Highlands College

Inspection report for early years provision

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148836 Unique Reference Number 01 September 2005 Inspection date Margaret Moffat 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and two years in the All Saints area of Maidenhead. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is available for childminding, with sleeping facilities available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder’s registration is to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and she is currently minding one child on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local library and park. The family have a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has a first aid certificate.

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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 good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example as they climb, slide and swing on a hammock. Regular visits to the local parks and direct access to outdoor play in the garden ensures they have opportunities to develop their physical skills, exercise and have plenty of fresh air.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care, for example hand washing at appropriate times and applying sun cream before going out in the sunshine. The clear hygiene procedures demonstrated by the childminder help protect children from cross infection and learn good habits.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are becoming aware of their own needs to rest, eat and drink, for example they ask for a drink and piece of fruit when they come in from the garden. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and children’s choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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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 secure, safe indoor and outdoor environment where the childminder has taken suitable precautions to minimise hazards and safeguard the children, for example cupboard locks, and smoke alarms throughout premises. Good use is made of available space, allowing children to move round safely, freely and independently. Children can easily access toys and resources, which are safe and regularly checked to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When on outings the childminder ensures children know why they need to stay close, hold hands and learn about road safety helping them to develop an awareness of keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required documentation in place and has considered the appropriate procedures to ensure children’s welfare whilst in her care. She has a basic knowledge of child protection procedures, however further development will enhance her understanding and ensure children are well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content with the childminder. They settle well, are confident and enjoy each other’s company. The childminder interacts well with the children and provides a good range of activities to promote children’s learning, for example, art and craft materials and dressing up clothes where children can instigate their own scenarios whilst having fun, these

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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 are suitable for their age and stage of development. Children show interest in what they do and develop independence as they help themselves to the activities on offer and ask for help when required. They also learn to take care of their own needs such putting on their own shoes and coats, thus developing their self esteem. Children confidently ask questions and listen to responses, developing their conversational skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have regular opportunities to go on outings. These include visits to the local parks, toddler groups and library and provide them with opportunities to socialise with a wider group of children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and respected as individuals. The childminder reacts positively to children’s requests and displays their work on the wall. Children respond well to the consistent praise and encouragement offered. They readily take part in activities offered; help to tidy up, are polite and well behaved. Children show care and concern for others and involve each other in their play. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through the regular outings and trips provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder develops friendly but professional relationships with the parents. She meets their children’s individual needs and follows their routines after discussion with them. She exchanges information daily to inform them about their child’s progress and the activities they enjoy. This contributes to the welfare and well being of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and benefit from the well-organised play space provided. They receive good support from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well, helping them feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

The childminder has compiled a brief document with her policies and procedures however, the procedure to follow if parents have a complaint needs addressing. Children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents ensuring continuity of care for the children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has completed a first aid course and ensures children do not go upstairs unaccompanied, ensuring they do not access the ladder leading to loft space. This contributes to the welfare and safety of the children. She has a satisfactory understanding of child protection procedures however, this continues to be an area for development.

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and inform parents of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint

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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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