Hartsdown Technology College

Inspection report for early years provision

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118816 Unique Reference Number 26 November 2007 Inspection date Caroline Preston 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 1995. She lives with her husband and two adult daughters in Hornchurch in the London borough of Havering. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day and one child over five before and after school. The childminder is part of the Havering childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about hygiene, they wash their hands before breakfast and after using the toilet, after touching animals and playing outside. Children take part in regular activities promoting their physical skills. They play outside in the well equipped garden and have access to the large shed containing a good range of outdoor play resources. These include bikes, scooters, balls and climbing apparatus. Children are protected from germs and illnesses because the childminder keeps her home clean and hygienic. She also holds a current first aid certificate, so can care

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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 for children if they fall or have any other type of accident. The childminder has a fully stocked first aid box and has sought permission for emergency medical treatment. She maintains all accident and medication records, therefore supporting children’s health. Children are offered healthy snacks including sandwiches and fruit, most children bring their own food, which parents have chosen to do. This promotes choices and meets children’s individual needs. The childminder holds a level two in food catering, so has a sound awareness of providing foods which supports children’s care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder does not always record children’s existing injuries; therefore records are not always maintained. Children are protected if abuse was suspected; the childminder has a good understanding of procedures and has completed training. Children learn how to keep themselves safe, they regularly practise the fire drill with the childminder. When questioned children are able to state where they need to go, if they hear the fire alarm, they know not to worry about putting their shoes on and to go to back of the garden if the childminder shouts out go to the back. All potential hazards have been managed, smoke alarms are appropriately fitted and the fire blanket is mounted in the kitchen. All safety plug sockets are in place and safety catches on kitchen cupboards, do not allow children to open them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a calm well managed safe environment. They have access to a large interesting garden, where they can play with a good range of outdoor play resources. The home is well maintained and bright; children feel at the childminder's home, they show this by playing and smiling at each other and the childminder. Play resources support their learning; they have access to dressing up clothes, books, puzzles, dolls, board games, and art and craft materials. All of which are age and stage appropriate, safe and clean.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled, they sit at the dining table and build and create towers with small Lego, they take their time, show good construction skills and patience. Children confidently ask if they can draw, and are offered many different coloured pencils, they use their imagination and skill to create rainbow pictures. They show they are pleased with what they have done and hold up their pictures to show the childminder. She praises them and shows she is proud of what they have made, this supports their self-esteem. Children visit local childminding groups and take part in many different activities; they visit their local area such as Upminster windmill and parks. They travel further to Greys beach and enjoy building sand castles and exploring. Children experience different food textures, as they mix jelly and corn flour, sand and water. They take part in cooking activities and bake small cakes, and make sandwiches, they dress up

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

in different costumes, put together floor puzzles, make hand print pictures. This means that children are confident and enthusiastic to learn and that they are offered many good activities that encourage their all round development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the many different kinds of people in society. They eagerly put together puzzles reflecting positive images of others; they have daily access to books and dolls. Children

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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 celebrate Christmas, Easter, Diwali, and Hanukah, therefore are beginning to learn about different celebrations that people have. The childminder cares for all the children equally and is very aware of their individual routines, such as sleep times for smaller babies. There are sound systems in place to support children with learning difficulties and children have some experiences of meeting and caring for children with learning difficulties, when they visit other childminders.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children can see the good working relationships between the childminder and their parents. They see good interaction when they are dropped off at the childminder house. Parents exchange relevant information, chat and laugh, wishing each other a good day. The childminder keeps daily diaries informing parents of what their child’s day has been like for example the activities they were involved in and what they ate. Parents are offered a good range of policies that inform them how the childminder works. These include behaviour management, equal opportunities, complaints, sickness, health and safety. Children behave well, they are settled and happy, if older children show negative behaviour the childminder talks to them, if younger children behave negatively, they are given time out. This means children learn the rules of behaviour, so feel secure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for well, the organisation of the childminding service is good. All household members are suitably checked, so are safe to be around children. Daily routines support children’s learning experiences; they visit local childminding groups regularly, local parks and trips to beaches. Children’s daily needs are met such as, sleep times, and mealtimes, they also have plenty of time to play and learn. The childminder makes an effort to improve her knowledge of childcare, which impacts on the care she offers children. She has completed level three of the Quality First training and is updating her child protection training in the near future. All required documentation needed for the safe and efficient care of children is in place. 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 provider was asked to improve her knowledge of child protection issues. She has completed regular training in child protection since the last inspection, and is booked to attend a refresher course in child protection. These improvements ensure the care and well-being of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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. 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): • maintain a record of any existing injuries.

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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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