Orwell Park School

Inspection report for early years provision

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124866 Unique Reference Number 08 February 2008 Inspection date Janet Marie Thouless 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 1992. She lives with her four children of whom two are young adults and the others being fourteen and six years in Croydon, Surrey.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The home is within easy walking distance of bus and tram links and the family have two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one school age children under eight.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is happy to take children to local parks and places of interest and take and collect from local schools. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is currently studying for a BA Honours in Early Years.

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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 good. Children enjoy a healthy balanced diet, which includes a selection of freshly prepared meals each day. Meal and snack times are sociable with children sitting together happily chatting about their day. Children are encouraged to develop their awareness of healthy eating through regular topics and daily discussions. The childminder takes into account the wishes of the parents to provide healthy options that appeal to children and meet their dietary needs. Snacks include a choice of fresh fruit from the well-stocked fruit bowl. Children are also able to access drinks independently, which helps to maintain good health and prevent dehydration.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children clearly understand the importance of hand washing routines and confidently recognise how to protect themselves from germs. The premises are extremely clean and effective procedures are in place to ensure that the cats pose no hygiene risks to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a suitable first aid qualification and first aid box readily accessible for managing any children's accidents. Written agreements with the children's parents enable the childminder to seek emergency treatment if required. However, not all parents have given written permission which may compromise children's well being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents are fully aware they must not send their child to the provision if they are unwell. This is in line with the childminder's sickness policy and procedures and prevents the spread of infection. Children who become unwell whilst in the childminder's care are made comfortable and monitored by the childminder, until parents arrive.

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Helping children to be healthy

A range of activities are organised which enable children to develop a healthy lifestyle. For example, once a week children attend a local swimming class. They enjoy the garden where they have use of a trampoline and swings and visit the local park where they can run around and use the apparatus to develop their muscle control and co-ordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a well organised environment. They enjoy playing with the good range of toys and resources on offer, which provide good developmental challenge, and are maintained in a clean and safe condition. The children know what is available and have independent access to whatever they wish to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of safety and has identified and minimised all risks within her home and garden, for example, safety matting has been fitted under the swing area and clear procedures are in place with regards to the use of the trampoline to ensure children's safety whilst using the garden. The childminder has a clear evacuation plan which is fully discussed with children. She knows the routes she would use to leave the house, if there was an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder understands her role in safeguarding children. Effective procedures advise parents of their responsibility and the childminder knows how to record and refer any concerns. This ensures the childminder acts in the best interest to safeguard the welfare of the children in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely settled and confident in the childminder's home. They are provided with a very broad range of activities, such as craft making, cooking, board games, role play and dance. Children thoroughly enjoy decorating jewellery boxes' from ceramic boxes on offer. They confidently paint a range of very colourful designs, discussing the shapes and colours as they paint. They know to wait for the paint to dry before adding glitter to their designs. They discuss that they need to add their initials to each box because there is not enough room for their full name. The childminder fully supports children as they complete their tasks. She patiently listens and guides them offering suggestions on what they could do next. The childminder involves children in discussions, asking them open-ended questions about their school day to develop language and conversation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder supports children's understanding of additional and subtraction through a very broad range of games. They confidently problem solve by removing or adding selected items whilst playing. They totally involve themselves in role play and enjoy the use of puppets that relate to stories such as, 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' and the 'Billy Goats Gruff'. They enjoy setting up the puppet theatre and acting out the story lines under the guidance of the childminder. The childminder incorporates current school reading schemes into the curriculum and encourages children to read daily. Routines are relaxed and informal and allow children time to unwind and relax after a busy day at school.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children form close and trusting relationships with the childminder and approach her confidently for advice and reassurance. The childminder fully understand each child's individual need and provides appropriate care and support. Children are making extremely progress in their development because the childminder plans a broad and stimulating range of activities each week. The childminder is currently studying for a BA Honours in Early Years and she uses these materials extensively in planning activities for children. The childminder's home provides a happy and homely atmosphere where children are regarded as additional members of the family.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Regular communication between the childminder and parents ensures they are all fully informed about the children’s development. The childminder spends time updating parents when they collect their children and ensures she is always available to talk. The childminder takes time to get to know the parents and children well to develop trusting relationships and continuity of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a quiet, but firm approach to behaviour management. She uses appropriate strategies for young children. These include explanations and gentle reminders. Children are offered plenty of praise and encouragement and receive colourful stickers on the completion of, for example, craft work or being helpful and considerate to other. Children are well mannered and reflect the childminder's own good practice. They say 'please' and 'thank you' without prompting and are very polite. She is enthusiastic and full of praise when children respond positively which promotes children's self esteem and well being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and shows respect for the children and their families at all times. Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest, such as, out of school clubs, local walks and parks. The childminder provides

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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 a broad range of resources to promote the children's learning about the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. The childminder has a positive approach to caring for children with a range of different needs and abilities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy their play in a home that is well organised, has a range of good quality resources and space inside the house and rear garden. The childminder has created a welcoming and homely environment. She makes sure children receive lots of attention to help them feel secure and confident in the childminding setting. They have plenty of opportunities to make their own choices or initiate their own play.

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Organisation

The childminder has the required documentation in place. This is well maintained and securely stored. She knows about confidentiality issues and children's personal information is kept safe in individual files. The childminder has a very extensive range of written policies and procedures that support her good practice. These include service statements, child protection and health and safety procedures. The childminder has knowledge and understanding of the recent changes to regulations relating to complaints and has clear guidance in place. She has a clear understanding of the requirements of her registration, thus promoting the children's welfare and learning. 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, four recommendations were made to devise and implement a system to record any incident of physical restraint, ensure a daily record of children's attendance is kept, provide evidence of a valid driving licence, request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and provide a first aid box the contents of which are checked frequently and replaced as necessary.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All recommendations have been fully met with the exception of requesting written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. Following the last inspection the child minder obtained written permission from parents however, this is not in place for current children and a further recommendation has been made.

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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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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): • ensure written permission is sought from all parents to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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