Southbrook Infant and Nursery School

Inspection report for early years provision

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138061 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2008 Inspection date Sue Boylan 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 1976. She lives with her husband in the London borough of Merton. All areas of the ground floor are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder drives to the local school to take and collect children. She goes to toddler groups, park and library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children, one of whom attends on full-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds the National Childminding Association Quality First accreditation.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm home where they benefit from a healthy life style. They are out in the fresh air daily and like to stop off at the park on the way back from school. Children's physical development is encouraged as they practise their ball skills, ride bikes and

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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 manoeuvre ride-ons around the garden. Effective measures are in place to support children's understanding of personal hygiene. They are encouraged to be independent when going to the toilet and know to wash their hands when they have finished.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the healthy meals provided. They all enjoy sitting down for their snack at '4 o'clock', where they chat about their day at school and tuck into, for example, pancakes with lemon, marmite on toast and cereal with a hot drink. Children are beginning to understand what food is good for you because they help to grow vegetables, such as tomatoes, runner beans, potatoes and lettuce. They love to make fresh vegetable soup and look forward to eating it for tea or lunch. Children confidentially ask for an apple at mid-morning, with a request to 'eat it big' with the skin off'.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are not at risk from cross infection as they do not attend if unwell. The childminder's first aid qualification recently expired, she is booked onto the next available course in February. Not all parents have provided written consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, this means their wishes are not clear.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a safe child-orientated environment. This allows them to move around freely and select from resources that are in good condition and appropriate for their age. The lounge is comfortable and provides access to the well equipped garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is protected because the childminder is constantly supervising them. They all play on one level and can be heard or seen from any room in this area. Security is good and an alarm attached to the front door goes off to alert the childminder if a child goes to open it. There are appropriate precautions, such as stair gates stopping access to upstairs. There are good fire safety measures in place, for instance, the evacuation plan is displayed and children practise the emergency plan every holiday so they are familiar with the routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to keep safe, for example, holding onto the buggy and looking carefully both ways for traffic, before crossing the road. Their welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection. She has produced a written policy, attended a course and knows who to contact if concerned a child is being abused or neglected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to her role of providing a stimulating and caring environment. They are confident and willingly approach the childminder to ask for their snack, help with a toy or to go to the toilet. Children's learning is extended as their language, early writing and number skills are encouraged. Children love to use their imaginations and set up the table with the pretend food and dress up the dolls ready to go on an outing. They take delight in singing a favourite song, such as 'Wheels on the Bus' and 'Down at the Station'. There are good opportunities for children to create, for instance, making pastry penguins and a paper plate robin. Children's development is monitored as the childminder makes regular observations on their progress and links this through to their next stage in learning. Children attending after school enjoy the independence of choosing their own activities, playing in the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

garden and using the play station for short periods of time.

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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 good. Children feel very much at home in the setting and are valued as individuals. They have good opportunities to experience the wider and local community with regular trips to the library, toddler groups, park, farm and fruit picking. They enjoy a varied selection of resources that reflect positive images of today's society and the childminder likes to involve the older children in discussion on different events, such as Lent.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the relationship the childminder forms with parents. They complete a form detailing their child's likes, dislikes and stage of development reached. This fosters children's well-being and ensures consistency in care. There is a parent pack which contains information about the provision, polices and procedures. Parents are kept up to date through daily verbal feedback.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's self-esteem is fostered because the childminder is positive in her approach to managing behaviour. She is a good role model, building up relationships with children so they feel secure in her care. Children are learning social skills, such as tidying up, sharing and taking turns. They like to help with jobs, for instance, rolling up the mat and laying the table.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children thrive because the childminder provides good adult support. Space is organised well and routine ensures individual needs are met at all times. There are effective procedures so children are not left in the care of any person not vetted. In the event of an emergency another registered childminder is available to cover. The childminder is keen to update her knowledge and attends external training courses, such as observing children, encouraging early language and sibling rivalry. The required records that contribute to children's health, safety and well-being are organised well and maintained accurately. There are some written policies and procedures which promote continuity of care. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure all household members are vetted; maintain a system for giving medicines and seeking emergency treatment; maintain an up to date record of the children's attendance. All of which are now completed and organised well.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the childminder or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder 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 all parents provide written consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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