visits include activity play gyms, the library for story time and walks by the local river.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder acts as a calm role model in this busy household, where she offers praise and encouragement, talking and explaining to children. She has a clear understanding of children's individual needs. Children make positive relationships with their peers and the childminder; they are settled, happy and involved. Children are developing their ability to share with each other through the support from the childminder. Children behave well and the childminder has appropriate and positive strategies in place to manage children's behaviour. Children are learning to understand that if they throw the toys they will hurt the other children in the room. She has a clear understanding of children's developmental needs and works closely with the parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop their awareness of the local community through visits to local drop in centres and accessing toys borrowed from the toy library. Children participate in celebrations such as, Chinese New Year and become fascinated as they experience eating noodles using chop sticks. The childminder promotes children's understanding of the wider world as she has increased her resources to reflect other cultures, languages and disabilities through books, small world figures and dressing up outfits such as, fire fighters and police officers. Boys and girls enjoy dressing up in tiaras and push the dolls around in the buggies. The childminder and children sit together and talk about the people in the jigsaw which is titled "We are the Future" in both English and Urdu.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder recognises the importance of working with parents to ensure there is an effective partnership which benefits the children. Formal contracts are completed and parents sign to confirm that they agree with the childminder's practice such as, taking their children on outings and transporting them in the car. Information is shared verbally with parents on a daily basis and this ensures children experience consistent care and attention. Feedback received from parents comments on their satisfaction with the good service and support they and their children receive from the childminder.

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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 outcome for the children is that their individual needs are identified, valued and met and due to this, children flourish in the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is aware of her role and responsibilities as a childminder and as a result children thrive in a child friendly and loving environment. They are happy, relaxed and settled, consequently, they benefit from being cared for in a well-organised home, however, not all areas of the garden have been fully risk assessed. Children receive appropriate levels of support from the childminder and good relationships are fostered.

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Organisation

Resources are accessible and the childminder responds quickly to the children's interests and requests for particular activities. Children enjoy a wide range of stimulating and creative resources that promote their development in all areas.

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Organisation

Parents have been informed of the correct procedure to follow if they have a complaint to make to Ofsted and the registration certificate is displayed at all times. Documentation is well maintained.

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Organisation

Regular verbal information is shared with parents to ensure continuity of the children's care. Information kept about the children is relevant, stored to maintain confidentiality and promotes their welfare. Overall 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 previous inspection two recommendations were raised and these related to documentation and play materials. The issues have been fully addressed by the childminder. The parents give written permission for the childminder to seek emergency treatment and advice. The parents also give written permission for the childminder to administer all medication. This means that the parents wishes are respected. The childminder has extended her play resources to reflect images of diversity. Toys include different skin toned dolls, books, jigsaw puzzles, small world figures and role play outfits. The childminder takes advantage of borrowing play materials from the toy library and children are involved in celebrations at the local drop in centres such as Chinese New year. This means that children are developing their understanding and attitude towards diversity in a positive and subtle way.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 are protected from the wheel barrow in outdoor play area

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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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