Brackenhill Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

107250 Unique Reference Number 15 November 2007 Inspection date Christine Jacqueline Davies Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and adult son , in a four bedroom house, in the London borough of Southwark. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden, available for supervised outside play. The property is close to local schools, parks and transport services. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently three children on roll. The family have one cat.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and well-being are protected, because the childminder, has good systems in place to prevent cross infection. For example, the childminder has devised a sickness policy and children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own personal hygiene. In addition to this, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a good understanding of first aid procedures. Children's good health is further promoted, because the childminder, ensures that appropriate records regarding accidents and medication, are in place. Children

p.2

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 have many opportunities to participate in activities that contribute to their physical health. For example, children use the garden or visit the park on a regular basis. Children benefit from a healthy diet, because the childminder ensures that meals reflect individual dietary needs. Children enjoy mealtimes as a social occasion and are encouraged to express their likes and dislikes.

p.2

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment. The childminder has ensured that suitable precautions are in place, which enable children to explore their environment with confidence. However, the full length glass mirror in the hallway, is not made of toughened glass and is accessible to children. This means at times, children's safety is potentially compromised. Children are able to access toys and equipment safely in the home, because they are well organised, and in good condition. In addition to this, the childminder supervises the children closely and encourages them to move around safely, such as not running and to be aware of others. Children's safety is promoted because, the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection and has appropriate procedures in place, to further safeguard children's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are motivated and explore their surroundings with enthusiasm. They benefit from an extensive range of toys and resources, that are organised so that they are easily accessible. This enables children to be independent learners. The childminder is aware of the individual learning needs of children and ensures that activities provided, are age and developmentally appropriate. Children benefit from a flexible, varied routine and play well together, helping them to feel settled and secure. They enjoy activities which include many opportunities to develop their imaginative and creative abilities. For example, using musical instruments, playing with cars and participating in a range of art and craft activities. Children also enjoy regular opportunities to visit local places of interest and develop their social skills, by attending a variety of community groups. In addition to this, the childminder ensures that she rotates

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

equipment provided for children, to maintain their interest and enjoyment.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder meets the individual needs of children, by adopting a child centred approach and working in partnership with parents. In addition to this, parents are kept informed of their child's care and progress on a daily basis. Children's confidence and self-esteem are promoted, because the childminder is committed to providing an inclusive environment and ensures that children are treated with equal concern. Furthermore, she provides a good range of resources, that reflect the wider world and promote positive images of society. This helps children develop an awareness of differences and promotes respect. Children benefit from positive behaviour strategies, helping them to feel secure. The childminder has a sensitive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and encourages parents to contribute to the overall welfare and care of their child.

p.3

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

p.3

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has ensured that effective systems are in place, so that children's overall health and well-being are met. Children are presented with variety and choice during play and space is organised so that children play safely. The premises are safe and most hazards have been removed or made safe, with the exception of the glass mirror in the hallway. All required documentation is in place and is shared with parents. In addition to this, detailed policies and procedures, contribute to the overall welfare of children. The childminder is committed to continually improving the level of care offered to children and has attended training regarding child protection, equality and inclusion. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The previous care inspection recommended that the childminder, increase play materials and resources, that help children learn about diversity and equality. It was also recommended that documentation, such as, children's records, policies and procedures are well organised, easily accessible and shared with parents. Since the last inspection, the childminder has increased her provision reflecting diversity and ensures that it is easily accessible to minded children. Documentation regarding childminding activities is organised so that it is easily accessible and is available to parents at all times.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.4

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.

p.4

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 that the full length glass mirror is made safe

p.4

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

p.4

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

p.4