Crofton Anne Dale Infant and Pre-School

Inspection report for early years provision

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115967 Unique Reference Number 27 November 2007 Inspection date Sandra Laura Bates 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 registered in 1996. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and currently looks after five children of whom only two attend on a full time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her daughter, who is aged over eight years, in a semi-detached house situated in a residential road in the urban area of Isleworth in the London Borough of Hounslow. The property is close to local amenities such as shops, parks, schools and pre-schools. Hounslow town centre is a short drive away.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The minding is generally confined to the ground floor of the house with access to the first floor for washing and toileting facilities. There is a securely enclosed rear garden for outdoor play and the childminder makes regular use of other local play venues and groups. The family have one pet dog and one pet cat.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a very clean and hygienically maintained environment due to the childminder's high standards in this respect. Children's personal hygiene needs are managed effectively. The childminder ensures that there are appropriate practices for changing and disposing of soiled nappies for example, and older children are encouraged to develop their independence when using the toilet. The childminder provides suitable resources such as a step and seat so that children can reach and use the facilities easily, and she stresses the importance of washing their hands afterwards. Children are protected from possible cross infections due to the childminder's appropriate arrangements for the care or exclusion of sick children. Children receive effective care in the event of an accident because the childminder has the resources and relevant training for the administration of first aid. She requests prior written permission

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Helping children to be healthy

from parents for the administration of any medications and keeps records of any such occasions.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children sit safely restrained in a high chair, if age appropriate, to enjoy the meals and snacks provided by the childminder, or by their parents if preferred. The childminder ensures that children have a selection of healthy eating options that includes fresh fruit and vegetables, varied with typical children's favourites. Children have ready access to drinks at all times during the day, from their individual beakers placed within their reach. The childminder talks to parents about what the children have eaten at the end of each session in her care. The childminder stores the foods provided by parents appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and rest in very safe and secure surroundings. The childminder identifies all potential hazards and takes the necessary steps to reduce risks to children. The home is warm and welcoming with bright, child orientated areas for the children's play, and comfortable facilities for sleep. The childminder monitors carefully to ensure that the resources and play equipment are maintained in very good condition. Children are supervised closely at all times both indoors and when playing outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted due to the childminder's sound understanding of child protection issues and the related referral procedures. She is confident in her ability to recognise any signs or symptoms of abuse and knows the steps to take if she has any concerns. However, the way in which the childminder informs parents of her role and responsibilities in this respect lacks clarity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and 'at home' in the childminder's care. A very positive and affectionate relationship is evident between the childminder and the minded children. The childminder inter-acts with the children in a pro-active way to support their play and extend their interest. She presents the play materials in an attractive and accessible manner so that children can make independent choices easily. Children self select resources and explore the options very contentedly.

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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 relate very well to the childminder, coming to her readily for a cuddle on her lap as they share a story book for example. The childminder encourages the children and shows her appreciation, for instance by clapping along as children enthusiastically play with a wide range of musical instruments and move to the rhythms. They investigate the noises that the various instruments make, laughing with pleasure at unexpected sounds.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder keeps colourful and informative record books for each child to track what children do and achieve so that parents are well informed. She is very pro-active in seeking information about changes to child care practice guidance, and is committed to ongoing training to enhance her service.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that children's individual needs are recognised and met. Children play with a range of resources that depict positive images of social diversity, and the childminder also uses everyday situations, such as outings, to promote children's understanding of the wider world and the people within it. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are well supported. The childminder has acquired additional skills, through training and experience, to enable her to provide appropriate care for children with a range of special requirements. All children benefit from the way in which the childminder incorporates special skills, such as sign language, into everyday routines and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. They respond promptly to the childminder's firm tone of voice with which she diffuses any minor disagreements. The childminder has realistic expectations of children which are aimed at promoting their safety and comfort.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder makes very good relationships with parents and gains most of her placements through recommendations. Feedback from parents is very positive. She shares information about the children regularly and further informs parents about local events, for instance, that may be of general interest to them. A rack of leaflets that support this aim is readily accessible to parents. The childminder advises parents about her policies and procedures, including how she will deal with any complaints, although these are not supported by any written statements which might add clarity.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises the space and facilities very well to create a completely child orientated environment. She ensures that the regulatory authority is kept well informed about any changes to her service. She is committed to continuing to improve and enhance her practice through ongoing training. The childminder is pro-active in seeking information about impending major changes to the regulatory framework, for example the Early Years Foundation Stage, but acknowledges that she may not always give sufficient attention to interim amendments to the National Standards.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains all the regulatory documents in good order, and stores any personal records securely. A portfolio of details about the childminder's qualifications and some general information is shared with parents. However, there are no supporting documents to underpin the childminder's policies and procedures. Therefore the clarity with which parents are informed

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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 about such important issues as the childminder's role and responsibility in respect of child protection and the management of any complaints, may be compromised.

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Organisation

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 was required to ensure that there was prior written permission for the administration of any medicines to children. The childminder now uses the National Childminding Association medication record book which includes a prior permission form that parents complete.

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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 then 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): • improve the way in which policies relating to child protection, and the management of any complaints, are shared with parents so that they are clear about the childminder's role and responsibility in these respects

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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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