Front Lawn Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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115907 Unique Reference Number 21 February 2008 Inspection date Hazel Farrant 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 was registered in 1994. She lives with her partner in Twickenham, Middlesex with her four children aged 16, 14, 11 and 8 years old. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with sleeping and toilet facilities available upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. The childminder takes children to the library and attends a local toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for three children under the age of five years old on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the local Childminding Network and the National Childminding Association.

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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 outstanding. Children are developing their physical skills through the extremely good range of activities and opportunities available to them within the home and beyond. Children experience a wide variety of outings within the weekly planning to access physical activities. These include childminder drop in groups and visits to the park and other places of interest to children such as soft play areas. Children have access to an excellent range of safe, age and stage appropriate equipment within the home. This enables children to begin to develop both small and large muscle skills and develop confidence in their physical abilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children stay healthy because the childminder has highly effective procedures in place to ensure good standards of hygiene and to minimise potential for the spread of infection. The childminder gives high priority to ensuring that children's individual needs are met, particularly in relation to hygiene. Children have their own face flannels and towels. Antibacterial gel is easily accessible to further promote hygiene. Nappies are disposed of extremely well; they are placed in a sealed nappy bin which is regularly emptied. Children are encouraged to learn about hygiene issues through role modelling and daily routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is extremely aware of any specific health issues and problems regarding the children in her care. She updates her knowledge from the parents and effectively ensures she meets the specific health needs of the children in her care. The childminder holds all of the required documentation and extensive policies and procedures are in place to record accidents and administration of medication; these are updated regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder promotes healthy eating within her home. Children receive healthy, well balanced meals and snacks. Mealtimes are a sociable occasion with the children sitting together. The childminder encourages the children to develop their own independence skills by giving each child a suitable range of utensils. Babies are encouraged to eat finger foods and enjoy eating bananas and raisins. The childminder ensures she meets children’s individual needs extremely well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's careful consideration and regard for health and safety. She operates effective procedures to ensure toys and equipment are suitable for children's age and abilities. Risks of accidents and injury are minimised because the childminder identifies risks and takes steps to manage them appropriately. For example, the steps leading out of the house to the garden have a rail fitted and white paint defines the edge of each step.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Space is used effectively on the ground floor enabling children to develop their independence as they safely access their toys in the dedicated playroom. The large hall provides a suitable area for children to enjoy using the home corner. The floor space in the playroom provides a good base for the children's construction activities. The lounge enables older children to relax quietly in comfort.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are developing regard for their own safety and the safety of others. They learn how to behave appropriately near roads and not to speak to strangers. Simple rules and routines enable the children to develop their independence on outings but remain within the childminder's

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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 view at all times. A clear evacuation plan is in place and the childminder talks with children about what they would do if they needed to leave the building quickly. A clear well planned back up system is in place ensuring that in an emergency the childminder has reliable people who can help her. Toys and equipment are arranged ensuring that children play with items designed and suitable for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the action she is required to take as a childminder. She has developed a clear written policy regarding safeguarding children which clearly informs the reader of her role in protecting children and reporting any concerns to the appropriate agencies for further investigation. Although most paperwork is in place regarding children safety, currently not all members of the household aged over 16 years old are in receipt of a police clearance. There was also a delay in informing Ofsted of changes to persons over the age of 16 living in the household. These are both breaches in regulations, therefore compromise children's safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children's development is encouraged significantly by the childminder's understanding and commitment to the children in her care. She takes time to talk to parents and gathers information enabling her to understand the individual child. Excellent social interaction and warm relationships are freely encouraged through the childminder's active commitment to her role; she talks and listens to the children attentively at all times. Children develop their independence extremely well as they are encouraged to make choices and take care of their personal needs. This encourages self confidence and self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children undertake a wide range of developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which provide high levels of challenge appropriate to their ages and stages of development. These provide opportunities to develop their physical skills, social skills and awareness of the world around them. They visit the local library and select books developing their awareness of how to use books for pleasure. Children use the VTech walker to steady themselves and revel in the cause and effect features of the equipment. They turn the dials and answer the phone and giggle with delight.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Excellent relationships develop between the childminder and the children as she listens carefully and responds with interest to them. Children feel confident and secure in the childminder's care because she provides a clear routine where they are able to make choices. Activities in the fresh air, regular food and rest times ensure the children are refreshed and able to enjoy their time with the childminder. The childminder uses her knowledge of individual children and observations made from activities to plan future experiences, ensuring children learn to take the next steps in their development when they are ready and thrive in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Strong relationships are built with parents. Excellent systems are in place to ensure they are kept well informed of their child's daily activity and progress, for example, through daily conversations, photographs and diaries. Clear, easily understood policies increase parent’s awareness of the childminders role and how her service works. Parents are encouraged to share appropriate information about their children and provide consent for various activities enabling the children to receive appropriate care at all times. Good communication with parents enables

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 to have an awareness of children's individual needs and ensure that they are met appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has excellent knowledge of managing behaviour taking into account children’s ages and stage of development. Children respond effectively to guidance and praise. She encourages children to think about the consequences of their actions whilst being sensitive to the children's maturity and level of understanding and adapts her responses appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children meet a wide variety of people as they go for walks in the local community, visit the library and attend various children's activities. These opportunities enable children to accept differences and show respect for others. They have access to an excellent range of appropriate toys and resources which reflect our diverse community.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Most of the required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well being is in place and is stored confidentially ensuring that privacy is respected. Space is used effectively and flexibly, promoting maximum use of all available resources.

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Organisation

The childminder provides an environment where children are confident and happy to play. She clearly enjoys her role and consequently the children enjoy their time in her care. The childminder has attended and completed child care training to level three and is currently working towards a degree in childcare, demonstrating her commitment to her work with children. Quality written information is available for parents enabling them to have a clear understanding of the service provided. 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 uneven slabs in the garden did not pose a hazard to young children. The slabs have been made safe and the childminder has since moved from this property.

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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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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 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): • ensure Ofsted are informed of any changes in the persons over the age of 16 living in the household. Ensure police checks are carried out without delay.

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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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