New Summerseat House School

Inspection report for early years provision

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105375 Unique Reference Number 13 November 2007 Inspection date Aileen Ewins 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 1995. She lives with her husband and three children aged 18, 14 and eight years old. The family live in a house in Slough. The property is close to local shops, schools and amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. A bedroom on the first floor is also available for older children to play in. There is a fully enclosed garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children, of which only three may be under five years of age; and of these no more than one under one year. Currently the childminder has four children on roll.

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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 satisfactory. Children learn about healthy hygiene rules from an early age and are encouraged to wash their hands after going to the toilet, after touching any animals, after playing outside and before meal times. Children are given liquid soap but share a towel to dry their hands on; although the childminder watches over them as they wash their hands. The childminder also ensures children wipe runny noses and she disposes of the tissue.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide nappies and wipes for younger children and the childminder has a sound routine in place for nappy changes. When children are potty training, the childminder offers support and works in regard to parents' wishes. She also ensures that parents are informed about nappy changes and potty training development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children get lots of opportunities for fresh air and exercise, either playing outside or dancing along to music at home; on trips out to places such as Black Park, or local parks. Children also go to toddler groups where they can move about more freely.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in that the childminder is aware to document any accidents or medication given and is aware to inform parents and get their signatures to acknowledge this. The childminder has allowed her paediatric first aid certificate to expire however; and although a date has been set for this qualification to be renewed, a breach of National Standard 1 in Organisation has been noted. The childminder keeps a stocked first aid box and has a policy in place in regard to caring for sick children. Parents are aware to keep children away for 48 hours if suffering from sickness or the required incubation period for contagious diseases.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to drinking water throughout the day and parents bring snacks and lunches for the children. The childminder makes this into a picnic on some days and children enjoy their food sitting on a rug in the lounge. On other days or when the children have hot food they sit at the table. Parents provide children with healthy food which includes sandwiches, soup, fruit and yogurts. Parents with young babies provide formula milk. The childminder cradles young babies when being fed and lets parents know the quantities of milk taken.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminders home is clean and tidy and welcoming to children. Children have access to the downstairs which includes a lounge and toilet. Children have supervised access to the kitchen/dining room. Stair gates are in place over the stairs and through to the kitchen area. Children can access toys and resources well. The toys are clean and well looked after.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe within the home as the childminder risk assesses the downstairs each morning, checking, the floor, doors and windows being locked, chemicals locked away and sharp knives out of reach. A thermostat controls the heating and socket covers are in place. The childminder has set an emergency evacuation plan. Smoke detectors are in place and a fire blanket is fitted in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When out and about the childminder uses the pushchair and walks the safest routes. Older children walk alongside her holding her hand or the pushchair. If using the car, children have

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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 age and size appropriate seats. The childminder's car is insured as legally required. Permission from parents is sought for trips out by foot and in the car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children also have opportunities to play in the small paved garden which is surrounded by fencing. A summer house outside is locked. Children's toys, such as bicycles, garden games, rocking toys, sit on cars and trucks for example are stored in a smaller shed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and is aware to document any concerns she has as well as keeping herself safe from false accusations, however, she does not hold current information about local safeguarding policies and the relevant contact numbers should she require these.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are content and settled at the childminder's. They happily play together and are confident to talk to and approach the childminder who speaks to them warmly. The childminder offers children lots of attention and is aware of their individual needs. Children have many resources which include shape sorters, soft play, dolls, cars, appropriate puzzles and art and craft materials. Children cheerfully sit on the floor with a large wipe over mat drawing shapes and colouring with water based pens. A girl delightfully calls out the shapes such as a star and objects such as an aeroplane as they draw on the mat together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is happy to sit down and play with the children who are offered board and sharing games such as Crocodile Dentist. A young boy gets excited as he chooses a tooth and gets a 'bite' from the dentist. Through these games, children learn about turn taking and gain self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have many opportunities to have fun both at the childminder's and out and about. Children go for walks to the shops, and have fun visiting the animals at the pet shop, enjoy the park and trips to local toddler groups as well as other childminders' homes to play with different children. At home the children enjoy cooking, for instance making biscuits, dressing up, playing with musical toys and having fun together with dance and songs. Children also have opportunities to watch a little television for quieter periods of the day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop well whilst in the care of the childminder, who talks to the children calmly and nicely. Children are treated as individuals which helps them to feel valued. Children learn right from wrong and also how to treat each other with respect. The childminder explains to them why something is not nice to say or do. She does give time out to children for inappropriate behaviour but the child sits in the same room as others for just a short period and is encouraged to say sorry. Good behaviour is affirmed positively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are offered opportunities to learn about the diverse world in which they live. At toddler groups they take part in art and craft around festivals such as Diwali and at home they read books such as All Kinds Of people and Tickle Tickle which teach children about culture and disability. The childminder is aware of confidentiality in regard to dealing with children who have particular needs and would work with parents to provide the best care for children should

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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 need arise where she minded a child who needed extra support. She would ensure that any child she cared for was included regardless of need or ability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good relationship with parents. She informs parents about their child's well-being during the day and details food eaten, nappy and toileting, sleeping routines for example. The childminder offers a trial period of around three months to ensure both she and the child are suited. The childminder has been minding children for many years now and holds references and thank you letters from parents of children she has cared for.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a warm relationship with the children she cares for. Children are treated with respect and equal concern. Children are happy and settled and confident to approach the childminder. The childminder displays her certificate of registration and makes parents aware of the role of Ofsted. The childminder is in breach of a regulation in respect of National Standard 1.5 however; as her paediatric first aid certificate has expired. The childminder, once aware, ensured a place on the relevant training and will inform Ofsted once this has been completed. The childminder is aware to document any accidents or incidents happening to children in her care and to obtain parents' signatures to witness these. She holds a stocked first aid box which is checked often. The childminder is also aware to document any medication given to children and to obtain written permission for this from parents.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps written policies which are made available to parents in respect of emergency evacuation, visitors, sick children and food and drink for example. The childminder also obtains written permissions for outings, travelling in the car, and taking a child to hospital in an emergency. Written permissions are not in place however, to seek medical advice or treatment in an emergency. The childminder is aware that these records need to be updated.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps a record plan of her daily day and is aware to document visitors. She also intends to shortly commence a Level 3 qualification in Child Care. The childminder keeps records of the children as required as holds emergency contact numbers for each child as well as being aware of children's dietary needs and allergies. Registers are soundly updated and include information about children's arrival and departure times, particularly noting if a child arrives late or leaves early.

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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 the childminder was set four recommendations. These were as follows:

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Improvements since the last inspection

Ensure consents are in place from all parents to seek medical attention in the event of an emergency. Consents are in place to take children to hospital in an emergency, but not for seeking emergency treatment or advice. A further recommendation has been set for the wording within this written permission for parents to be altered in line with National Standards.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Ensure that copies of the National Standards for Childminding and guidance are obtained and in place within the setting. The childminder has addressed this and has in place her copies of the National Standards and guidance along with information about the Early Years Foundation Stage which commences during 2008. This helps to ensure children are cared for in line with current legislation as the childminder is aware of these regulations.

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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 Ensure that incidents regarding existing injuries and behaviour are formally recorded and shared with the parents. The childminder does no longer has her previous incident book/accident book; but is aware to document accidents and record any concerns or incidents which happen during her care of the children she has on roll. The childminder is also aware to obtain parents' signatures to sign to acknowledge this procedure which helps to ensure children are kept safe whilst in her care. The current accident/incident book does not contain any entries as yet however.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Obtain the Area Child Protection Co-ordinator procedures and ensure that they are available within the setting. The childminder keeps a record of Sure Start contacts. She is aware of the role of Social Services and Ofsted in relation to child protection; but does not have contact numbers for Social Services to hand. The childminder would however contact her Sure Start contact if she had any concerns about a child in her care. Whilst the childminder has sound awareness to safeguard the children in her care a further recommendation has been set in relation to this.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require Ofsted or the provider to take any further 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): • obtain written consents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • update appropriate first aid qualifications in line with National Standards • obtain local child protection procedures and contact numbers and ensure they are kept within the setting.

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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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