Beechwood Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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109936 Unique Reference Number 29 October 2007 Inspection date Stephanie Graves 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 satisfactory. 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 1993 and lives with her two children aged 17 and 14 in Abbeywood, London. All areas of the childminder's house are used for childminding and 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five on a flexible basis. The childminder attends the local toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to develop their knowledge and understanding of good health issues. For example, the childminder encourages them to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet to prevent the spread of germs. They are taught to cover their mouths when

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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 coughing or sneezing and they do not attend the setting if they have an infectious ailment. These measures help to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses. The childminder uses appropriate antibacterial solutions for cleaning surfaces to help avoid cross infection. Children are cared for effectively if they have an accident or become unwell. This is because the childminder has a current first aid certificate and ensures accident and medication records are in place along with written consent to seek medical advice or treatment. This ensures children's health needs are addressed. Children's physical development is promoted through activities, such as visiting the park and dancing activities. They can also rest within comfortable surroundings which helps to promote their sense of wellbeing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are respected by the childminder who ensures she works with parents to provide for their needs. The childminder encourages healthy eating and children enjoy helping to prepare some meals. They can choose from a healthy selection of foods, including toast or porridge for breakfast, fruit for snacks and salads or pasta meals for lunch. This helps them to be actively involved as they learn about healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to move around and play within safe, secure boundaries. This is because the childminder ensures they are unable to leave the premises unattended and supervises them closely at all times. She ensures potential risks are identified and reduced, for example, by ensuring

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children do not have access to the garden until renovation work is completed. This helps to prevent accidental injury. Children play with toys and equipment that are stored safely and are easily accessible. These are checked regularly to ensure they remain safe and suitable. Children learn how to help keep themselves from harm through good explanations by the childminder. For instance,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

she explains the importance of holding her hand when out walking, which helps to develop their awareness of how to keep safe on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Procedures help to ensure children's welfare and are safety are promoted at all times. For example, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are appropriately located in the home and the childminder ensures any potentially hazardous equipment is inaccessible. She has not updated her knowledge of current local procedures for safeguarding children, but understands her duty towards the children in her care, has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what to do in the event of a concern. This means children's welfare remains a priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and make themselves at home in the childminder's house. They receive good support and can access a range of toys, resources and experiences that promote all areas of learning. These include games, books, role play resources, construction, mark making and interactive toys for any younger children who may attend in the future. The childminder ensures these are readily available and children know they can help themselves. This helps to promote independence and choice. Children talk about their home lives and interests with the childminder who listens attentively, for instance, as they discuss going to the local shopping centre or the hospital. This communication helps to promote children's social and communication skills. They

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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 play creatively, for instance, as they pretend to hold a conversation using a telephone provided for role play. This helps them to represent real life scenarios through their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy looking at books and the childminder extends their learning by asking questions about what they can see. She helps them to count objects, including '1, 2, 3 fish' and learn initial sounds, such as 'k' for 'kite.' Children explore sounds themselves, for instance, as they make the buzzing noise of a bee. Overall the childminder provides a range of toys, resources and experiences to promote children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are regularly acknowledged and affirmed by the childminder who addresses their individual needs. As a result, they demonstrate a sense of belonging as they make themselves at home. Children are settled and enjoy the childminder's input, for instance as she asks what they would like to play with, or talks with them about their families. Toys and resources promote some positive images of diversity and the childminder is aware of the range of experiences children need to help them learn about the similarities and differences between themselves and others. Children are well behaved and the childminder is a good role model who encourages and praises children for their achievements and good behaviour. She manages their behaviour in a way that supports their welfare and development, which helps to promote their confidence and self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from consistency of care, because the childminder works closely with parents to meet their needs. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept informed about all relevant policies and procedures and their children's progress. This means children are supported well between home and the childminding environment.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and play happily within a caring and generally well organised environment. They have free access to a range of appropriate toys and resources. Although improvements are required concerning the childminder's knowledge of local procedures for safeguarding children, she has measures in place to promote their welfare and safety at all times. She has not informed Ofsted of certain changes to the premises. The childminder understands this is a breach of regulation and means children could be at risk as a result of Ofsted’s inability to carry out any appropriate checks. However, the premises are safe and secure and the childminder ensures children are supervised closely at all times. Daily attendance records are in place and show clear arrival and departure times. Children's welfare, care and learning are promoted due to the policies and procedures, which help to underpin the childminder's practice. The

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Organisation

childminder offers a professional service and 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 received three recommendations. These included risk assessing the brick surround of the fire place, developing knowledge and understanding of special needs and informing parents of all the necessary procedures.

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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 recommendations have been addressed. The childminder has ensured a fire guard is in place in front of the fire place. She has a sound understanding of issues surrounding the care of children with learning difficulties and disabilities and has provided parents with written policies and procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken steps towards improving the service she provides and ensuring children are safe and well cared for at all times.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • update knowledge and understanding of current safeguarding children procedures • Notify Ofsted of all significant matters.

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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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