Robert May's School

Inspection report for early years provision

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138135 Unique Reference Number 21 November 2007 Inspection date Joanne Lindsey Caswell 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 1992. She lives with her husband and family in a residential area of Tooting, within walking distance of local schools, park and shops. Childminding takes place in all areas of the childminder's home. A first floor bedroom is used for sleeping. There is a ground floor toilet. A fully enclosed garden provides an outside play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is currently caring for two children who attend throughout the week.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder regularly attends local pre-school groups and is willing to take and collect children from local schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have plenty of opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They undertake many activities outside and enjoy physical, vigorous play. This includes using wheeled toys and playing with

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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 hoppers, pushchairs and balls. Children undertake many walks as they walk to and from school each day and regularly visit the local soft play centre. This enables children to benefit from plenty of exercise and physical activity, which promotes their healthy development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are very well protected against illness and infection as the premises are very clean and extremely well-maintained. There are very good procedures in place to prevent children from cross-infection. For example, all children clearly recognise their own towels and understand the importance of effective hand washing routines. Parents are clearly informed that their children cannot attend the setting if they are suffering from an infectious illness. This safeguards all children and prevents the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met well. The childminder provides fresh and nutritious meals and snacks, enabling children to develop positive attitudes towards healthy eating. The childminder encourages them to enjoy healthy options, such as fresh fruit. Arrangements are in place with parents regarding the provision of meals. Although the childminder has a good understanding of Food Hygiene, at present, there is no provision in place for the fridge temperature to be monitored. This prevents the childminder from ensuring that foods are stored in accordance with Environmental Health regulations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. There are good procedures in place to ensure children's safety. The childminder is very aware of potential hazards and takes necessary precautions. For example, the front door is secure and prevents children from leaving unsupervised. The stairs are protected with safety gates and all hazardous materials, such as cleaning fluids and medication, are stored out of children's reach. A fully enclosed garden enables children to play outside safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All toys and play equipment are in very good condition and are used appropriately by children. Toys for older children are kept safely away from babies and young children, to prevent choking risks. All appropriate equipment and furniture is available to meet the safety and care needs of babies and toddlers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children remain safe whilst on outings as the childminder supervises them closely and implements effective procedures to ensure the children's welfare is promoted at all times. For example, children learn about 'Stranger/Danger' and develop an awareness of road safety as they walk to and from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about the importance of safety as the childminder gives clear explanations. For example, children regularly undertake emergency evacuation drills to ensure they are familiar with the childminder's procedures in the event of an emergency in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected very well as the childminder has a very good understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection. She has completed relevant training and demonstrates a sound awareness of the relevant procedures to implement, should she ever have any concerns about a child in her care. This ensures that children's safety and welfare is promoted at all times.

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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 very happy, settled and relaxed in the childminder's care. They form positive, warm relationships with her and approach her confidently for cuddles, reassurance and physical affection. The childminder interacts with children closely and gives them her attention, enabling her to stimulate and extend children's learning through conversation and quality play experiences. For example, children learn to share and co-operate as they play with the dolls. They develop colour and number recognition as they look at books and extend their language as they sing songs and enjoy stories. The daily routine is planned well to enable children to regularly socialise with other children and enjoy outings and visits to places of interest, such as the childminder group, the library, farm and coast. This helps to broaden children's experiences and learn about the wider world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children well and is aware of their developmental needs. She uses observations to monitor children's development, enabling her to plan appropriate activities to challenge and stimulate children according to their personal learning and developmental needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated very fairly and their individual needs are clearly understood and recognised. The childminder obtains all necessary information from parents regarding each child's care and welfare needs. This ensures that all children's care routines meet their individual needs. Children learn about diversity and understand the importance of equality as they freely play with non-gender specific toys. There are positive images of diversity within society reflected in books and pictures, enabling children to learn about the needs of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has good experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and demonstrates a very positive attitude towards welcoming all children into her home and implementing an inclusive policy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed well. Children enjoy a busy, stimulating day and engage in activities which interest and challenge their development. This prevents the opportunities for unacceptable behaviour. The childminder uses effective, age-appropriate strategies to enable children to recognise 'right' from 'wrong'. She gives clear explanations, enabling children to clearly understand acceptable boundaries and expectations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures parents receive plenty of feedback regarding their children's daily achievements. This enables parents to feel involved in their children's day and be fully informed of activities. All written parental consent is on file ensuring that children's care routines are discussed and formally agreed. The childminder is developing the written information she has available regarding her childminding policies, in the form of a portfolio. This ensures that parents can clearly understand regulations and be aware of daily routines.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is organised and professional. She is proactive in updating her knowledge and skills and keeps abreast of developing early years practice through the completion of further training. The daily routine is flexible around the children's differing needs and is adapted

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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 accordingly, wherever necessary. Time is set aside each day to cater for children's sleep and meal times and sufficient time is given for outings and play. Toys and play materials are organised well, enabling children to access them freely.

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Organisation

The childminder is very aware of the conditions of her registration. She organises her childminding routines effectively, to ensure she consistently complies with the conditions of her registration. Children are protected well, as all adults living in the household have been suitably vetted.

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Organisation

Regulatory documentation is in place and most is maintained in full. However, at present, the attendance record includes children's contracted hours and not their actual times of arrival and departure. As a result, the record is not fully accurate. The childminder has devised many written childminding policies and procedures and organises her documentation well in a childminding portfolio, reflecting her professionalism and her dedication towards meeting the National Standards.

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Organisation

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, two recommendations were raised. These related to safety issues concerning the maintenance of smoke alarms and the safety of a first floor window. The childminder has addressed these issues by ensuring smoke alarms are checked regularly and by making the window safe for children. This ensures that appropriate precautions are taken within the home to promote children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, there have been no complaints made to Ofsted which 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): • ensure provision is in place to meet Environmental Health regulations regarding food storage in the fridge • ensure the attendance record reflects children's actual times of arrival and departure

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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 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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