Boarzell College

Inspection report for early years provision

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128871 Unique Reference Number 31 October 2007 Inspection date Alison Romanczuk 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 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and twelve in the Borough of Lewisham. The ground floor and the first floor of her house is used for childminding and there is a small enclosed garden for outside play. The third floor of the house is not available to the children.

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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 three children under five and one child over five before and after school. The childminder visits the local schools to take and collect children and she attends the parent/toddler group. The family has pet fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminders Association.

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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's health is given a good foundation when with the childminder who takes pride in keeping her house clean and orderly. Children are kept clean and have their nappies regularly changed. Regular visits to local parks and use of the garden ensures children benefit from regular fresh air and large physical play. They learn good hygiene habits as they read stories and discuss the importance of habits such as hand washing and keeping their bodies clean. Older children partake in further activities to support their understanding such as learning to wash and care for their feet. Children receive good care when they are unwell because the childminder has an up to date first aid certificate. She is experienced and uses clear medication policies where she gains consent from the children's parents, for example, to administer medicine or take the children to hospital. Children's good health is protected because she talks to parents

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Helping children to be healthy

about infectious illness issues. They are well nourished when with the childminder who holds secure records relating to their individual needs. In consultation with children's parents, children have variety and balance to their meals and snacks. As a result they eat a range of fruit and vegetables including sweet potato, plantain, broccoli and fish and have regular access to fresh water during the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play in an environment which is safe and suitable for their needs and they learn about the importance of helping to tidy up to ensure an uncluttered environment. Accident which may occur are suitably recorded in the childminder's accident book. The children access a range of good quality toys and equipment which is well organised and meets safety requirements. Policies and procedures in place securely underpin the childminders aims to protect the children from harm around the house and when on outings and these are consistently shared with children's parents. Children are kept safe from fire hazard because the childminder has fire prevention equipment in place such as smoke alarms and an extinguisher in her kitchen. Regular discussions and story themes help the children to know what to do in an emergency and regular fire drills ensure children are familiar with this event, should the need arise. Children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are generally well safeguarded from harm and the childminder constantly monitors the children to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Training in this area has not been updated in line with National safeguarding procedures however and this has some impact on the childminder's confidence in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children really enjoy being with the childminder and are busily engaged in the excellent variety of activities she provides each day. Communication between the childminder and children is strong and allows the children time to talk about and think about what they are doing. Displays which the childminder provides of the children's work encourage them to explore and try out new ideas and they excitedly talk about their achievements such as their sticky collage, with pride. They help themselves to resources which are set out in a stimulating way and settle quickly into the routine. For example, children use their initiative in role play situations when they ''prepare meals'' and ''feed the babies'' and they demonstrate confidence in making their needs known. They use and enjoy a variety of books both independently and as part of story

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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 sessions and are eager to increase their knowledge for example, in pre writing and naming their colours. Children benefit from activities which are planned well by the childminder including seasonal and topic work, for example where they are encouraged to collect conkers and leaves and use these in their artwork and discussions afterwards. Children's play and learning is further supported through visits to local clubs and childminding groups including the local play bus, a favourite with the children attending.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individuality is valued and positive relationships are established early on. As a result the children settle well and are comfortable in the environment. Those who may have disabilities and/or learning difficulties are welcomed into the environment and the childminder demonstrates experience and confidence in this area to support their needs. Children thrive because the childminder understands that children's parents are their first educators and she works consistently well with them in an effort to provide a home from home environment. Regular observation and positive communication with the children allows the childminder to get to know the children well and provide for their individual interests and stage of development. Children's understanding of the world around them is given priority and well supported because they use a range of books and toys which reflect different skin colour and ways of life and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

meals provided are diverse and interesting. Children behave well when with the childminder who is firm but fair in her expectations. As a result the children know what is expected of them and gain a good understanding of right and wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder demonstrates confidence and experience in her work and has developed strong relationships with local childminder networks of whom she is a member. Children are well supervised and their care, safety and welfare given priority with this well established childminder. She provides a secure and well organised routine where the children quickly settle and know what is going to happen each day. As a result children have ample time to play, rest and be nourished and are accepted as part of the childminder's family. The childminders documentation including registers of the children's attendance, children's details and consent forms are thorough and well set out. Documents are maintained in a confidential manner and shared with the children's parents to ensure they understand her responsibilities. The childminder seeks regular training, for example in managing behaviour, supporting children who may have special

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Organisation

educational needs and in food hygiene to ensure she is kept up to date with regulations. She has an up to date first aid certificate. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

During the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure she recorded all injuries or incidents and to make sure these remained confidential. The childminder now has in place a secure procedure for recording incidents and accidents which protects children's and their families confidentiality.

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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 which 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 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 all policies and procedures regarding National safeguarding procedures are up to date

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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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