West End School

Inspection report for early years provision

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121747 Unique Reference Number 10 January 2008 Inspection date Helen Penticost 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 husband and two adult children and one school aged child in the village of Fetcham near Leatherhead. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden 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 at any one time and is currently minding four children under five, all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have a dog. The childminder is a member of a local childminder support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder provides children with a clean, hygienic and well maintained environment in which children's personal care routines are effectively promoted. For example, even young

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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 children wash their hands before and after meals and after having their nappy changed. Each child has their own towel which is easily distinguishable to them by their photograph. The childminder has a clear understanding of the required procedures regarding accidents and the administration of medication. She has written consent forms in place for the seeking of any emergency treatment which allows her to take appropriate action if required. However, she does not hold relevant information regarding infectious diseases and details of those to contact in the event of a child contracting a notifiable disease.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides lunch and snacks for the minded children and their parents supply their evening meal, which is stored appropriately. Children are supplied with water of extremely diluted squash to drink throughout the day, in beakers suitable for their stage of development. Any dietary requirements are discussed fully with the parents to ensure that individual needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular access to outdoor play, weather permitting. They play in the fully enclosed garden with the good variety of outdoor equipment. Therefore, children benefit from plenty of fresh air and also the opportunities to develop their large muscle movement.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are given the opportunity to benefit from playing in an adequately spacious and well organised environment which allows them to move around and play safely. They have easy access to a wide range of toys and resources appropriate for their ages, this encourage independence and freedom of choice. An extensive range of toys are set out for the children on a daily basis. The toys, equipment and resources are of good quality and regularly maintained, for example outdoor equipment cleaned before use in the good weather. Resources are put away at the end of each day and checked for all pieces. Children have access to the ground floor of the property which comprises of a lounge, kitchen, conservatory and bathroom facilities. Access to the kitchen and first floor are restricted by the use of stair gates.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a very good understanding of potential hazards, as potential risks in the home and garden have been minimised which enables children to move around the environment safely. The outdoor play area was observed to be safe and secure. The childminder understands her role in child protection which ensures that the children are safeguarded. She has attended child protection training courses and has a good knowledge of the procedures to be followed. The parents are provided with information regarding local procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the childminder's home. They have warm and caring relationships with the childminder, helping them to feel secure and develop their confidence. The childminder interacts with the children extremely well and she provides high levels of support, praise and encouragement. Children thrive in her care because she has an excellent understanding of their individual developmental needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Their individual development is successfully promoted through the childminders use of the Birth to three matters framework as a reference point and for additional ideas. She uses written plans and records to effectively meet the needs of all the children to ensure that they make progress. Children are very happy and play inquisitively. They are motivated and enthusiastically

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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 participate and enjoy the play experiences and activities offered to them or those self initiated. She ensures that children are provided with an extensive range of experiences within the setting and she also takes the children to toddler and childminder groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder's understanding of each child’s stage of development means the youngest children are confident enough to try out new skills, ask for help when needed and set their own limits within the safe environment. A flexible approach to planning and an excellent balance between adult-led and child-led activities allows children to learn at their own pace. The childminder is perceptive to children’s interests during self-initiated play and uses questions very successfully to challenge children’s thinking and language skills. For example, during playing with the cars and garage, the childminder asks the children what colours each car is and encourages them to count. She is keen to develop children's talents and is aware that children develop at vastly differing rates. She uses highly effective systems to observe, monitor and record children’s achievements in their development files, and to plan experiences that

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

help children take the next step in their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder fosters a positive approach to equal opportunities as she ensures that all children are able to play with all of the toys within her setting with consideration to their safety but regardless of gender. She provides children with a good range of resources such as books, puzzles, dolls and play people to develop the children's understanding and awareness of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well with the childminder as she manages their behaviour consistently. She provides clear boundaries on sharing and taking turns so all children have the same opportunities and develop good relationships and friendships. The childminder constantly reinforces their good behaviour with lots of support, praise and encouragement. Children are able to grow in confidence and develop self esteem and are well mannered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well being. Children's care routines are fully discussed and agreed with parents, to ensure consistency between home and the childminder. The sharing of children's achievements and activities undertaken gives parents an insight into their child's day, which ensures that children's contributions are valued and celebrated. Written comments of support from parents were seen at the inspection, all of which were positive about the care the childminder provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play in a bright and comfortable environment with ample space for them to be able to play together. She organises the home environment effectively to ensure that children are comfortable, at ease and that their needs are met. The childminder uses her experiences and training, together with her knowledge of child development, to provide good quality care for children.

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Organisation

The childminder displays her certificate of registration to inform the parents of the conditions of registration. The childminder has a portfolio in place which provides important information for parents, to ensure that each child's individual needs can be met. All of the legally required documentation and records are in place which are stored to retain confidentiality. This ensures

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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 that all children are well protected and appropriately cared for. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection four recommendations were raised. These were to ensure that the daily attendance record includes actual arrival and departure times, to make sure that premises are secure and that children are unable to leave them unsupervised, to provide a first aid box the contents of which are checked frequently and replaced as necessary and to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The attendance records include children's times of arrival and departure and the front door is locked to prevent children leaving the premises unsupervised. The first aid box is in place and well equipped and written parental permission for emergency treatment are all in available.

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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. 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 that information regarding infectious diseases is available

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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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