Mayfield Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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116152 Unique Reference Number 11 February 2008 Inspection date Patricia Jane Daniels 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 first registered in 1999.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her husband and two teenaged children in Isleworth. Her home is located close to Isleworth train station, West Thames College and West Middlesex hospital. A main bus route from Hounslow to Richmond runs close by.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The ground floor of the house is used for minding, with two bedrooms available for sleeping children on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family has two pet cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Good daily routines ensure that children learn about the need for good personal hygiene and prevent cross contamination. For example, children use a wet wipe to clean their hands before they eat and the childminder cleans the nappy changing mat between each use. Sick children

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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 are excluded appropriately, to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses to others. Parents give prior written consent to administer medication, which ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. The childminder holds current training in first aid. She has written parental consent to seek emergency treatment, so that children receive appropriate care if they have an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents supply food, but the childminder is happy to provide meals and snacks if required. She encourages children to try new foods and offers fruit and organic biscuits, so that children receive a nutritious snack. Children can help themselves to their drinks whenever they want one. The childminder encourages the children to have regular drinks, so that they remain well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children have space in the home to move around and learn to control their bodies. For example, the childminder places toys on the sofa to encourage young children to pull themselves up into a standing position. Children visit the park and soft play venues to use the equipment and have regular opportunities to sleep and rest as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Displays of posters and toys create a welcoming environment for children. Children have easy and safe access to a good range of toys and resources, which are carefully selected to ensure they are appropriate for their age. The childminder makes space for older children to play with their toys, to ensure that younger children cannot access smaller, unsuitable items.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has assessed her home for safety and taken steps to minimise potential hazards for children. Safety measures include cupboard locks in the kitchen, a guard for the fireplace in the lounge and a stair gate to the foot of the stairs. The childminder has considered fire safety in her home and she sought advice from the local fire officer. She has considered a fire evacuation and she practises this with older children, so that they understand the procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands her responsibility to safeguard the children in her care. She has guidance for reference if needed and knows the procedures to take, if she has concerns. She makes parents aware of her role. The welfare of the children is protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder enjoys a warm relationship with the children and they approach her freely, indicating that trusting relationships have developed. She gives children opportunities to make choices about how they want to spend their time by presenting toys for their free selection. The childminder develops a good knowledge and understanding of the children in her care. She provides a variety of activities in her home and regular outings to different venues. She does not have a system to record her observations of children and use these to plan activities that support the next stages of their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder talks to the young children about what is happening and responds to their words and gestures. She introduces new words like 'delicious' when the children pretend to make her a cup of tea. This encourages and supports the children's developing language and communication. The childminder involves herself in the children's play and encourages them to use their imagination. For example, she helps the child to 'feed the baby' and 'put the baby

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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 to sleep'. She helps the child to develop a shopping game and takes the opportunity to talk about the coloured lights on the till, so that learning is promoted through the play activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder helps children to become aware of their own and other cultures through a range of resources, planned activities and as they celebrate festivals. She has good ideas about how to promote diversity. For example, she made a book for the children containing pictures of people representing different cultures and some with disabilities. The childminder finds out about children's individual needs from parents, so that she can provide appropriate care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed appropriately using positive strategies. Children are praised for their good behaviour and distracted from unwanted behaviour. The childminder encourages them to share the resources and develop good manners. Boundaries are set and gentle reminders help the children to understand what is expected of them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder makes time for daily conversations with parents when they drop off and collect their children. She offers alternative times to talk, for example, over the phone during the evenings and at weekends. She provides a portfolio and policy file for parents and uses written business agreements. This ensures that all parties are aware of the arrangements. A positive relationship is fostered and the regular exchange of information promotes continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her home and resources to be safe and secure for children. This enables the children to move around and select the resources freely. The children receive good support from the childminder, which helps them to feel secure and confident. The childminder has taken the initial training course. She attends a variety of training and workshops, to keep up to date with current childcare practice. All people living in the household have undertaken the required checks, to ensure their suitability.

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Organisation

Mandatory records are in place and well maintained. Regulatory requirements are met and the childminder displays her certificate of registration prominently, for the benefit of parents. Written policies underpin the childminder's daily practice. 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 previous inspection, Ofsted requested a number of changes. Animal feeding bowls and the litter tray are inaccessible to children. Mandatory records relating to medication and consent to seek emergency treatment are now in place. As a result, the standard of care for children is improved.

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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): • provide a system that links observations of children's abilities with planned activities to support their development

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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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