The Beeches Independent School

Inspection report for early years provision

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139018 Unique Reference Number 08 February 2008 Inspection date Susan Elizabeth Tovey 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 was registered in 1995. She lives with her adult son in South Ruislip in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with sleeping facilities upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently caring for five children under eight. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted through the childminder maintaining a good level of cleanliness throughout her home, which means that children are able to play in a hygienic environment. Children are learning about personal hygiene because they are taught to wash their hands at appropriate times which reduces the risk of cross contamination. Accidents are dealt 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 appropriately, as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has emergency telephone numbers close to hand. Suitable policies and procedures are in place to manage children's sickness, accidents and the administration of medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy relaxed and sociable mealtimes together. Young children sit securely in a highchair whilst others sit at the table. The childminder has good knowledge of children's individual dietary needs, which she discusses with parents and records, to ensure children remain healthy and are cared for according to parents wishes. Some parents provide all food for their own children which is stored appropriately until needed. Drinks are readily available for children to help themselves to throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise which contribute to their good health. The children have access to a well-resourced secure garden and enjoy trips to the park, local groups and places of interest on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are confident and happy in the childminder's home. The premises are warm, welcoming, clean and comfortable. There is sufficient space for the children to move about freely. They make independent choices of their preferred activity and make suggestions to the childminder of what they would like to do.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has plenty of activities and play materials available for the children to use both inside and outside of the home. Toys are plentiful, provide challenges and children enjoy playing with them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken effective steps to ensure that her home and garden are free from potential hazards. Cleaning materials and medicines are stored out of the reach of children. Smoke alarms are fitted and are tested regularly and a fire blanket is available in the kitchen. The childminder has a written procedure for emergency evacuation of the premises, which is practised regularly with the children. This promotes children’s safety, as they know what to do should they ever need to evacuate the premises in an emergency. Children are learning to take responsibility when crossing the road under the close supervision of the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well safeguarded due to the childminder's clear knowledge and understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and the reporting procedures to follow, should she have concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a variety of worthwhile activities, inside and outside the home. They have access to an interesting range of age appropriate play materials that cater for all areas of development and include items that reflect positive images. Effective organisation of resources allows children to see what is available and enables young children to help themselves to toys that are stored at low level. Items more suited to older children are kept out of their reach. Consequently, all children are able to make their own decisions about what they do and develop independence, whilst remaining safe. The childminder is aware of the Birth to three framework of good practice as a means of extending the range of experiences and learning opportunities she is able to offer young children. She is developing her knowledge of this.

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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 Children love playing dressing up and take great delight rummaging through the dressing up clothes, changing from one outfit to another. This giving children excellent opportunities to develop their self help skills. They also enjoy completing puzzles, playing with the figures and furniture in the doll's house and cooking in the role play kitchen. Children also have time to relax and play quietly as the childminder reads them stories. The childminder plans activities around children’s interests and daily routines. They enjoy regular visits to toddler and childminding groups. This gives children opportunities to socialise in different environments and to make new friends.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from outings to various parks and play areas, where they have access to larger adventure climbing apparatus. All children take part in a wide selection of art activities. School age children's needs are well met after a day at school as the childminder has good knowledge and understanding of the needs of all children. They enjoy playing with gadgets, board games, drawing and colouring activities. Also, after a busy day at school, children if they wish have the opportunities to relax and watch television.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow a regular daily routine as discussed with their parents. The childminder forms close working relationships with parents and the daily exchange of information with them about their children's activities and achievements helps the children to receive consistent care. Comprehensive, written policies and procedures enable parents to be well informed about the childminder and the service she provides. However, not all written consent has been obtained from parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's self-esteem is fostered through positive interactions with the childminder. They receive lots of praise and encouragement as she involves herself with their play; children feel valued and confident to try new experiences. Clear, consistent house rules, based around safety and respect for property and people are in place, which enable children to develop self-discipline.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children are beginning to learn about and respect differing cultures and abilities through the good range of toys and resources which promote positive images of diversity, and the childminder's positive attitude to providing an inclusive service. Furthermore they mix socially with others at local activity groups where they are beginning to appreciate each others similarities and differences.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children experience a high level of care and support, which aids their development because the childminder has good knowledge and understanding of how children learn and the environment is well organised. Children are involved in a range of interesting age appropriate activities both within and away from the childminding setting.

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Organisation

Children are comfortable and at ease in the warm, welcoming environment of the childminder's home. Good organisation means they have sufficient space to sit, play and move around freely in the areas used for childminding.

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Organisation

The childminder has a positive attitude to childminding. She has a commitment to continual improvement and updating her childminding practice for the benefit of children and their

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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 parents. She has completed training in Birth to three matters, Early Years Foundation Stage and has updated her child protection knowledge.

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Organisation

All documents are in place according to regulation. They are stored securely and available for inspection. The childminder keeps parents well informed about the care she provides. 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 the childminder was asked to ensure that all records relating to childminding are easily accessible for a minimum of two years from the date on which the entry was made and to keep a detailed record of significant events and incidents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder keeps all records relating to childminding, which are stored securely and are readily accessible for inspection. A detailed record of significant events and incidents is in place. The childminder is fully aware that these records need to be kept for a minimum period of two years. This means that children's safety and welfare is protected.

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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): • ensure all relevant parental consents are updated.

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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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