Moulsham Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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137971 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2008 Inspection date Helen Deegan 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 became registered in 1999. She is registered to care for five children aged under eight years and is currently minding four children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her family in Morden in the London Borough of Merton. The house is situated in a residential area and is within walking distance of local shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding plus two bedrooms and the bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed back garden for outdoor play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder provides a clean, well organised and well maintained environment. Children are encouraged to develop good personal hygiene routines and are given individual hand towels so that the risk of cross infection is reduced. Parents are asked to keep sick children away from the setting so that children are protected from the spread of infection. The childminder has a

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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 valid first aid certificate and keeps clear written records of any accidents that occur, which parents sign. This helps to ensure that children's safety is protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a variety of healthy, nutritious meals, snacks and drinks. She displays weekly menus and obtains information about children's dietary needs from parents so that any special requirements are appropriately met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities for physical play in the childminder's back garden which is safely enclosed and has a netted trampoline and a swing. In addition they visit a local soft play activity and toddler group.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming environment. Children's art work is displayed along with colourful posters and useful information for parents. The premises is well organised to allow space for children to play, eat and relax in appropriate surroundings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken appropriate steps to ensure safety in most areas of the premises. Safety gates, smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place and children regularly practice a fire drill. One bedroom houses a bunk bed which has not been risk assessed to ensure that risks to children are minimised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an excellent range of toys which she rotates so that children play with different activities each day and their interest is maintained. Toys are stored on the floor so that children can make choices and access activities independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended child protection training and has produced a detailed child protection policy. She has an excellent understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder records observations of children's development using information from the Birth to three matters framework. She uses the observations to plan other activities to build on the children's interests and extend their knowledge and understanding. Children play purposefully with a wide range of age appropriate activities which promote their all round development. The childminder sits with them and involves herself in their activities, commenting on what they are doing and asking simple questions to encourage their developing language skills. The childminder is warm and responsive to the children so that they are extremely happy, confident and settled in her care. Children participate enthusiastically in the salt dough making activity, independently mixing the ingredients together and using the finished product to play with and make their own creations. Younger children are given jelly to play with so that they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

also enjoy a tactile activity but are not harmed if they put the jelly in their mouth. The childminder offers physical help and verbal encouragement so that the children gain the most from the activity. She takes every opportunity to praise the children's efforts and achievements so that their confidence and self esteem are promoted. Children's art work is valued and displayed on the kitchen wall. The childminder has a written settling in policy which allows children to settle in at their own pace so that their welfare is protected.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder uses several excellent methods of communication with parents. She provides them with policy information including the complaints procedure so that they are well informed about her provision. She displays useful information for them, including her certificate of registration, menus and public liability insurance details, and requests their written consent before completing developmental observations, taking photographs or going on outings. A wipeable wall chart is used to record the fresh fruit and vegetables that children eat each day to ensure that they receive the recommended minimum of five. She produces a photograph album for each child with pictures of them playing and enjoying outings. This is given to the parents when they leave so that they have a record of their child's progress and development whilst they attended the childminder's provision. Time for verbal feedback is allowed at collection

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Helping children make a positive contribution

times each day so that parents have a clear understanding of what their child has done and how they have been. The childminder has some experience of working with children who have learning difficulties and disabilities. She discusses any concerns about children's development openly with their parents and may advise them to seek medical advice to ensure that the children receive appropriate support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has an excellent understanding of equal opportunities, she has produced a detailed equal opportunities policy and this is reflected in her practice. She has play equipment which reflects different race, culture, disability and religion. This helps children gain positive messages about diversity. She gathers detailed information about children's requirements from parents so that their individual needs are fully met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because they are well occupied and the childminder is calm and consistent in her approach to them. She has produced a detailed and appropriate behaviour management policy and this is reflected in her practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has all the required documentation in place and maintained up to date. She has produced a thorough set of polices which guide her daily practice and inform parents about her provision. She has a current first aid certificate and attends various training courses to update and improve her knowledge. She organises the space and equipment effectively so that children are cared for in appropriate surroundings. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures, to improve her accident records by including details of existing injuries and to improve written parental agreements. She has now attended training on child protection and has an excellent understanding of her responsibilities with regard to protecting children. She has also produced a detailed policy.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has obtained the National Child Minding Association (NCMA) accident, incident and medication record book which she uses to keep appropriate records. She also has a completed NCMA contract for each family.

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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 that required either 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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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): • conduct a risk assessment on the bunk bed and take any steps necessary to minimise risks to 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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