Greenhead High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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107388 Unique Reference Number 13 July 2007 Inspection date Janet Marie Thouless 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 satisfactory. 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 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and six years in Honor Oak south east London. Childminding generally takes place in the rear lounge and playroom although all areas of the house are accessible to children. There is a fully enclosed garden that is used for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a full-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. Attends local drop in groups and visits places of interest.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of a local childminder support group and the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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 the importance of personal hygiene and self-care skills through daily routines. For example, they are reminded to wash their hands before meals and after visiting the toilet so they do not spread germs. The childminder's good nappy changing routines and good hygiene procedures protect children from the spread of infection. She acts in the children's best interest when they are ill and cares for them sensitively until they go home. The childminder demonstrated good knowledge on how to administer first aid in an emergency. However, the first aid certificate has currently expired.

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Helping children to be healthy

At present parent provide packed lunch and snacks. However, the childminder does offer a range of healthy food options and displays a menu in her portfolio to share with parents. During snacks and lunch children sit at the table together and chat sociably to each other and the childminder whilst they eat. Good table manners are encouraged and children say 'please' and 'thank you'. Children are able to help themselves to their cups when they require a drink, ensuring they do not become thirsty or dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Regular outings are enjoyed by children and help them to develop an interest in healthy, physical pursuits. For example they visit the local park and enjoy using the range of resources on offer. This helps them to practice skills such as climbing and balancing which develops strong bodies and muscle control. When poor weather keeps them indoors, children have fun around the childminder's house as they enjoy playing on a small slide and ride on toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from close supervision from the childminder on outings. The childminder talks to children about road safety as they walk along holding hands or in the buggy, being careful to look both ways to check for cars as they cross together. The childminder makes sure they only visit parks which are fully enclosed and she keeps a close watch on the children as they play to ensure their safety. The children's well being is safeguarded as the childminder has attended training to ensure she has a secure understanding of the signs of abuse and what action to take if she has concerns about a child in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well cared for in a comfortable environment. They learn how to keep themselves safe through sensible guidance such as not jumping on the furniture and not throwing toys. However, the childminder has not identified all hazards in her home in order to keep children safe, such as cracked glass panel in garden door and broken fence panels in the rear garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's home has been organised to allow children to play or rest as they require, in a comfortable atmosphere. They enjoy playing with the good quality range of toys and resources, which provide sufficient developmental challenge and are maintained in a clean and safe condition. For example toys washed on regular basis. The children know what is available and have independent access to whatever they wish to play with developing their independence and self-confidence.

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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 are confident and settled within the childminder's home. The childminder has established good relationships with the children because she is responsive to their individual needs and participates in their play. Children are supported well by the childminder and benefit from a good range of resources and activities. Toys and play equipment are age appropriate and meet the developing needs of the children being cared for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A range of age appropriate activities are on offer to ensure children of all abilities participate equally. For example, all children are able to practice their acquiring skills when cutting, sticking and painting. They giggle with delight when sliding down the slide or swaying backwards and forth on the rocker. They use their imaginations well in role play by cooking and serving lunch. They snuggle up to the childminder and enjoy listening to a range of stories showing delight when they recognise and name their favourite animals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder joins in children's play, offering support, guidance and ideas to move them forward. Children frequently enjoy lots of praise, cuddles and reassurance from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are well supported, because the childminder is fully aware of children's individual needs. Children benefit from the good partnership the childminder has with their parents and regular exchange of information. Parents are kept fully informed about their children's care and progress through daily discussions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well with the childminder as she manages them consistently and by providing clear guidelines on the house rules such as not jumping on the furniture. Children are encouraged to be considerate of each other by taking turns so they all have the same opportunities, develop good relationships and friendships. The childminder constantly reinforces their good behaviour with praise and encouragement. Children are able to grow in confidence and develop self esteem as they learn about co-operation with others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest, local shops to buy fruit, local parks and bus rides to places of interest. The childminder provides a range of resources to promote the children's learning about the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. The childminder has a positive approach towards caring for children with a range of different needs and abilities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is suitably trained and experienced to care for children. She has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice course which enables her to care for children appropriately and is currently working towards a NVQ level two in childcare practice. The childminder is well organised and obtains all the relevant information required to inform her of children's needs and care routines. All required regulatory documentation is in place and maintained.

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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 Children are cared for in a spacious and comfortable home, where they feel welcome and can relax. The childminder effectively supports their needs by flexible planning, which takes account of their individual interests. Daily routines are in place but amended appropriately to respond to the needs of each child so that they feel at ease in the childminders care. They are closely supervised and supported at all times to ensure they are kept safe and protected from any persons who may not be vetted, both at home and whilst on outings. 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, one action and two recommendations were made to obtain written permission from parents and carers before administering medication to children, ensure that registers of children's attendance indicate times of arrival and departure and improve child protection procedures by obtaining up to date contact details for the local Area Child Protection Committee. These recommendations and action have been fully implemented to ensure the safety and well being of the children.

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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 any 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 satisfactory. 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 a first aid certificate is maintained, which includes training in first aid for infants and young children. • ensure risks and hazards are identified and reduced effectively in the garden.

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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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