Handel House Preparatory School

Inspection report for early years provision

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120733 Unique Reference Number 27 March 2008 Inspection date Michele, Karen Beasley 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 1994. She lives with her partner in a semi-detached house situated in a cul-de-sac on a residential development in Stanwell, near Staines, close to Heathrow Airport. There are local amenities near-by. The minding is generally confined to the ground floor of the house and the upstairs bathroom. There is an enclosed grassed rear garden for outdoor play. The family do not keep pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under eight years on a part time basis. The childminder has an NVQ level 3 in Child Care and Education.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder implements health and hygiene policies and procedures to promote their hygiene and prevent the spread of infection. For example, she wears disposable gloves when changing children’s nappies and disinfects the changing mat

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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 after use. Children's toys and equipment are clean, which ensures children are not at risk from cross infection from bacteria. Written information is obtained from parents regarding children's medical history, allergies and special dietary requirements ensuring their individual needs are fully met. Younger children's attachment and security needs are recognised and the childminder ensures that the younger child is with her at all times to meet his emotional needs. The childminder has attended a first aid course which ensures children's wellbeing and safety. Accidents are being recorded ensuring children remain healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual needs are met by the childminder, who takes into account children's likes, dislikes and allergies should she provide meals and snacks. At present parents provide most of the food, the childminder ensures it is stored correctly. The childminder, at times, introduces new foods after discussion with the parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to participate fully in a wide range of physical activities, developing their gross and fine motor skills effectively. The childminder provides a range of outdoor activities in the garden such as a sit and ride trikes. Children also go on outings to the park, farm, beach, play group and to other local attractions such as a safari park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a safe and secure environment as the childminder effectively identifies and addresses potential hazards. For example, safety film has been fitted on the lounge door and a stairgate is in place at the entrance to the kitchen. An emergency evacuation plan is known and smoke alarms are in the home. A fire blanket and first aid box are kept accessible in the kitchen, which ensures children's safety. There are good arrangements for the supervision and safety of children such as checking them frequently while they are asleep. They feel safe and are settled due to the high levels of support and supervision provided by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children freely access a vast array of suitable and safe play materials and resources, developing their independence and encouraging them to make their own choices about their play. Children are well protected and their safety is promoted because the childminder has a good understanding of her role with regard to child protection. The childminder ensures detailed policies and procedures are implemented effectively in practice and has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures and how to follow these where concerns are raised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy the continuity of care, the childminder meets their individual needs for care and sleep. Younger children's participation in play is promoted by the childminder who encourages their play. This promotes the children's confidence and self-esteem as they self select their chosen toy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of children's developmental needs. The childminder is aware to update her knowledge in line with future new legislation. She participates fully during activities such as helping to put together a train track and giving the children ideas of what to cook on the role play cooker. The childminder sits at the children's level, encouraging children to join in. Children have many opportunities to develop a good range of skills and progress well in all areas in a stimulating and interesting environment. Children benefit from the childminder's strong support. She is affectionate and consistent as she organises the routines

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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 to ensure all children have the opportunity for group activities such as attending a playgroup, and one-to-one activities such as listening to stories.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and self-assured in the childminder's care. They show a real sense of security and belonging and are confident and valued by the childminder. Young children thrive as they initiate their own learning such as balancing small building blocks on top of one another. Their behaviour is good as the childminder praises and promotes their self esteem at all times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder's interaction with children is good and she has a good knowledge of their individual needs, likes and interests, enabling each child to reach their full potential whilst in her care. The childminder has a positive outlook when minding children with additional needs. Through discussion the childminder was able to demonstrate a clear understanding of her responsibilities. She would be happy to liaise with other agencies and would always work closely with the parents to meet the individual needs of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children benefit from good working relationships between the childminder and their parents. Good strong links are in place between home and the setting, for example, through informal discussions at the beginning and end of the day. Parents are well informed about the childminder’s service through the childminder's portfolio, which includes a good selection of hand written policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children thrive in the setting and receive good quality care because the childminder is well organised and plans her day accordingly to ensure she meets the needs of all children attending. She has a well thought out routine, and adapts this to incorporate those of younger and older children, helping to establish secure relationships and a sense of belonging. Children benefit because the childminder is qualified and is active in improving her practice by identifying continual training needs.

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Organisation

Children's care is enhanced by written policies and procedures which fully support the childminder's practice to a good standard. However, some records need to be completed in more sufficient detail. The childminder gives priority to protecting the safety of children, promoting their well-being and ensuring that all children develop to their full potential. Parents are kept well informed about the service provided by regular verbal and clear written communication. Overall, the provision 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 the childminder was asked to develop written policies and procedures and share with parents. The childminder has devised her own written policies and procedures which are shared with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to include details of action or treatment taken in accident book records. The childminder's accident book contains sufficient detail of any action or treatment of children. This ensures children's health and well-being.

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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 The childminder was asked to include reference to Ofsted as a referral contact in policy statement. The childminder's complaints policy and procedure includes Ofsted's details for referral.

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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.

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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): • continue to develop knowledge and understanding of childcare issues and related regulations • ensure documentation contains sufficient details of children.

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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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