Broad Oak Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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105467 Unique Reference Number 05 March 2008 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 outstanding. 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 1990. She lives with her two grown up children, who are both over 16 years old. They live in a first floor flat in Langley. The property is close to local shops, schools, parks and amenities. The childminder uses the lounge, kitchen-diner, and bathroom for childminding purposes and has identified a bedroom for sleeping purposes.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children at any one time. Currently she has five children on roll on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of 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. Although the childminder lives in a flat, she is proactive in allowing children opportunities to benefit from a wide range of physical outdoor activities that include the use of the childminder's daughter's garden, visiting local parks and walking to and from school. This contributes to their good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children start to learn healthy routines from an early age; as they wash hands using liquid soap and dry them on towels provided for them individually. Each child is given a coloured towel; and this is placed on a peg with their name, in the bathroom. Children understand the need to wash hands and therefore become independent in their personal hygiene; but are watched over as they do, which ensures hands are washed correctly. Children are also supplied with their own toothbrush and paste; and brush teeth after each meal. The childminder is meticulous in her own hygiene in that she wears gloves for nappy changes, bags up and disposes of the nappy; and then also washes her hands. Nappy changes are documented in a daily diary and the changing mat is cleaned immediately with an antibacterial spray. Parents supply nappies and wipes but the childminder ensures she maintains a spare supply also. Potty training commences

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Helping children to be healthy

after agreement with parents that children are ready. Parents are asked to supply spare clothes in case of accidents and the childminder offers lots of praise and encouragement; staying in for a few days during the early times to put the child at ease.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents are made aware of the policy in regard to sick children through the childminder's prospectus; and understand that children need to stay at home if suffering sickness/diarrhoea or a contagious disease. This helps to ensure that sickness and childhood illnesses are not spread. The childminder updated her paediatric first aid training in November 2007 and displays this certificate for parents to see. Accident records are recorded fully and describe the accident and welfare received. Parents sign to acknowledge. Likewise, medication consents are in place and if medication is administered the details are recorded consistently. Children's well-being is therefore enhanced by these comprehensive procedures.

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Helping children to be healthy

Sleeping children are checked on regularly. The childminder works with parents as to children's preferences. The childminder supplies travel cots with clean, individual bedding; however, if children prefer they sleep in the pushchair.

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Helping children to be healthy

Some parents supply food for their children during the day; but others are happy for the childminder to provide this. Meals provided are healthy and nutritious and include, for example breakfasts of cereals and toast; lunches of sandwiches, fruit, cheese egg on toast; and main meals of, for instance, sausage pie, jacket potato, curry, spaghetti bolognaise or roast chicken. The childminder has completed a food hygiene course. The childminder meets the children's dietary/cultural needs to ensure that they have a healthy diet. Children are offered drinking water or milk throughout the day. Children take part in cooking together with the childminder; preparing their own lunches for example, such as home made pizza and sandwiches cut into shapes. Snacks are provided by the childminder and normally consist of fruit. A daily diary lists the times children eat and how much. The childminder is aware of children's dietary/cultural

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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

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children feel safe and secure in the childminders home which is extremely welcoming to children. Children's own work is extensively displayed in the kitchen and children can see their pictures displayed in the themes they have been looking at on the walls and notice boards. The childminder lives in a flat and children have access to the main lounge, bathroom and toilet. Children are supervised when eating or taking part in messy play in the kitchen/diner and the childminder's bedroom is used for sleeping children. The childminder's home is clean, light and airy. Entry is gained through an intercom system.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures the equipment she uses is maintained well and kept in good condition. A strict cleaning rota is in place, which therefore ensures that children play with toys that are clean and hygienic. Children can access their toys and resources easily, overseen by the childminder who checks to make sure that they are appropriate for the children's age and development. The lounge is spacious and although many resources are available they are placed in a way that children can move around freely and independently.

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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 maintains thorough risk assessment procedures and checks for each room. Risks to children are therefore minimised by this excellent practice. Checks such as hot drinks only being allowed in the kitchen if children are present; the front door remaining locked with keys readily available for adults; stair gates being in place; a visitors book being maintained; and children not going in the kitchen when cooking takes place for example help to keep children safe from harm. Additional risk assessments document procedures for when out and about, in the car, road safety and minor/major injuries.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept further safe as cleaning materials are locked away or kept out of children's reach; knives are in drawers with child proof locks; windows are locked in a ventilated position; socket covers are fitted; the bathroom and toilet doors can be opened from outside which stops children being accidentally locked inside; restraints are used on children when in the highchair; and stair gates are fitted over the doors of all rooms.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder does not have a garden; however, she makes it a priority to take children out and about each day. Effective practice is followed and understood by children to keep children safe. The youngest child is always carried downstairs, whilst others walk down holding the rail or her hand. Children understand to press the exit button to go out of the foyer door; however, only do so once she says they can. Children wait by her whilst they are put into the car or pushchair. When walking down the road, children walk beside her or are on wrist straps. Children are inspired to learn road safety as the childminder teaches them the 'Green Cross Code' and chooses safe crossing spots. The childminder takes with her all children's emergency details and a booklet explaining she is a childminder and the procedure to follow should there be an accident or emergency. If out for the day children have fluorescent tags detailing her mobile

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

phone number. This helps to keep children safe should they ever be lost. When using the car, the childminder places children in age and size appropriate car seats or boosters. Her car is maintained in a road worthy condition and she is insured as legally required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is forward thinking also in regard to children's safety and well being; as she is currently having renovations made to her home. She has instructed builders to only work at weekends therefore minimising any risks to children.

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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 The childminder is organised in her emergency procedures. Landlord checks in relation to appliances are retained on file. An evacuation plan is in place and children practise an evacuation in times of fire/emergency. Comments and times are recorded for this. Smoke detectors are fitted within the flat; and although fitted with 10 year batteries are checked regularly. A carbon monoxide tester is also fitted and a fire blanket is in place in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has completed child protection training and is aware to be alerted to the signs and symptoms of abuse. A policy is in place which details the procedures to be followed to safeguard the children in her care. Children's welfare is therefore thoroughly supported by this secure knowledge. The policy in place is brought to parents' attention and they understand that any concerns would be noted. The childminder is aware to protect herself from false allegation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy their time with the childminder; being happy and settled in her company. The childminder is confident in her care and enthusiastic with the children. Children have a vast range of resources which are appropriate for their age and development; and include a range of baby toys, such as push-alongs, small construction, cars, small world toys, a large play bus, shape sorter, musical and soft play. Other resources available are stored around the living room on shelving and on/beneath cupboard storage but are easily accessible to the children. Children enjoy playing with the garage and cars, roadway, buggies and dolls, animals and other figures, Barbie/Sindy dolls, a large dolls house, puzzles for a range of abilities, books, play mat for writing, drawing or painting, a cot, manipulative play materials, art and craft, peg puzzles, Lego and Duplo.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder imaginatively increases children's development of pretend play as she places dried pasta for example in cooking pots within the toy kitchen; and although the play is child led, the childminder is on hand, asking open questions, such as 'what are you making?' and 'when will it be ready?'. Children delight in her interaction and serve food to her on small toy plates. Children then explore and experiment as the childminder offers ideas of what they could cook next.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder and the children she cares for have a warm relationship. Children also interact well with the childminder's grown up children, of whom they are happy to approach and talk to. An exceptional amount of time is spent on art and craft. For Mother's Day children made hand print pictures which were laminated and decorated with ribbons. The kitchen is decorated with friezes and collages of children's own work placed into themes. Art and craft materials such as paints, colouring pencils, model making with recycled materials, cutting and gluing, pasta, materials and cloths, pipe cleaners are all used in a way to stimulate children's fun and enjoyment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder helps children to achieve their potential as she plans her months around themes, such as the fire service; where exceptional talents are shown through introducing fire safety and evacuation in an emergency along with making firemen biscuits, dressing up as firemen, making collages, singing songs. Other themes have included doctors and nurses, the dustmen, festivals around the world and musical instruments.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are taken out each day as the childminder lives in a flat. Not only do children gain fresh air and exercise through walking to and from school but they also visit local parks and

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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 toddler groups. On special occasions children make trips out to places like the fire station, Ruislip Lido, the ball park/soft play, Odds Farm, watching local flats being demolished and Beale Park for example. Children therefore become aware of their local environment and the world around them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder maintains extensive records of children's progress as they learn to mark make and draw as well as personal achievements. She keeps record books for parents which mark off developmental landmarks in line with Birth to three and the Foundation Stage. Parents are welcome to see these at any time; but mainly they are used to help her plan children's next steps in developing their social and personal understanding, confidence and self esteem. Children's photographs are also extensively kept and show children flourishing at play feeding dolls at the make belief picnic, playing tennis, indoor skittles, forming relationships, in the playground, sleeping, taking part in cooking - making biscuits, sandwiches and healthy snacks; celebrating festivals such as St Patrick's Day, Easter and Chinese New Year; dressing up, painting, water play, play dough, outdoor play, in the park and on the rides at Windsor.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children, upon coming home from school are allowed a little relaxation time and can watch a little television if they wish. They later have special resources set out for them once the younger ones go home, which include items with small pieces which may not be safe to use when the younger children are around. Therefore all children are shown equal opportunity whilst keeping others safe.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are introduced to diversity from an early age during their time with the childminder. For instance, children have books which the childminder reads to them, such as 'Don't Call Me Special'; play with small world people who depict disability, ethnicity and age; and a bus which comes complete with a wheelchair. Children therefore gain an understanding about positive images within society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is extremely aware that some children have particular needs. She works with parents in supporting children to ensure that all children are included, adapting her care and day to incorporate their development into everyday life. For example, extended settling in time along with parents is provided for children who do not speak English as a first language; and imaginative use of laminated cards to help children communicate their needs is used.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children show respect to one another, the childminder, her family and home. They behave well. Children feel at home and are relaxed in the childminder's care and well organised environment. The childminder has a strong understanding of children's individual needs and children receive lots of cuddles and praise, which in turn enables them to feel valued. Children learn to share and develop an understanding of right and wrong. However, if children do act inappropriately, the childminder uses distraction techniques to defuse the situation, or, with parents' permission, makes children sit on the sofa for a time, appropriate to their age and understanding. She explains why this has been put in place and children are encouraged to say sorry.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents visit the childminder before signing contracts. The childminder talks them through all of her policies, procedures and care. Parents take away her portfolio which is very detailed, giving information about her home, family, day to day activities for children, meals provided and communication. A trial period is set in place and parents sign to acknowledge the policies and procedures; and complete written consent forms. The childminder is efficient in that she

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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 displays in her hallway a notice board detailing her training/qualification certificates, healthy eating information, hand washing routines, daily routines for children, a multi faith calendar, her public liability insurance, the certificate of registration and Ofsted poster. Parents therefore are prolifically aware of how to contact Ofsted should they have any need to and also aware of the care their children are receiving. Children are consequently kept safe and healthy through this extensive information.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A complaints book is in place for parents to see if needed. This book also contains a compliments section which has been completed with parents present and past offering many positive comments about the care their children receive. The childminder completes a daily diary; detailing eating, sleeping, well-being and nappy/toileting needs for the younger children; which is given to parents at the end of the week. She also gives verbal feedback to parents at the end of each day.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. She is organised and thorough with her paperwork; and has a calm, caring manner. The childminder has completed paediatric first aid training, child protection awareness, food hygiene and Early Years Foundation Stage introduction meetings. Children's welfare and health is therefore enhanced by this good practice.

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Organisation

The childminder details registers efficiently and monitors children's attendance, arrival and departure times. A visitor's book is in place which helps to ensure children's safety. Accident and medication records are completed accurately with parental signatures to acknowledge. New parents are made fully aware of the care which is offered to their children and are provided with a comprehensive portfolio; which includes information about activities and visits, time spent at her daughter's house/garden; menu and food provided and general information about her training and family.

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Organisation

The childminder has an exceptionally professional and extensive range of policies and procedures in place; which far exceed what is expected of her as a childminder. These policies and procedures are made available to parents. Parents sign to acknowledge they have read and understood them; and include, for example equal opportunities, admissions, under two's, behaviour management, healthy eating, health and safety, sickness, child protection, medication and accidents, confidentiality, fire safety/evacuation in an emergency and television.

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Organisation

Written consents are in place signed for by parents for allowing the childminder to seek emergency treatment or advice; for travelling in the car; for general outings; for dental hygiene; and for photographs for example. The childminder is aware of developing the care she offers and keeps a document on the National Standards; and how she meets these. She is also forward thinking in that she keeps past Ofsted reports and notes her personal improvement in the areas which were identified. Fire evacuation plans and fire drill documents are recorded thoroughly, noting the children present, comments to improve and time taken. Smoke detectors along with the carbon monoxide tester are monitored regularly and a check list maintained. Children's' personal records are stored confidentially and contain all information legally required.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was set two recommendations. Firstly, to ensure the attendance of all children cared for is accurately recorded. The childminder has addressed this in full. The childminder details children's attendance, noting their time of arrival and departure to each five minutes. Children's safety and welfare is therefore increased by this effective practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Secondly, to update paperwork used for recording accidents and administration of medication. The childminder has again addressed this in full. Accidents are recorded in full giving a description of the accident and the care/treatment applied. Medication records are recorded thoroughly. Parents give written consent for any prescribed medication to be administered. The time, dose, medication are all noted and signed for by both the childminder and the parent. Children's health and well-being are therefore enhanced by this comprehensive practice.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection no complaints have been made to Ofsted that required Ofsted or the provider to take 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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