Highfield Middle School

Inspection report for early years provision

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107389 Unique Reference Number 03 December 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 2002. She lives with her husband and children age eight and nine in Dulwich within the London borough of Southwark. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding two children. The whole house is used for childminding. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder takes the children to the local park and library.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children access a home that is clean and well maintained. The childminder has updated her knowledge in first aid. Therefore, able to administer first aid safely. This means children's welfare is protected. There is a combined system in place for recording accidents and medication administered to children. All accidents are recorded and shared with parents. Children enjoy visits to the local park, where they benefit from regular exercise and fresh air. They develop their physical skills as they run, play and access large play equipment.

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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 systems in place for caring for children that become unwell, for example, children with infectious diseases are not permitted. This means children's wellbeing is safeguarded. Children are developing an understanding of good hygiene practice, for example, children wash their hands before meals and after using the bathroom.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy meals that are balanced and healthy. The childminder takes children's likes and dislikes into account when preparing meals. Children benefit from a varied diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables. This means children are developing an understanding of healthy eating. Children benefit from drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children access a home that is secure and well maintained. All safety equipment in place is in working order, for example, there is a safety gate at the kitchen door and located at the bottom of the stairs. This means children can move around the home safely. Children enjoy a range of toys and play materials that are in good condition and meets safety standards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues, for example, age appropriate travelling equipment is used for outings in the car. This means children's welfare is protected. The childminder has regular discussion with children relating to road safety and how to keep themselves safe. For instance, no talking to strangers and the green cross code. Children are supervised inside and outside of the home. The childminder has recently devised a fire drill system, that will be practised with the children. This means children will become aware of the procedure to take in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a basic understanding of the child protection issues. She shared the signs and symptoms of abuse. However, she was not confident with some aspects of child protection guidelines and there is no systems in place for recording confidential information. She has a copy of the 'What to do if your worried about a child being abused' document. Children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of different play experiences, that are age appropriate and meets their individual needs. The children enjoy visit to the local park, where they can run play and develop their coordination skills. The childminder makes use of the local facilities, for example, visit to the local library, where children take part in different art and craft activities. This means children are developing an understanding of different textures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children go on nature walks and collect different items, relating to the season of weather, for example, leaves and chestnuts. Therefore, children are developing an understanding of nature. Children spend their time purposefully, throughout the day. Children are encouraged to use their imagination as they enjoy malleable materials, for instance, children use clay to make different objects of their choice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy visits to the Hornium Museum, where they can observe different water creature in the aquarium and stuffed wild animals. This means children are developing an understanding of different creatures and where they live. Children enjoy sessions on the computer, this means

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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 they are developing an understanding of technology. The childminder provides children with meaningful experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well behaved and interact positively with their friends. They play well together and developing an understanding of turn taking. Children do play harmoniously with others. There are clear procedures in place relating to behaviour management, this is promoted through discussion and resources; for example, there is a respect poster displayed within the home. The childminder rewards children for their good behaviour and achievements. She understands the positive impact this has on the children. Therefore, children are developing a positive self esteem. They are developing a sense of belonging, through the close relationships built with the childminder and others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to develop an understanding of differences through interaction with children from different cultural backgrounds. They access a range of play materials that reflects positive images of different cultures, such as books and dolls. However, they do not have access to play materials reflecting positive images of disability. The childminder has a positive attitude towards special educational needs and will work in partnership with parents and others to ensure children's needs are met. The childminder has established close working relationships with parents. She shares daily information with parents relating to the care of their children. This means children benefit from the continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children access a well organised environment, where they play and feel at ease. They move around confidently and initiate their own play. There have been no changes to the household members. Therefore, those with unsupervised access to children are safe to do so. There are policies and procedures in place, which are used to promote the welfare, care and learning of children.

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Organisation

Parents are kept well informed regarding the service, daily routine and children's activities. This contributes to continuity of care. There is a registration system in place. Most relevant documentation is in place for monitoring children's progress and to keep children safe. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to make the radiators safe or inaccessible. The radiators are controlled at a reasonable temperature. She has completed CRB checks for adult members of the household. There are no resources that promote disability. Therefore, this recommendation was not met.

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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

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 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): • ensure resource promote disability • make sure there is a separate system in place for recording medication • make sure there is a system in place for recording confidential information and improve knowledge of recent child protection guidelines

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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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