Doncaster Road Infants' School

Inspection report for early years provision

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128218 Unique Reference Number 22 November 2007 Inspection date Fiona Sapler 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 1979. She lives with her two adult sons in Seven Kings in the London borough of Redbridge. The whole of the downstairs of the home, and an upstairs bathroom, is used for childminding. 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 two children under five all day and four children over five before and after school part time and full time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local parent/toddler, childminder and music groups. The family has two cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves healthy because the childminder encourages them to meet their own health needs by cleaning their teeth after breakfast and washing their hands after going to the toilet. The childminder maintains a generally hygienic

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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 environment and takes care to wear gloves and use antibacterial spray when changing nappies and cleaning the mat, to minimise the risks of cross infection. Written policies and procedures are implemented when children are unwell or have an accident. However, the childminder does not have written consent to seek emergency treatment for all the minded children. This impacts on the children's care in case of a serious accident or injury.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive nutritious snacks, such as fruit, throughout the day. However, the planned menu does not sufficiently promote healthy eating as it includes fast food and processed ingredients. Children are able to ask for juice and water whenever they wish, to help them become aware of their own bodies’ needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to benefit from fresh air and exercise when they play outside most days, either in the garden, where they have access to large climbing equipment and a slide, or when they visit the local park. They also have additional opportunities to practise a range of physical skills when they go to a local soft play session.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play very happily in a designated area arranged to be child friendly and comfortable. They are protected from hazards in the home because the childminder has taken appropriate measures, such as fitting a safety gate and cupboard locks, ensuring children play safely in the home. The childminder is vigilant about providing a good level of supervision at all times. Documentation, such as accurate registers, supports the children’s welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children realise how they can keep themselves safe because the childminder uses very clear explanations to help them understand that they must be careful. For example, during role play the childminder talks about being cautious with hot drinks and explains that they can burn. Children practise a well thought out emergency escape plan so they know what to do if they need to leave the home in the event of a fire or emergency. Children will only be collected by known or authorised adults as the childminder has devised an effective system regarding collection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently choose from a stimulating assortment of toys and resources. These are selected to make sure they are safe and appropriate for the varied ages of children who attend. They are regularly washed and checked to make sure they remain suitable and well maintained. Equipment, such as a high chair, is provided to meet the children’s differing developmental needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are mostly safeguarded as the childminder is confident about recognising possible indicators of child abuse and the procedures to follow if she has child protection concerns about the children in her care. She has also appropriately considered actions to take if allegations are made about family members, although she does not record existing injuries to protect the children’s ongoing welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are extremely confident and feel completely at home in the setting. The childminder knows the children well and enjoys their company, interacting positively to boost the children’s self esteem. The children’s language is helped to develop when they chat to the childminder

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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 about what interests them and she uses good questioning techniques to encourage them to express their own thoughts. The children enjoy selecting books from the bookcase and use their imaginations when ‘reading’ a story or when playing with the tea set and dolls.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children take pleasure in selecting from the resources available. These are rotated to provide variety and interest. Children have opportunities to develop their creative skills when they make Father Christmas models, stick with foam shapes and paint. Cooking and various craft activities allow the children to explore and experiment. The children go on outings to the farm and attend a range of different groups, including music and activity groups, that enhance their time at the childminder's and offer them a range of different and stimulating experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about the world around them because the childminder provides some activities and resources that help develop their understanding of different cultures and religions. These include discussions and crafts relating to Diwali and the Jewish New Year and dressing up clothes and puzzles that reflect positive images of those with a disability and families from around the world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children feel special because the childminder treats them as individuals and works in partnership with parents to understand each child’s needs and personality. However, because the childminder has not obtained sufficient consent for the children to travel in her car or to receive emergency medical treatment, parents’ wishes are not fully known. In addition, not all children have registration forms completed. This lack of information does not fully promote continuity of care or consistency.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are provided with adequate care as the childminder has some experience of working with children with specific physical needs. She works with parents to ensure the children’s needs are recognised, and met accordingly, to enable all children to reach their potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and know right from wrong. The childminder talks to the children about caring for each other and uses discussion to reinforce their understanding. Older children are encouraged to negotiate to enable them to think about how they can begin to manage their own behaviour. Lots of praise and encouragement help the children to feel valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a selection of written policies and procedures that parents are able to access in a central file. The childminder understands the complaints regulation and ensures parents know the procedures to follow if they have any concerns. Daily information shared verbally ensures parents are informed about their child’s day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides a very warm and caring environment for minded children, where their enjoyment is prioritised. She ensures that she gets to know the children well to maximise their potential to be independent and confident. She has continued to update her knowledge and understanding in childcare by undertaking additional training and uses her knowledge to promote the children's learning and development. Written policies and procedures, and most of the required documentation, are in place to support the children's welfare. The day is well

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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 organised to provide a balance of quiet and active play and includes stimulating activities outside the home to encourage the children's development in all areas; however insufficient attention is paid to providing a healthy and nutritious diet to fully promote their well being. The childminder provides placements for students and ensures they are aware of their responsibilities. She takes steps to ensure children are fully protected by assessing the suitability of all adults in the home. 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 childminder was set recommendations relating to completing an appropriate first aid course and developing her knowledge of child protection procedures. The childminder has now updated her First Aid certificate and has attended child protection training. This combined knowledge contributes to supporting the children's well being.

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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): • promote the children's understanding of healthy eating by providing varied, nutritious meals • obtain a range of written consent, including those relating to emergency treatment and transportation, to support the children's welfare and ensure parents' wishes are fully known.

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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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