Belford College Limited

Inspection report for early years provision

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131854 Unique Reference Number 26 November 2007 Inspection date Jacqui Lloyd 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 lives with her husband and their two children in Chessington, Surrey. The house is situated within walking distance of local schools and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to the two main rooms on the ground floor with toileting and sleeping facilities situated on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently four children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have no pets other than a caged bird.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder maintains a clean and hygienic environment for the children and encourages children to develop good personal care routines. She teaches children about the importance

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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 of hand washing by supervising them closely and talking to them about germs. She also follows clear and effective procedures for nappy changing, which help to prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder encourages children's healthy development by providing regular opportunities for physical development. Children walk to and from school on a daily basis, which enables them to remain active and enjoy lots of fresh air. This contributes towards their good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder maintains clear and effective records relating to accidents and medication. She obtains all the necessary information about the children's health needs and appropriate consents from parents. This helps to ensure she acts in accordance with the parents' wishes, taking into account the health and dietary needs of the individual children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder fully understands the importance of healthy eating and provides the children with healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. She introduces children to different foods in a fun way and encourages them to try new flavours and ingredients. For example, children enjoyed tasting Indian and Chinese foods and talk positively about using chopsticks to eat noodles.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are made to feel very welcome in the childminder's home. They have access to two main rooms on the ground floor and can move around easily. The main play area is organised well to meet the needs of the children. For example, the toys and resources are very well organised in transparent low level storage units. This enables the children to see what is available and make independent choices about what to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are good procedures in place to ensure the ongoing safety and suitability of the toys and resources. For example, the childminder regularly checks the toys and involves the children in this. Children enjoy helping to bath the dolls, wash their clothes and clean other toys. During this fun and innovative activity, the childminder also checks for any damaged or broken toys that may need to be replaced or repaired. This helps to protect children, whilst helping the children to develop an awareness of safety issues.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of safety. She has only recently moved into her new property and has conducted a thorough risk assessment of the home and garden. She has correctly identified several hazards in the garden and at this time has taken the decision not to use this area. She has made parents aware of this in writing and obtained signatures from parents to confirm their understanding of this.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are a number of other potential hazards in the home. The childminder has implemented appropriate procedures to address these issues. For example, she has secured a temporary barrier on the handrail at the top of the stairs in place of the missing banister to reduce the risk to children. The childminder has also reviewed her emergency evacuation procedures and adapted these to reflect the layout of her new premises. This demonstrates a high level of commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of the children in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected well as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues. She understands her responsibility in this area and has reference material and contact details of the appropriate agencies available, should she have any concerns about any of the children in her care. The childminder has made parents aware of her responsibility in this area.

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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 good. Children are made to feel very welcome and considered as members of the family. They enjoy very close and caring relationships with the childminder and approach her frequently for cuddles and affection. Children are confident in her care and talk happily about how much they enjoy spending time with her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy taking part in a good range of activities and experiences that help them make progress in all areas of development. For example children enjoy going on outings using public transport, having picnics in the parks and fun and exciting creative activities, such as making salt dough models.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has also enrolled all the children in her care at the local library. This means that they visit the library regularly and all of the children can enjoy this exciting and worthwhile activity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses her experience and knowledge to utilise learning opportunities as and when they arise. For example, whilst playing with a selection of toys, the childminder skilfully asks appropriate questions to develop the child's understanding of letters and sounds, numbers and colours. This helps to support and reinforce the child's learning. As a result the child is interested and fully engaged in play. The childminder builds upon the child's natural curiosity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses a daily diary with the parents of very young children and babies to share important information about their care needs, such as sleep patterns, nappies and meals. This helps to ensure that both the parents and the childminder are fully aware of the children's needs and working together to meet these effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder develops very positive relationships with the children and their families and as a result she fully understands their individual needs. She treats all of the children with equal concern, taking into account their individual abilities, likes, dislikes and needs. The childminder makes good use of books, resources and discussions to help children develop an awareness of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder encourages good behaviour through the use of praise and positive language. Consequently, children understand the expectations regarding behaviour and behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works very closely with the parents of the children in her care and develops a very effective partnership. She makes very good use of written information and documents to support this partnership. The childminder has developed many other records and documents that she uses in addition to the regulatory records. For example, she uses a parental questionnaire to obtain feedback from parents about the service she offers. She has also shared information about her complaints policy with parents and obtained their signatures to acknowledge their understanding of this.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has an organised and professional approach towards her job and is very proactive in her role. She ensures that she keeps up to date with changes and developments in childcare and is very clear about her regulatory responsibilities. She also implements effective records and strategies which contribute towards the safe and effective organisation of her childminding business. For example, the feedback questionnaire is a useful document for reviewing her own practice.

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Organisation

She demonstrates a thorough understanding of the National Standards and always ensures she makes parents aware of the legal requirements placed upon her. All of the required regulatory records and documents are in place and well maintained.

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Organisation

She organises the day around the needs of the children. She takes into account the children's individual routines and needs and allows plenty of time for children to rest, sleep, play and enjoy meal times together.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, two recommendations were raised.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was required to attend an appropriate first aid course and ensure all necessary checks were carried out on adult members of the household.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has addressed these issues. She has attended a recognised paediatric first aid training course which has provided her with up to date knowledge of how to deal with accidents and emergencies appropriately. The childminder has also carried out an appropriate clearance check on her daughter by obtaining a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure.

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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 the outstanding safety issues in the garden are addressed prior to using this area with the minded children

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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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