Oakdale First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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107278 Unique Reference Number 23 November 2007 Inspection date Michelle Smith 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 1984. She lives with her husband in East Dulwich in the London Borough of Southwark.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part time basis. The whole ground floor and first floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder takes children to the local playgroup, park and library.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children access an adequately maintained home, where they are developing an understanding of good hygiene practice. For instance, children wash their hands before meals and after using the bathroom. The childminder implements good hygiene practices, such as washing her hands and children's hands after nappy changing. This means children's health is protected. She encourages children to cover their mouths when coughing, protecting others from cross infection.

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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 There are clear procedures in place for caring for children that become unwell. For example, children with infectious diseases are not permitted to attend, therefore, children's well-being is protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are systems in place for recording accidents and medication administered to children. The childminder has consent for seeking emergency treatment and there is a sick children policy in place. The childminder has updated her knowledge in first aid so is able to administer first aid safely in the event of an emergency. There is a first aid box in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder cleans the play materials on a regular basis, this means children enjoy clean and presentable resources. There are opportunities throughout the daily routine for children to rest and be active. For example, children benefit from regular exercise through visits to the local park, where they run and develop their physical skills. Children benefit from daily fresh air.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy meals that are well balanced and meet their individual needs. Children are developing an understanding of healthy eating, as they enjoy fresh fruits at snack time. The childminder works in partnership with parents to develop children's understanding of healthy eating. Children have access to drinking water throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from sufficient space, where they can move around the home freely. All safety equipment in place is in working order. However, there were electrical sockets without the appropriate safety equipment and a ladder not stored safely in the garden. Therefore, children's safety is sometimes put at risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy a good range of play materials and equipment that meet safety standards. Children can make choices in regards to their play materials. They can access toys that are age appropriate to meet their needs and interest. There are clear procedures in place for going on outings. For example, children are strapped securely in their buggy and young children wear safety reins. This means children's wellbeing is safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm through the childminder's good understanding of child protection issues. This means children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder has devised a procedure for allegations made against her. She has devised a child protection policy in line with the local authority's child protection guidelines. However, she does not have a copy of the 'What to do if your worried a child is being abused' document. The childminder is booked on a course to update her knowledge in child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and move around the home confidently. Children take part in range of different play experiences that are age appropriate and meets their individual needs. They enjoy different creative activities, such as painting. Children enjoy their time at the childminder and spend it purposefully. Children enjoy different outdoor play activities. For example, visits to the local playgroup and drop in centres, where they play and meet others. This means children are developing good social skills and building relationships with others. They go on outings with other childminders and enjoy the company of others.

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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 Children access a good range of play materials throughout the day, these contribute to their enjoyment and learning. The childminder gets involved in the children's play and makes it more meaningful for children. For example, during playing with building bricks she extended the child's knowledge in colour recognition and numbers. The childminder knows how children learn and reinforces this positively. Children take part in a variety of different play opportunities, that encourage them to become competent learners and develop their independence. Children enjoy outings to the local park where they access large climbing equipment. This means children are developing their coordination skills. Children take part in regular visits to the local library where they enjoy book awareness sessions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing good social skills as they interact with others. Children enjoy visiting different groups where they meet children and adults from different cultures. They take part in different cultural events and religious celebrations. The children access play materials that reflect positive images of differences, including disability. This means children are developing a positive attitude towards differences. The childminder has a positive attitude towards disability and works in partnership with parents and others to ensure children's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and enjoy the company of others. There are clear procedures in place with regard to behaviour management, which are shared with parents and children. The childminder praises and encourages children positively and understand the positive impact this has on children. Therefore, children are developing positive self esteem. Children are developing good manners. For example, a child asked for a toy and was reminded he must say 'please' and 'thank you'. The childminder has developed close relationships with the children and knows them well. This means children are developing a sense of belonging. Children benefit from the well established relationship built with parents and information is exchanged on a daily basis. This means children benefit from the continuity of care provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and at ease in the organised environment. This reinforces the opportunities for children to initiate their own play. The routine is adapted to meet the needs of the children. Children make the most of the indoor space and maximises their play opportunities. Therefore, children play confidently. The childminder updates her knowledge in childcare practice through relevant training courses.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps all required documentation. Parents are well informed and updated with any changes that may occur within the service. For example, children's activities and developmental progress. 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 agreed to ensure children's times of arrival and departure are recorded in the attendance register. There is a system in place, that includes children's times of arrival and departure. There is a child protection policy and a copy of the childcare practice guide for child protection in place; She has made herself familiar with the guidelines and procedures.

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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

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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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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): • make sure the ladder in the garden is stored safely and inaccessible to children • make sure safety devise are located in electrical sockets that are accessible to children • obtain a copy of the 'What to do if your worried about a child being abused' document.

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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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