The Gainsborough Parish Church Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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138640 Unique Reference Number 10 February 2008 Inspection date Keriann Belcher 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 has been registered since October 1997. She lives with her husband and their two adult children in a house in the London borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the ground floor and the small front bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have two pet cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children under the age of eight years at any one time. She currently cares for one child under the age of five years, and three children before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group, and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a warm and clean environment. The childminder has suitable procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection, for example, children do not attend when they are ill. Children are beginning to learn the importance of personal hygiene, washing

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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 their hands before and after snacks. Children enjoy plenty of fresh air and physical exercise, which promotes their development and good health. They enjoy regular outings to local parks and parent and toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary needs are fully respected. The childminder discusses all dietary needs and food preferences with parents, which means that children's individual needs are taken into account. The childminder provides healthy snacks for the children, which helps them begin to develop an understanding of healthy eating. Children are able to sit comfortably at the table or in a high chair to eat their meals. They enjoy relaxed and sociable meal times as they chat to the childminder and enjoy eating their food. Drinks are readily available at all times during the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are warmly welcomed into a homely environment. They are relaxed and happy at the childminder's home. They are able to eat, play and rest comfortably because the childminder has considered the use of space in her home. Children have easy access to a good range of toys, books and resources, which enables them to make independent choices and decisions. Regular checks for cleanliness and safety ensure that children's toys are always in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe in the childminder's home because she is conscientious and well informed about all aspects of safety. Emergency escape plans have been devised and practised with the children. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place. In the event of an accident, children receive appropriate treatment because the childminder maintains a current first aid certificate. However, the childminder does not record minor injuries or incidents in her accident book, and, although she has a first aid box, she fails to ensure that the contents are checked frequently and items replaced as necessary. This may compromise children's safety and welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy playing with a range of age-appropriate resources that promote their learning. The childminder encourages children to begin to recognise colours and shapes while they play. Children's vocabulary is also developing, as the childminder listens to what they say and asks questions to make them think and respond appropriately. The children particularly enjoy being creative and imaginative through such activities as role play in the pretend kitchen or singing and moving to music.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder sits on the floor to encourage children in their play, gently making suggestions on how to draw around their own hands and feet, but she does not interfere or diminish their self-confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children go on outings to child-friendly settings, such as parent and toddler groups or places of interest. For example, children have fun at Odds Farm or Ruislip lido. This gives them opportunities to explore new activities and enjoy relationships with other children.

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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's behaviour in the childminder's care is very good. She ensures children learn the rules of the house, such as no jumping around or touching the television. The rules are applied consistently to enable the children to learn right from wrong, and build up a sense of security as they learn the boundaries for acceptable behaviour. Any difficulties that arise are managed using age-appropriate and positive methods, such as ignoring negative behaviour and praising wanted behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder raises children's awareness of cultural differences and people with varying needs through the books and dolls she provides. Children can celebrate festivals at the local activity groups. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are welcome in the childminder’s home, as she has a positive attitude towards this area of childcare.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's welfare and development are promoted because the childminder places a strong emphasis on building good relationships with parents and respects their wishes. She provides the parents with copies of her policies and procedures, and ensures they are kept well informed about their child's daily activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the friendly environment. The childminder is warm and affectionate towards the children, who are very relaxed and happy in her care. The home is well organised to maximise children's play and learning opportunities. They have space to move around freely and play with the different activities provided, and have good access to toys and resources.

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Organisation

The childminder has a positive attitude to training. She is proactive in ensuring that she develops her childminding skills by attending courses. For instance, she has attended courses on behaviour management and an introduction to the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Organisation

Records and documentation which contribute to children's health, safety and well-being are in place, These are very well organised and stored away in a file to maintain confidentiality. This assists the childminder in the smooth and efficient running of her service. The certificate of registration is on display, enabling parents to be clear about the childminder's conditions. Children's times of arrival and departure are recorded meaning that there is an accurate record of attendance should it be needed. Children benefit from the time and attention the childminder is able to give them. 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 was asked to complete a first aid training course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate, which enables her to administer treatment in an emergency.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was also asked to ensure that smoke alarms that conform to BS EN safety standards are provided at every level of the house, and are maintained in working condition. Smoke alarms are fitted on the ground and first floor and tested, which ensures that an early warning is given in the event of a fire.

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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 registration 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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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 that all accidents and incidents are recorded • ensure the contents of the first aid box are checked and replaced as necessary.

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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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