Millbrook Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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140284 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2007 Inspection date Suman Willis 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 has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and a 12 year old daughter in Hemel Hempstead within easy walking distance of shops, parks, and schools. The whole of the ground floor and one bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding purposes 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding one child, who attends on a full-time basis. The childminder takes children to the local toddler group, the library, and for walks to the park on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Babies enjoy developing their gross motor skills as they crawl around safely. They enjoy playing 'peek-a-boo', and are encouraged to crawl through the tunnel. They are excited as they see the childminder. They are interested in developing their ball rolling skills as the childminder rolls a soft ball to them. Older children have access to resources in the garden such as large

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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 wheeled toys, balls and hoops. Children are taken out daily for walks; consequently children stay healthy because they have regular fresh air and exercise. Children rest and sleep according to their individual routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health needs are generally well monitored because of the procedures the childminder has in place to share information with parents. For example, parents' permission to administer emergency aid has been obtained. However, parents' permission administering non-prescribed medication has not been obtained, which could compromise children's health. The childminder has up-to-date training in first aid which ensures that children stay safe and healthy. Cross infection is minimised because all children have their own individual hand towels. They are developing an understanding of managing their own personal hygiene as they are encouraged to wash hands before and after meals and after outdoor play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are effectively met by the childminder, who seeks personal information from parents about children's allergies or cultural needs. They are well-nourished as they eat well-balanced meals, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Children develop a good understanding of healthy meals as they eat freshly grown salads and vegetables. Children independently access regular drinks from beakers which are left out; this helps to promote their knowledge of their body needs and independence.

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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 warm, welcoming and secure environment. They are able to move around freely and safely because the childminder carries out regular risk assessments and shares these with parents. Safety resources such as socket covers and cupboard locks are in place to maintain children's safety. Children have access to a broad range of resources which are safe and age-appropriate to promote children's development in all areas. These are stored to offer independent choice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children develop a good understanding of safety because the childminder sets clear safety boundaries. They learn about road safety as they go for daily walks. Parents are informed of outings and permission is obtained, thus involving parents in maintaining children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection procedures and how to keep children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and engage in their chosen activities with ease. Children feel secure because the childminder is close at hand to offer support and comfort, especially during visits by unfamiliar adults. Children develop good hand and eye coordination as they learn to build with wooden blocks. They chuckle excitedly as they knock down bricks. Babies are delighted as the childminder plays tickling games with them. Children enjoy listening to music and sway rhythmically. They enjoy developing their language skills as they point to objects and attempt to say the words. The childminder constantly talks to children as they play, which extends their language and communication skills. Children visit the library regularly for story time and have access to a broad range of fiction and non-fiction books. All children have access to a wide range of resources and activities which promote children's development in all areas.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Consequently, children are confident in trying new skills and are eager to learn.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's home. They feel a sense of belonging because they are valued by the childminder and her family. For example, children enjoy playing with the childminder's daughter who gives them lots of attention and offers cuddles. Parents provide valuable information about their children to the childminder. This enables the childminder to meet children's individual needs effectively which helps children to settle quickly and with ease.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing a good understanding of their local community as they go for daily walks. They learn to care for the environment as they plant fruit and vegetables. Children develop a good understanding of the wider world through a variety of activities celebrating festivals from around the world. They have access to a good range of resources which promote positive images of people. Consequently, children learn to value and respect the differences in people and other cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationship developed between the childminder and parents. Parents receive weekly information about the progress their children are making and about children's weekly routine. Parents are informed of the childminder's complaints procedure which continues to be developed. Documents to inform parents of the childminder's policies and procedures are basic, therefore, partnership with parents is not fully promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a childminder who develops her knowledge and understanding of child development to ensure that children are fully safeguarded and that their care, learning and play is promoted. Children are fully supported because the childminder is very organised; this enables her to be fully prepared to meet their individual needs and provide a routine which they are familiar with. Consequently, children feel secure and are settled, thus contributing to their well-being. Most required policies and procedures work in practice to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to: develop her awareness and understanding of using positive language to manage behaviour; ensure that details of medication administered to children ensures that confidentiality is maintained; and ensure that a system for recording complaints is in place.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children behave well because the childminder uses positive language, such as praise and encouragement to promote good behaviour. Confidentiality of medication administered to children is maintained thus protecting children's health and promoting children's well-being. Partnership with parents is enhanced because of the complaints procedure introduced by the childminder, which continues to be developed.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the registration 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): • develop procedures to seek prior written permission from parents to administer non-prescribed medication • develop policies and procedures to fully inform parents about the childminding practice.

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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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