Abbot's Hall Community Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

124631 Unique Reference Number 10 December 2007 Inspection date Teresa Elkington Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and six years of age, in Coulsdon, Surrey. The whole of the house is used for childminding purposes and children have access to a secure garden for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding four children, all of whom attend on a part time basis. The family have a dog.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home that is clean and hygienic. Children are helped to develop an awareness of personal hygiene routines. For example, they are encouraged to wash their hands before snacks and after using the toilet. However, individual hand towels are not used to prevent the risk of cross infection of children. The good pet routines ensure that children are effectively protected.

p.2

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 The childminder does not have a valid first aid certificate in place; however she has an understanding of what she would do in the event of an accident. Documentation to support children's health and welfare is generally well maintained, although accident and medication records are not confidential to each child. A clear sickness policy is in place. The childminder shares additional information with parents on the signs and symptoms of infectious illness, helping to ensure sick children are excluded from the setting.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to rest and sleep according to their needs in quiet comfortable surroundings. They benefit from plenty of fresh air as they make regular trips to the park and soft play areas. Children's physical play is further extended by the use of the garden, where children can use a range of equipment to promote their physical skills, for example, through their use of climbing frames, sit and ride toys and games.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met well. They have access to regular drinks and the childminder provides healthy, nutritious meals and snacks. She is very aware of children's specific dietary requirements and is vigilant in catering for children with food allergies, ensuring that all food is checked to meet children's personal needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a secure, welcoming and child friendly environment. They are appropriately protected from harm as the childminder uses risk assessments and well implemented polices and procedures to ensure that children are fully safeguarded. Good procedures are in place to protect children whilst on outings and when travelling in the car. Age appropriate car seats are fitted, to ensure children are protected. Children follow simple guidelines to ensure that they are aware of the dangers of the road and what they must do to secure their safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from playing in an adequately spacious environment, which allows them to move around freely and develop their confidence. Children use a suitable and safe range of age appropriate toys and equipment, which are effectively rotated to provide variety and to meet the needs of children. Effective regimes are in place to ensure that all toys and equipment are well maintained, which ensures that they are clean and safe for children to use.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands her role in safe guarding children, which ensures they are well protected. She has a sound knowledge of procedures to put into practise if necessary.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a varied range of activities which contribute to their development both inside and outside of the home. Children enjoy meaningful play opportunities to help develop their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities, such as trips out to toddler groups and parks, making dens with blankets, and as they participate in the creative activities which are offered to them. The childminder knows the children well and plans her routine to meet their needs to enable children to get the most from being in her care.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled in the care of the childminder. Children's independence is encouraged. They make their own choices as to the activities they wish to be involved in, and readily select materials which they will need, for example, selecting resources needed to make

p.3

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 Christmas decorations with lollipop sticks, glue and glitter. Constant praise and support from the childminder encourages children to become increasingly independent and they feel at ease to ask for help. She is always on hand to support experiences by supplying appropriate equipment and resources to develop their independent play.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals and benefit from the childminder knowing them well and responding to their individual needs. Children's awareness of the wider world is promoted through the use of resources, which helps them to develop a positive attitude towards diversity.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to play together amicably through the realistic boundaries set by the childminder. Behaviour strategies are discussed with parents to ensure a consistent approach. Children are praised and encouraged which helps them to develop their self esteem and develop their understanding of right from wrong.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children benefit from the good relationships the childminder has with their parents. The childminder recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents and has established friendly and positive relationships with them to ensure that children's individual care needs are recognised, discussed and planned for.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Space is used appropriately and the day is well organised to ensure that all children's individual needs are met. They can access their resources independently as the childminder stores them at a low level, so that children can make their own choices. Children are well protected form other adults because the childminder maintains good supervision at all time.

p.4

Organisation

All of the legally required records and documentation are in place. However, the recording of accidents and administration of medication does not respect the confidentiality of children. Currently no first aid certificate is in place to support the childminder in her work. The certificate of registration and other relevant information is displayed and made available to parents, in order to keep them fully informed about the service she provides for the children.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to ensure that written permission for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and written permission to administer medication is sought from the parents of all the children cared for. The childminder has taken positive steps to ensure that all required consent is obtained from parents before children attend.

p.4

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.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 the recording process of accidents and medication administers to ensure confidentiality of children being cared for • improve hand washing routines to ensure that children's good health is promoted at all times • maintain a first aid certificate that includes training for babies and young children

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5