Princess Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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105447 Unique Reference Number 11 December 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 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 1993. She lives with her husband, father-in-law and children in a semi-detached house within a quiet area of Langley. Their home is close to schools, shops and parks. Most areas of the house are used for childminding. There is also a fully enclosed garden. The family have a cat and a large dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for six children under eight years of age, three of whom may be under five years old; and of these only one under a year. Currently there are four children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children follow healthy routines whilst in the care of the childminder. Children wash their hands before and after eating, after playing outside and after using the toilet. When children are being potty trained the childminder works with parent's wishes and offers support. Babies and young children in nappies are cared for well too. The childminder wears gloves for changes but

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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 also washes her hands after. Parents provide nappies, creams and wipes. The childminder informs parents about nappy changes at the end of the day. A sickness policy is in place and children stay at home if they are unwell or suffering from a contagious disease. A medication procedure is in place; and although the childminder does not administer medication, she is aware to gain written permission if she should; and document fully. The same secure policy is in place in regard to recording accidents. Sleeping children are provided with travel cots and individual bedding. Children are checked often when asleep and the childminder also uses a baby monitor.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder's family does have a large dog and a cat. The family pets are kept away from the children and are looked after well. Pets are fed in the kitchen. A stair gate is in place and therefore children do not have unsupervised access into the kitchen.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive plenty of fresh air and exercise through playing in the garden, walking to and from school, visiting the park and going for walks to feed the ducks. Younger children also make visits to soft play centres and toddler/carer groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide meals for the children which the childminder ensures are healthy and nutritious. The childminder is aware of children's individual dietary needs and any allergies they may have. Lunch boxes are stored in the fridge. Children are offered water throughout the day and if needed snacks of fruit or yogurts. The childminder ensures that parents are aware of children's eating habits; for example, she returns any uneaten food at the end of the day. Formula milk and weaning foods for babies and young children are also provided by parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe within the childminder's home and generally use the downstairs of the house. Stair gates are in place and children only have supervised access to rooms upstairs or the kitchen. Cleaning materials are stored in a cupboard with a child proof lock, doors and windows are lockable, safety glass is fitted over the French doors, the bathroom door lock can be accessed from outside, plug sockets are in place and the central heating is controlled thermostatically. The childminder makes regular checks on all toys, resources and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are made aware of the emergency evacuation plan in place. Smoke detectors are fitted both upstairs and downstairs and a fire blanket is in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have supervised access to the garden which is secured by fencing and wall. The double gate to the back is locked and the side gate has two bolts in place. Children are kept further safe as the childminder ensures no poisonous plants are in the garden. The family dog uses an area to the side of the garden when outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When out and about children are kept safe on the roads as the childminder teaches them road safety. When walking along young children are in the pushchair, holding the childminder's hand or wearing a wrist restraint. Children's emergency details are always to hand when outside the home. The childminder stores these both on her mobile phone and in her diary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware to document any concerns she has about the children in her care and would alert the relevant authorities for any major concerns she had in regard to child protection.

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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 enjoy their time with the childminder who is approachable and caring. Children are content, settled and happily talk to the childminder. Children enjoy a range of activities which include playing in the garden with the see saw, small trampoline, sit in cars, play tent, a swing, bats and balls and a sand pit. Children also take part in dressing up games, birthday teas, play dough, sponge painting and art and craft work. Indoors children are provided with toys and resources to suit all their age groups; for example, buttons and threading, Duplo, soft play, musical toys, dolls, cars, puzzles, games, magnets and Lego. Younger children are taken on visits to toddler groups and all enjoy visits to places like Windsor and local parks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals whilst in the care of the childminder. The childminder is aware of their personal needs. Children are encouraged to learn about other cultures and positive images of society; for instance children have access to books which depict culture, religion and disability. Children can dress up in cultural dressing up clothes whilst playing. The childminder is aware of working with parents in cases where children have particular needs or difficulties and is aware of keeping information confidential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and have respect for each other and their surroundings. Good behaviour is affirmed with praise. If children are acting inappropriately, for example arguing over a toy, she explains about sharing and being kind to one another. However, if the situation persists she uses a 'time out' approach appropriate for the age and understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good relationship with the parents of the children she cares for. A four week trial period is in place. Parents meet with her to talk through the policies and procedures before children start. References are on file for children looked after in the past. At the end of each day the childminder talks to parent's about children's eating, sleeping, toileting/nappy changes and general well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is experienced, organised and thorough in her care of children. She has continued to extend her training needs and considers future development also. The childminder holds references from parents of children cared for in the past. All necessary paperwork is in place as required; for example confidential records are kept for children's personal details; registers record the arrival and departure times of the children; and written consents are kept in regard to emergency treatment, going out in the car and photographs. Consents for general outings and observations are not in place however; but the childminder is now aware to ensure these are completed.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed a paediatric first aid course; has put a procedure in place for an emergency evacuation for both upstairs and downstairs; and is aware to safeguard the children she cares for by ensuring she holds the necessary contact numbers. Medication and accident forms are held and the childminder is aware of confidentiality and the need to gain parental signatures to acknowledge these documents.

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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 Written policies are held in respect of the family pets, sickness, nutrition, alternative care and risk assessments for example. Parents are made aware of these policies. On file the childminder holds information about herself and her family, public liability and business car insurance. She also keeps past inspection reports, a complaints log form and makes parents aware of the role of Ofsted. The childminder displays her registration certificate.

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Organisation

Children are settled in her care and confident to play with her and approach for help if needed.

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Organisation

The provider 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 three recommendations. These were to ensure confidentiality is kept with accident records. The childminder has addressed this by ensuring that accidents are recorded on a separate page for each child/accident. Children's confidential information is therefore kept secure.

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Improvements since the last inspection

To ensure parental permission is gained for emergency medical treatment. The childminder has addressed this and all parents complete a consent for emergency medical treatment/advice. Children's well-being is therefore looked after in times of emergency and the childminder at the same time protects herself from false accusation.

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Improvements since the last inspection

To ensure parents are given Ofsted contact details. The childminder has addressed this recommendation in that she meets with parents before children start. All parents go through the policies and procedures, the childminder's qualification, the role of Ofsted and have the opportunity to see past inspection reports. On file also is a complaint file. Parents are therefore aware of the procedures to take should they have a concern.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required 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 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): • obtain written permissions are in place for outings and observations.

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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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