Berwick Community High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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122361 Unique Reference Number 24 January 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 satisfactory. 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 has been registered since 2000. She lives with her husband and school aged daughter in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

All areas of the ground floor are used 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding four, all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder maintains a good level of hygiene within her home. For example, she uses anti bacterial sprays to clean surfaces and provides children with individual towels to minimise cross contamination. Daily routines such as washing hands before eating develop children's understanding of the need for good personal hygiene. The childminder has current training to administer first aid, which ensures that children have access to appropriate treatment if they have an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder supplies for older children. She provides a mixed menu with healthy ingredients included, such as a sandwich for lunch with a selection of vegetables and fruit. Sometimes children have a cooked meal at lunchtime, which can include several convenience foods. Children can help themselves to a drink at any time, which encourages them to consider their personal needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy playing in the garden, where they benefit from fresh air and exercise. They jump on the trampoline and practise using the swing ball. Babies have opportunities to develop the skills needed for sitting independently, with support from the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move freely and independently around the ground floor of the childminder's home. She makes the area welcoming, with displays of posters and toys for children's selection. She organises the space to ensure that babies can play in a safe area and selects toys to be suitable for the children attending. The childminder provides a stimulating range of toys, which she rotates to maintain children's interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's premises are secure and she has taken steps to remove potential hazards to children. The childminder is aware of the changing abilities of very young children. She reassesses her home for safety as they begin to develop more physical skills and move around. The childminder talks about fire safety with children and has practised an evacuation procedure with them. She supervises children's outdoor play through the open door and window, when she is inside the house.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's understanding of her responsibilities to safeguard children is satisfactory. She is aware of the possible indicators of abuse but is not secure in her knowledge of all the procedures to take, if she has concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder builds positive relationships with the children, which helps them to feel settled and confident in her care. She gives the baby lots of cuddles, which helps the baby feel secure. She supports the baby's developing communication by talking about what is happening and by responding to the sounds that the baby makes. The baby sits with support and investigates the sound making and sensory toys provided.

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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 Older children enjoy playing imaginatively together. They negotiate what they will do and play enthusiastically in the garden with soft toys. Their play develops independently as they make use of the toys provided in the playhouse. Sometimes they come back into the house to tell the childminder about what they are doing. For example, the child says 'I have caught ten fireflies' after play with the fishing net. The childminder offers a homely environment for children, where they can enjoy exploring the toys and develop independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder ensures that all toys and resources are available to all children. She helps children develop understanding of the diversity within society by using resources such as the television or videos. She does not specifically plan activities to enhance the children's knowledge further. Children's individual needs are discussed initially with parents. This ensures that the childminder understands children's needs and that she can provide appropriate care from the start.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to develop positive relationships with each other. The childminder acts a good role model for behaviour and speaks to children politely and with respect. This encourages the children to develop consideration for each other. Children's behaviour is managed appropriately, using positive strategies such as distraction and praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are provided with information about the childminder's policies and business agreements. This ensures that all parties are aware of the arrangements. However, the childminder does not provide a clear procedure for complaints. The childminder makes time for daily conversations with parents to exchange and update information about their children. This supports continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has undertaken the initial training course and she keeps her first aid certificate up to date. She has not identified any specific training for the future. The childminder has some understanding of the National Standards, although areas of her knowledge are sketchy and she does not have a copy of the documents for reference and guidance.

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Organisation

All required checks on household members are in place, indicating their suitability. The childminder ensures that children are supervised at all times if there are visitors to the house. The certificate of registration is displayed in the hall, for the benefit of parents. Regulatory requirements are met and documentation relating to the safety, health and welfare of the children is in place. 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 that the childminder should ensure the attendance record includes actual times of arrival and departure. This is now recorded, which has improved the standard of care for children.

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Improvements 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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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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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 satisfactory. 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): • improve understanding of safeguarding children and the procedures to take if concerned • improve knowledge and understanding of the National Standards • provide a complaints procedure for 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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