Pasture Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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117938 Unique Reference Number 03 December 2007 Inspection date Victoria Vasiliadis 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 1991. She lives with her husband and three adult children. They live in a residential area of West Ealing, in the borough of Ealing. The whole ground floor of the home is available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children. She is currently minding three children under five years of age 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.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks that are provided by the childminder. For example, lunch may consist of salmon, vegetables and

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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 potatoes. Children are provided with a selection of fruit at snack time. The foods offered to the children take into account special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They have daily opportunities to play outside in the garden, visit the park and attend playgroups. They take part in music and movement sessions within the home. These activities improve children's physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from cross infection because the childminder has procedures in place about the exclusion of children suffering from infectious illnesses. Children learn good hygiene routines as the childminder reminds them to wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating and after handling pets. The childminder discusses care issues with parents to ensure that records contain information which enables the childminder to provide the appropriate care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in a suitably organised environment, which allows them to move around freely. The childminder has identified most potential hazards and minimized these within the home. For example, safety gates restrict children's access to the stairs and kitchen and a written fire evacuation procedure are in place. This ensure the childminder knows how to get out quickly and safely in the event of a fire. However, the fire blanket is not correctly located, smoke alarms are not fitted to each level of the home and discarded panels of fencing are accessible in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being is safeguarded by the childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection matters. She is aware of the signs and symptoms a child may exhibit that could indicate they had been harmed, and the procedure to follow to report such concerns. The childminder has undertaken training in child protection and also holds a valid first aid certificate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can eat, rest and play in comfort using furniture and equipment appropriate for their age, which is provided by the childminder. For example, a high chair is available which allows the child to eat in comfort. In addition, furniture and play equipment is clean and in good condition. The childminder regularly checks her equipment to ensure children are not harmed and only purchases if they comply with safety standards.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self worth. The good quality interaction given to the children by the childminder is supportive of their early communication skills. She talks to the children, asking them questions which are appropriate to their levels of understanding.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are settled and happy because the childminder interacts with the children in a proactive and caring manner. It is evident from this positive interaction that she enjoys caring for them and the children are happy and relaxed. The childminder knows the children well and meets their needs appropriately, she is kind and considerate towards them and spends meaningful time with them. She sits at their level giving them comfort and encouragement.

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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 are becoming independent as they choose from a range of resources that are well-organised and easily accessible to them. Resources promote learning and are enjoyed by the children. The children are engaged in purposeful play and are eager to join in activities. Children thoroughly enjoy listening to stories that are read to them at their request. For example, one child brought a selection of books to the childminder to read. The childminder involves the children in the stories, getting them to turn the pages, lift flaps and to seek out particular objects.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Good partnership with parents and carers contributes significantly to children's well-being. The childminder ensures that parents know how their children are progressing and developing. Information is shared verbally with parents on a daily basis, through the use of a written daily diary for the younger children and also through texts messages. The childminder has a selection of written procedures in place which she shares with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are comfortable and content in the care of the childminder, this is due to the fact they are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the needs of the children, by seeking information from the children and their parents about the likes and dislikes and getting to know the child. The daily exchange of information with the parents about their children's routine, activities and achievements ensures the children receive consistent care and make progress. Children are provided with some resources that reflect the wider world such as dolls and books which are beginning to increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed in accordance with their ages and levels of understanding. For example, the older children are encouraged to be positive role models for the younger children. The childminder works with the parents' to discuss and agree the methods that will be used.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is suitably organised, warm and appropriately affectionate towards the children, who are at home and at ease in the environment provided by her. This means that children are confident, comfortable and settled enough to initiate their own play and learning.

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Organisation

The childminder appropriately uses the knowledge gained from written guidance to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. However, she has not addressed some safety issues within the home.

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Organisation

The childminder has in place all of the required records pertaining to childminding and has devised additional statements to improve her practice. She regularly shares information with parents and carers to keep them informed about their children. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection recommendations were raised in relation to written records, organisation of the play space and the procedures for emergency evacuation. The childminder has completed all of these recommendations, this now ensures that the children can move about the home freely and safely and working relationships with parents have improved.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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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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 fire blanket is correctly located and smoke alarms fitted to each level of the home • ensure children are not exposed to hazards in the garden.

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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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