Stoney Lee Middle School

Inspection report for early years provision

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107403 Unique Reference Number 05 March 2008 Inspection date Josephine Geoghegan 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 was registered in 1985. She lives with her husband and adult son in the East Dulwich area of Southwark. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five, two of whom attend on a full time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local library and parent/toddler group. The family does not have any pets. The childminder does not employ an assistant or provide overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a nutritious and balanced diet of home cooked meals that include a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, promoting healthy eating. Children know to wash their hands before meals, promoting good hygiene habits and enjoy a variety of fresh fruit and drinks at snack time. Children have opportunities to make choices of foods that they like to eat as

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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 they discuss the weekly menu and go to the local shops to choose the fresh fruit with the childminder, developing their understanding of healthy eating and promoting their independence. In addition, children participate in regular cooking activities with the childminder, such as making cakes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to gain fresh air and exercise on a daily basis as they walk to local schools and visit parks and children's groups where they are able to use a range of equipment aimed at promoting their physical skills. Good hygiene practice is maintained during nappy changing routines and the childminder ensures toys and equipment are kept clean. Children's welfare is promoted in the event of an accident or illness as the first aid box well stocked and the childminder keeps appropriate records that are shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play in a clean, bright and well maintained home where high regard is shown to promoting safety, for example, safety gates and electric socket covers are in use and all required fire safety equipment is in place. In addition, the childminder has a written emergency escape plan and children participate in emergency evacuation drills with the childminder. Children are provided with a wide range of equipment to support their physical care needs, such as child sized tables and chairs, a highchair and cot. Children are able to make choices of a variety of toys and books that are suitable for their age and stage of development, promoting their independence. Toys and books are in good condition and stored at low level, promoting safety. The home is well organised, providing appropriate space for children to rest and be active.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder knows what to do if she is worried a child is being abused; she has attended relevant training and keeps information easily accessible, ensuring prompt action can be taken if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from well planned activities and outings that relate to their needs and interests. They have opportunities to engage in free-play within the home, creative and cooking activities and regular outings in the local area to children's groups, the library and parks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy, settled and interested in play. They enjoy being creative, for example, they use collage materials and glitter to make cards and develop their writing skills as they write inside the card, showing an awareness that print carries meaning as they use emergent writing with some well formed letters. Children develop their free creative expression as they draw representational pictures. They develop their maths skills during play, for example, while making a caterpillar they count out the number of circles they need with the childminder. Younger children are supported well by the childminder during creative activities, enabling them to participate in activities with other children. They enjoy using large bricks and use books purposefully.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing good relationships, for example, they freely approach the childminder and younger children snuggle in for cuddles. Children are supported well by the childminder who implements a range of strategies aimed at developing positive behaviour. For example, children are offered lots of praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements, as a result, they are well behaved and respond well to the daily routine, such as, helping to clear away activities after use.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are able to learn about cultures and beliefs through planned activities that relate to a variety of festivals with the childminder and while attending children's groups. Children have access to a good range of books and puzzles that promote positive images of people in the community, however, access to other resources that reflect diversity are limited. Although no children presently attend who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities, systems are in place to ensure any care offered promotes inclusion. Good systems are in place to ensure children's individual needs are known; the childminder liaises with parents regarding individual routines for younger children, such as sleep and meal times, promoting consistency of care. The childminder makes time to discuss children's progress with parents and ensures all documentation is shared, promoting good communication and partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder promotes a professional approach to childminding and improving the quality of her service. For example, she has attended a range of relevant training courses, including child protection and recently completed an NVQ level 3 in childcare. She has devised a wide range of policies and procedures that are shared with parents and support the management of her service. Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder uses all required documentation effectively, such as records of children's individual details, their attendance and any accidents or medication.

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Organisation

Children are able to play in a well organised home with clear play-space and easy access to a good range of toys and resources, although toys that reflect diversity are limited. Children are able to develop their independence and make choices as toys, creative materials and books are well organised. The time children spend with the childminder is used effectively, enabling children to participate in a broad range of activities and outings that promote learning. 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 was asked to improve the range resources for older children. The childminder met this recommendation by obtaining a variety of games, such as board games, cards and dominos, which were suitable for the age and stage of development for the children attending at that time.

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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): • extend the range of toys and resources that promote equality.

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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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