Manor County Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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128885 Unique Reference Number 21 January 2008 Inspection date Elizabeth Anne Coffey 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 has been registered to care for children since in 1998. She lives with her seventeen year old daughter in Downham, in the London borough of Lewisham. The property is a two bed roomed house in a residential area. All of the home can be used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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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 caring for two children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the local childminding network.

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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 benefit from regular exercise and fresh air. They enjoy trips to parks and playgrounds where they can freely run, climb and balance. They also enjoy playing in the garden where they have access to a range of equipment including sit and ride toys, dolls prams and rockers.

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Helping children to be healthy

There is a clear emphasis on healthy eating and children enjoy a balanced nutritious diet. They eat fresh fruit and vegetables daily and are encouraged to drink water throughout the day. The childminder takes great care to identify individual children's dietary needs and likes and dislikes. She encourages children to try new foods and keeps a record for parents of young children's food and drink intake. Children enjoy taking part in cooking activities such as baking cakes with the childminder and she encourages parents to build on this experience, for example, by providing recipes that they might wish to try out with their child at home.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good hygiene practices help to promote the health of children and minimise cross infection. There are suitable nappy changing, potty training and toileting facilities available and the childminder ensures that all bodily fluids are dealt with in a safe hygienic manner. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene as they are reminded to wash their hands before mealtimes and to cover their mouth when they cough.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are appropriate record keeping systems in place for the recording of accidents and medication. Parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is held. A first aid kit is available and easily accessible in the event of an emergency. The childminder's paediatric first aid certificate has expired and she has been unable to update this due to the unavailability of a relevant course in her local area. This compromises children's health. The childminder has taken appropriate steps to minimise the impact of this and has in the meantime completed a course on basic life support. The childminder has a confirmed booking for a place on a full first aid course and is due to complete this in the near future.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play harmoniously in an organised and well maintained environment. The rooms are comfortable and well equipped with a range of seating and soft furnishings which makes children feel relaxed and at home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from close adult supervision, as they independently select activities from a range of toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder takes care to ensure children play with toys that are suitable for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn how to behave in a manner that ensures their safety both in the home or on outings. The childminder teaches the children about road safety and how to cross the road safely whilst listening and looking out for oncoming traffic. Outings are planned in conjunction with other childminders and their children. This ensures maximum adult support and assistance in the event of an emergency and promotes the safety of children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is paramount and the childminder takes appropriate steps to identify and deal with hazards in the home and garden. This includes use of stair gates, safety sockets and cupboard and drawer locks. Suitable fire fighting and detection equipment is in place and the

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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 childminder has sought advice from the Fire Officer in relation to all aspects of fire safety in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm by the childminder who has a sound knowledge of child protection and understands her responsibilities in following correct procedures in the event of a concern. Appropriate contact numbers in the event of a child protection concern are readily available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have established good relationships and strong bonds with the childminder; as a result they are very happy, well behaved and confident in her care. The childminder is very interested in what the children do and engages fully in their play and language, which enables them to make good progress. Children giggle with glee as the childminder plays with puppets and toy animals with them. They readily climb on her lap to share a story book and confidently join in turning the pages and making the sounds of the different animals in the story. The childminder helps the children to recall things they have seen and done with her, for example, talking to them about trips they have been on to feed the ducks or the squirrels. Children eagerly look at photos of places they have been and activities they have taken part in and proudly point to photos of themselves in various settings. This promotes children's confidence and self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder interacts with children in a sensitive and supportive way, attending to their individual needs and development. Children are able to make choices from a wide selection of toys and materials available, which interest, stimulate and provide sufficient challenges. The childminder has created an imaginative range of learning materials for use with the children. This includes card games and string activities that children can use to help learn the letters of the alphabet or how to spell their own name.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Very good use is made of community resources. Children visit the library where they can borrow books and join in various story and singing activities. They attend music sessions, art and craft sessions, toddler groups and Under Fives fun days. They regularly go on outings to farms, parks and open spaces. These experiences all help to support children's learning and development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play well together and learn to form friendships from an early age. Children talk fondly about other minded children who are not present and affectionately recall activities they have done together. The childminder builds on this, for example, talking to the children about when they all went on a nature walk and heard the woodpeckers in the trees. This helps children feel valued and gives them a strong sense of belonging.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has attended training in the Early Years Foundation Stage and is keen to develop her knowledge and understanding of current childcare practice and to stay abreast of future changes. This supports children's learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are all treated with equal concern and their individual needs are well known and met. They are learning about diversity through their access to resources which reflect positive images such as dolls, books and photographs. Good support is in place for children who are bilingual and positive steps are taken to ensure that they are fully included in all activities. Where parents

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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 speak English as an additional language the childminder employs suitable strategies to ensure that information is appropriately shared with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although there are no children currently attending with learning disabilities and/or difficulties, the childminder has previous experience in this area. She understands the importance of working closely with parents and other agencies to help and support children to ensure their needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good and they are learning to be kind and considerate to their peers. The childminder values and encourages good behaviour, using firm and fair strategies, which consider the developmental needs and maturity of the child. They are routinely praised and encouraged in all they do which increases their confidence and self-esteem. Children are encouraged to be polite, to share and to take turns. This helps develop children's awareness of fairness and cooperation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the effective partnership with parents. The childminder asks parents for relevant information about the child and their family in order that she can identify and understand their individual needs. This enables her to provide a service that meets the specific needs of each child. Information for parents is displayed on a notice board in the hall, which includes the registration certificate and newsletters. Children's individual care needs are recorded and daily feedback at the time of collection ensures good continuity of care. The childminder also provides a written contact book for younger children which contributes to the sharing of information between all parties.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from well organised play areas, allowing time for active and quiet play both indoors and outside. They enjoy an environment where they receive appropriate adult support to help them feel secure and confident. Children's care is enhanced by effective and efficient organisation. The childminder organises her daily routine around the children's needs. The day is well planned to accommodate journeys to and from various toddler groups and to allow the children adequate time to rest, play and eat.

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Organisation

The childminder is very experienced in the field of childcare. She is proactive in attending training and workshops that help to underpin her childminding knowledge and practice. Although her first aid certificate has expired reasonable steps have been taken to address this. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities as a registered childminder. Information is treated in a sensitive and confidential manner. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that parents were provided with a written statement of the procedures to be followed in the event of a complaint. The childminder has drawn up an information sheet that is provided to parents detailing who to contact in the event of a complaint.

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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

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 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 that a valid first aid certificate is maintained at all times

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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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