Middleton School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 117676 Inspection date 28 July 2005 Inspector Daphne Prescott

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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 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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband, three adult children and one child age 14 years in Chiswick in the London Borough of Ealing. Part of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day. The childminder is not registered to provide overnight care.

p.2

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 The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have a pet rabbit. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home. Their health is promoted as the childminder sustains a high level of cleanliness throughout the home. Younger babies begin to learn the routines for good hygiene practices, for example, she washes their hands before and after lunch. Children are safeguarded because of the childminder's sound understanding of emergency first aid and calmness in a crisis, and she keeps up to date with her first aid training. Children benefit from a healthy diet, and the childminder offers children drinks throughout the day. She takes account of parents' wishes and their choices to provide meals and snacks. Meal times are a relaxed and a social time for children. They sit comfortably at the table and really enjoy the interaction with the childminder. They begin to use body gestures to make their needs known, such as shaking their head when they mean no.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children develop well physically as they have daily opportunities to enjoy outings to the park and local pre-school groups, where a wider range of physical activities are available. Younger babies begin to learn about their bodies and what they can do, for example, they learn fine motor control as they begin to squeeze soft toys with their fingers; they laugh and giggle at the sounds that the toys make.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is very welcoming for children. The space has been organised to help children to explore independently and to rest, eat and play comfortably. There is a good range of toys and equipment, which means that the children's care and developmental needs are well met. Toys and resources are set out attractively and safely, inviting and enticing younger babies to play. Children are safe and secure on the premises, as the childminder has taken thorough steps to ensure her home is safe. For example, safety gates are in place at the bottom of the stairs to prevent unsupervised access upstairs. The childminder has effective arrangements in place to maintain children's safety by checking the toys and equipment regularly. She applies good safety measures to avoid possible dangerous situations in order to protect children on outings, for example, she teaches them about road safety, and being safe in the park. However, she does not obtain written

p.3

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 permission from parents for their child to be transported in a vehicle. Children’s welfare is protected through the childminder’s good understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection, for example, she is aware of the indicators of abuse and the procedures for reporting any concerns. She has a child protection statement, which is agreed and signed by parents.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Younger babies are very relaxed and comfortable in the care of the childminder. The interaction is very warm and affectionate and children are able to express their needs confidently. Younger babies begin to make early attempts at finding their voice; they make sounds and smile to make contact and to let the childminder know what they what. The childminder chats to the babies, making good eye contact, encouraging opportunities for early conversations between adults and babies. The younger babies squeal with delight when she plays with them and relish in the attention given to them by the childminder. Younger babies have lots of fun and they play enthusiastically with a very good range of toys and resources, which fully promote their learning. They are curious and excited by the range of activities offered, for example, as they play happily with pop up toys, the childminder encourages the children to imitate the sounds they make.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They have good opportunities to learn and have great fun, because the childminder introduces learning into practical activities. For example, children’s fingers are counted when wiping hands after lunch. The children are making good progress in areas of their development because the childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and develop through fun play activities. Children’s enjoyment and learning will be further enhanced by the childminder as she intends to attend training for Birth to Three Matters.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is very eager to interact with the children. She responds to them and understands the importance of listening and responding to their individual needs. Consequently, the younger babies are very happy and confident in their environment. Children are very well behaved and develop very good confidence, because the childminder encourages the children in their play and behaviour. For example, she gives the children lots of praise and encouragement for daily activities, by smiling and vocalising her happiness that they have done well. A range of resources reflecting different cultures, gender and disability enable children to gain a positive image and to learn about the world they live in. The childminder understands the importance of helping them to develop a strong identity and feel good about themselves, their family and others.

p.4

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 Partnership with parents is good. She values each child's individuality and discusses their care and developmental needs with parents, for example, sleep routines and dietary needs are discussed. As a result, children settle well and the appropriate care is given. The childminder has established effective communications with parents, both verbal and written. For example, she writes a record of children's daily activities which is shared and discussed with parents. Positive written feedback from parents indicates that they are very happy with the care the childminder provides.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's home is well organised. It is suitably furnished and comfortable to enable children to feel happy and at ease. The children have plenty of space to move around freely and play with the different activities provided. Children enjoy the time they spend with the childminder and she meets their welfare and care needs effectively. Children benefit from well organised care because of the childminder's good understanding and knowledge of caring for children. She has all the appropriate documentation in place, which is well organised. The childminder ensures that all documentation is shared openly with parents and their contributions are valued. She knows to keep Ofsted informed of changes in order to protect children. Through her attendance on training courses and workshops, the childminder is enhancing her skills and knowledge of a variety of childcare related topics. As a

p.5

Organisation

result, the children's experiences in the care of the childminder remain positive. This means that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides for.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the high bricks in the garden area are made safe. The childminder has removed the bricks and the area is safe to safeguard the well-being of children.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

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): • obtain written permission from parents to transport their child in a vehicle.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.6

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

p.6