Harefield Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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116095 Unique Reference Number 20 November 2007 Inspection date Deborah Jane Orchard 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 2000. She lives with her child aged 14 years in Chiswick in the London Borough of Hounslow. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently caring for two children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are being well cared for in a home that is clean and organised, which helps prevent children from the risk of cross infection. Children are developing their independence with toileting as the childminder provides suitable equipment to support this. They are able to learn the importance of good hygiene as they wash their hands before meals. The childminder provides

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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 opportunities for children to learn about being healthy. For example, by obtaining leaflets and toothbrushes from the dentist to promote looking after teeth. The childminder provides a range of suitable polices and procedures to ensure children are protected. These include, sick child and medication policies.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good understanding of how to provide a healthy and balanced diet, although parents of some children choose to provide their own food. The childminder enhances her knowledge regarding providing a healthy diet by attending relevant training courses. For example, menu planning, food hygiene. The childminder ensures that children's dietary requirements are met as she records information regarding allergies, religious beliefs and preferences to ensure individual needs are met. Children are able to enjoy sociable meals as they sit in suitable chairs at the table with the childminder. Younger children enjoy developing their self help skills as they are being encouraged to feed themselves and are able to access their water cups throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to develop physically as they have access to an outdoor area. They regularly go on trips to the park and for walks to get fresh air. Children are able to develop their large muscle movements and co-ordination as they dance and move freely around the home. They are developing small muscle movements as they fit pieces of jigsaw together.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well cared for in a very secure and child friendly home. The children are immediately able to feel at home, as examples of their art work are on display in the hall. They are able to see brightly coloured and informative posters on the walls, which the childminder uses for discussion. Children are able to use all available space very effectively as the childminder ensures toys and resources are stored at a low level enabling children to make choices in their play. There is a wide range of very well maintained furniture readily available to meet the children's needs. There is a range of high quality resources and toys available to meet the needs of the age of children the childminder cares for. The toys are set out attractively and many of these positively reflect diversity within the community. The childminder is very vigilant in ensuring the toys are kept clean and in good repair, to protect children at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on the premises as the childminder is highly effective in identifying and reducing any possible hazards. For example, there are locks fitted to cupboards and doors throughout the home to ensure children do not enter any area without supervision, this helps ensure they are kept safe at all times. The childminder has a range of safety equipment in place, including safety gates, plug covers and window locks. The childminder provides records of gas checks to offer reassurance for parents. The childminder has suitable fire safety equipment in place, including a fire blanket and smoke detectors. She has a evacuation plan and ensures children are aware of what to do in an emergency situation. Children have excellent opportunities to learn about keeping safe on outings as the childminder has road safety information and activities which she uses with children. They look for the 'green man' and Zebra crossings when

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

they are out and hold hands. Younger children are kept safe by use of wrist restraints or buggy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an excellent understanding of child protection issues. She has a suitable policy and procedures in place, including appropriate contact numbers in the event of any concerns. The childminder has received training in this area and has supportive information regarding safeguarding children, which she keeps for reference. The childminder has a full

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 understanding of her responsibilities regarding reporting and recording concerns and is aware of possible indicators of abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy in the childminders home as they spend their time absorbed in meaningful play. The childminder is very attentive and skilled in extending children's learning in daily activities. For example, she asks open questions during play and incorporates colours and numbers freely as she talks to children. Younger children benefit greatly from the childminder's active involvement, she sits with them as they complete jigsaws and build towers with duplo blocks, offering appropriate levels of support and encouragement. They have lots of fun as they play imaginatively pushing a variety of different dolls in the pushchair. Children are able to freely access a extensive range of story and reference books, suitable for all stages of development. They enjoy looking at these together in a cosy book area in the lounge.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans a wide range of activities to ensure children have rich experiences in her care. She has received training in Birth to three matters and incorporates this in her planning and work with under three year olds. Younger children are being very well supported in finding a voice as she listens and responds to what they say, giving eye contact and reassurance at all times. Children have excellent opportunities to be creative as they participate in a extensive range of activities including sand and string painting and playing with naturally fragranced play dough. They are able to feel very proud of their achievements as the childminder displays examples of work in her home and takes photos to enable children to share the lovely experiences with their families.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children have an extensive range of opportunities to socialise with others at parent and toddler groups, music groups, parks and libraries. The children are able to go on walks and collect natural materials. For example, pine cones which they use for making patterns. The childminder provides a wealth of opportunities for children to develop physically. The children have great fun as they dance to familiar rhymes and access a range of high quality musical instruments. They are able to ride wheeled toys in the outdoor area and use large apparatus in the park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are happy and secure in the care of the childminder as she treats children with equal concern. She obtains information from parents regarding diet, medication and family beliefs to ensure these are respected. Children have free choice of available and age appropriate resources, avoiding gender stereo typing. Many of the resources positively reflect a multicultural society. For example, story and reference books, puzzles and dolls. The childminder has a positive attitude towards inclusion and provides books which positively reflect people with a disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well, as the childminder gives lots of praise and encouragement during their daily activities. She is consistent in her approach and provides a suitable written behaviour management policy, which she shares with parents. The childminder continues to build on good practise by attending relevant courses. For example, by attending a course in dealing with challenging behaviour.

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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 Children benefit from continuity of care because the childminder communicates effectively with parents and carers. The childminder communicates verbally each day and provides a written communication book to record food, sleep, toileting and activities. Parents are provided with details of how to make a complaint, however this does not currently include a clear system for logging complaints, which impacts on safeguarding children. Parents are provided with a detailed notice area and copies of polices and procedures, which they sign to say they have received. The childminder seeks the views of parents by periodically asking them to complete questionnaires. Written information provided by parents comments favourably on the service they receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the good organisation and supporting documentation the childminder has in place. Most of the required paperwork is in place, however, the complaints procedures need updating to ensure it fully meets requirements. In addition, the childminder provides a range of polices and procedures which she shared with parents. All the paperwork is well organised and stored securely and made available for inspection.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps up to date by reading relevant information and attending a variety of courses to enhance her work. The childminder organises the day to include rest times, regular meals, opportunities to socialise and participate in physical activities. This helps children to progress in all areas of their development.

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Organisation

Overall, 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 asked to obtain written permission from parents, when administering any non prescription treatments and to keep a record signed by the parent. The childminder was also asked to obtain written parental permission for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has a medication policy in place and keeps signed records of any medication or treatments administered. She has obtained written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice and treatment. This helps to ensure children are protected.

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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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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

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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 the complaints procedure includes a system for logging any complaints made by parents

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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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