Witchford Village College

Inspection report for early years provision

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137547 Unique Reference Number 19 December 2007 Inspection date Jennifer Devine 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 registered in 1997. She lives with her husband, adult son and daughter in law, in Neasden in the London borough of Brent. The childminder uses the ground floor of the premises 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 minding four children on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The home is clean and well maintained which ensures that children's health is promoted. Children are learning self help skills to help keep them healthy, such as when washing their hands at appropriate times during the day. The childminder has effective procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection, such as having a nappy changing procedure, and children do not attend if they are unwell. Appropriate written consent, accident and medication records are maintained. However, parents' signatures have not been obtained on all accident records and this

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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 compromises children's safety. The childminder holds a first aid certificate and is attending a refresher course in the New Year. This means that the childminder is confident to deal with any emergencies that may occur.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. They enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks that are provided by the childminder. The foods offered to the children take into account any special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities, which contribute to their good physical health. They have daily opportunities to play outside in the garden, visit the local park or attend toddler groups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play and sleep in comfort using furniture appropriate for their ages. For example, children have a small table and chairs to either eat at or play with toys, along with a travel cot, car seats and pushchairs. The childminder ensures the furniture and play equipment is safe, clean and in good condition as she carries out regular checks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from playing in a well organised environment. This allows them to move around freely and play safely. The childminder has identified hazards within her home and minimised these. For example, a stair gate is positioned across the stairs and low level kitchen cupboards are securely locked. The childminder ensures children are kept safe whilst outside the home and constantly reminds them about the importance of holding hands and crossing the road safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well being is safeguarded as the childminder has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and understands the reporting procedures to follow if concerned for a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are making good progress in their development as the childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and develop through play and having fun. The childminder knows the children well and meets their needs appropriately, she is kind and considerate and spends meaningful time with them. She sits at their level giving them comfort and encouragement as they play. Children are becoming independent as they choose from a range of resources that are well organised and easily accessible to them. Resources promote learning and are enjoyed by the children. Children are engaged in purposeful play and are eager to join in with activities. Children thoroughly enjoy singing with the childminder, singing favourite songs such as 'ten green bottles' where they learn to subtract using their fingers. Whilst singing 'Miss Polly had a dolly' a child also acts out this rhyme, bringing a stethoscope from the doctors

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

kit and a dolly over to the childminder to use as props.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Good partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's wellbeing. The childminder ensures that parents know how their children have been during the day, as information is shared

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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 verbally on a daily basis. The childminder has a full range of written procedures which are shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are comfortable and content in the care of the childminder, this is due to the childminder ensuring they are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the needs of children by obtaining information from the parents on the child's routines, their likes and dislikes. Children are provided with resources that reflect the wider world, such as books and dolls which increase the children's awareness of diversity and understanding of other people.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

As children are engaged in meaningful play their behaviour is good. The childminder uses age appropriate, positive strategies to manage any difficulties that may arise.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised, warm and appropriately affectionate towards the children, which means they feel safe and secure in the environment. Children are confident and settled enough to initiate their own learning and play.

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Organisation

The childminder has gained a good understanding of the National Standards and is able to demonstrate that she meets these well. She has attended various training courses which enhances her knowledge further and keeps her up to date with any changes. She is very experienced and children benefit from her knowledge and understanding of child care and development. Most of the required documentation is maintained well, except for accident records not always containing parents' signatures.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has made improvements in the care she provides to children. She has attended Child Protection training which has developed her understanding of Child Protection procedures and therefore ensures children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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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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 accident book is always signed by parents.

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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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