Hazel Grove High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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137923 Unique Reference Number 18 March 2008 Inspection date Carol Newman 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 1996. She lives with her husband and two adult and school aged children in New Malden in the London borough of Kingston. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding three children, under eight years, who attend on a full time or part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the library, signing classes and local parks.

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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 play in a clean environment where they learn to follow some good hygiene practices such as washing their hands after using the toilet. However, children eat their snack whilst sitting on the floor and the childminder does not always ensure young children wash their hands before snack time. The childminder follows very good hygiene procedures for nappy changing and older children have their own towels for hand washing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children who are infectious do not attend thus preventing the spread of contagious ailments. Parents give prior written consent to administer medication that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and the first aid box is well stocked. This means the childminder can give appropriate care if there is an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Nutritious meals and snacks help children develop healthy eating habits from a young age. Fresh drinks are available at all times and children confidently help themselves.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children regularly enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their health and develop their physical skills. Children enjoy visits to the local parks, summertime picnics and music and movement indoors. Babies receive lots of warmth and affection. This supports their emotional well-being and gives them the confidence to explore new experiences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder organises the indoor space effectively, allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently. Carefully selected toys ensure children have a good choice of safe and suitable resources. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures, for example socket covers, an effective emergency evacuation procedure that the childminder practises regularly with the children and a secure garden for outdoor play. However, the security of the front door is insufficient to prevent older children from leaving the premises unsupervised. Good routines and gentle reminders help children learn about safety within the setting. There are clear procedures for outings that ensure children’s safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from their own cots and bedding, located in separate bedrooms, so that they feel secure and develop a sense of ownership, when resting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding children issues and knows what action to take if she has concerns about a child in her care. This ensures she quickly recognises when a child is in danger and can act in the child’s best interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children under three explore and experiment through a range of well-planned activities that are appropriate for their stage of development. They regularly check their cress seeds to see if they are growing and, under the childminder's close supervision, they observe the frog spawn in the garden pond.

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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 A good balance of adult and child initiated games help children to make progress in all areas. Children decorate their Easter cards, engage in imaginative play using the play kitchen and enjoy operating a good range of interactive baby toys. The childminder helps children to develop their vocabulary when she discusses 'around' and 'over' while the children play with the shape sorter.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder's relationship with the children is very good. She chats to the children as they play and is kind and friendly. Children are taught how to sign as the childminder has attended a baby signing course. This helps very young children to communicate with the childminder and each other.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses the Birth to three matters framework to ensure activities for children and babies under three are appropriate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children as individuals and acknowledges differences and preferences. A wide range of toys and resources help children to understand and appreciate other cultures. This encourages children to develop a positive attitude towards diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has some limited experience of working with children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. All children progress well due to her consistent encouragement and support. She willingly discusses any concerns with parents to ensure the children's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder makes expectations of behaviour clear and gives reasons for requests ensuring children understand why certain behaviour is not acceptable. Children learn important social skills such as sharing and listening to each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Care diaries for young children ensure continuity of care. The childminder respects parents' wishes at all times. This enables her to meet individual needs regarding routines.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well-organised environment where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents.

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Organisation

The childminder continuously evaluates her provision and seeks further training when necessary, to develop the quality of care she offers. This ensures she is able to provide very good care for the children she looks after. The day is well-planned allowing children time for quiet and active play. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to devise and implement a policy that informs parents of the action taken when children are unwell. A comprehensive sickness policy is in place and made available to parents.

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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 In addition, the childminder agreed to obtain a copy of the local authority child protection procedures for childminders. The childminder has a copy of the Kingston Child Protection booklet and the government Every Child Matters Safeguarding Guidance to inform her practice.

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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 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 children follow good hygiene practices before snacks, particularly with regard to hand washing and following suitable routines such as sitting at the table • ensure children cannot leave the premises unsupervised.

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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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