Pomphlett Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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143893 Unique Reference Number 28 January 2008 Inspection date Angela Ramsey 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 outstanding. 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 March 1999. She lives with her adult daughter in a three bedroom house in the London Borough of Lambeth. The whole of the ground floor, plus the first floor bathroom, are used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently registered to care for four children under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for three children aged under five years and one child aged over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are looked after in a comfortable family home. Play and care areas, children's toys and equipment are all maintained to a high standard. The risks of cross infection are minimised due

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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 to the childminder's very effective procedures for promoting children's hygiene and good health. For example children wash their hands after using the bathroom and engaging in messy play and before eating their meals and snacks. When changing nappies the childminder wears disposable gloves. Should an accident occur, a child requires medication or a child becomes unwell they are well cared for. The childminder has successfully completed training in first aid, her first aid box is also well stocked.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children get plenty of fresh air and exercise. They go to a local park where they are able to play on the swings and be active on the climbing frame. When playing in the childminder's home babies are encouraged to lie and kick, roll over or sit and reach out for toys. Suitable toys and equipment promote babies' standing and emergent walking. When at childminding groups children ride wheeled toys. This develops their spatial awareness and coordination. Children’s small manipulative skills are enhanced as they use chalk to draw on the childminders’ garden wall.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are very well nourished. They have varied meals and snacks and plenty to drink. The strong emphasis on healthy eating is encouraged. The childminder prepares a wide range of vegetables, fruits, pulses, fish and cereals. Snacks such as oat and rice cakes are provided. The childminder takes full account of parents' views and of information regarding children's allergies and individual dietary needs. Some parents provide their children’s meals and snacks; these are stored appropriately to ensure they remain fresh. The childminder has recently attended a food safety course, therefore she is mindful of the importance of storing foods correctly and hygienic food preparation. Children help with food preparation. They have recently made fish cakes with the childminder. After picking black berries these are washed and made into juice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's safety and protection are given high priority by the childminder and her exemplary practice is backed by comprehensive procedures. These include safety in her home, garden and on outings. Written parental consent is obtained and parents are well informed about activities and routines and how she has catered for their children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are effectively supervised, but without inhibiting their independence or enjoyment. All areas of the premises are secure and free from hazards. Safety gates, a fire guard and socket covers are in place. The garden is checked before children go out to play. Outings are well organised and enjoyable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is given priority the childminder is well prepared for emergency situations. She arranged for a home fire safety check to ensure the safety of her home. There are robust arrangements for any emergency evacuations. The childminder has devised clear written guidance ensuring the safety of herself and the children in her care. Fire drills are practised with the children so they know what to do in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are effectively protected from harm. The childminder clearly understands her responsibility for safeguarding children and makes sure parents are well aware of her role. She has effective procedures, and a copy of the government booklet on safeguarding children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are able to actively engage in a range of exciting and well planned and presented activities to aid their overall development. Children have access to an excellent range of resources, these are easily accessible to enable them to make choices about their play. They also take part in a range of interesting outings to local under five groups, parks and museums.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a child care qualification and has attended a wealth of training courses to increase her knowledge and understanding of how children learn through play. The childminder is skilled at providing activities for all the children in her care. As a result babies and children take part in the same activities, such as painting or playing with dough, but the childminder ensures older or more able children are introduced to different tools and techniques to give them more challenges whilst enabling younger children to explore the materials.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children can also be creative as they play with musical instruments. Playing these enhances children's hand eye coordination. Moving and dancing to music assists children's physical development. Outings that enable children to be active and to explore features of the natural world are also planned. Children enjoy visits to local under five groups, where they can socialise with their peers. Visits to parks enable children to explore their environment and enjoy nature as they observe flowers, trees, squirrels and ducks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Close and caring relationships between children and the childminder significantly increase children's self-esteem and confidence. Children communicate extremely well as the childminder listens intently and joins in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are well behaved. Children have choices, plenty to do and time to enjoy activities and experiences. Children are encouraged to be polite, helpful and respectful of each other. Children's positive behaviour is very much encouraged and praised. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure consistency in behaviour management.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents and carers are warmly welcomed and positive relationships have been formed. They are delighted with the care their children receive. Parents and children benefit from exemplary settling-in arrangements. Visits and a wealth of relevant verbal and written information enable parents and the childminder to build firm relationships. Parents describe the childminder as professional, exemplary and highly recommend the care she devotes to their children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Clear agreements and regular written and verbal exchanges ensure parents are very well informed about their children's care, activities and developmental progress. Parents and carers are also very well informed about the childminder's procedures and policies. These include clear information about the management and recording of any complaints should any arise.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are looked after by a very capable, knowledgeable and caring childminder. Families benefit from her exemplary organisational skills. Children enjoy a range of stimulating activities

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to enhance their overall development. Excellent planning ensures the home is well prepared to maximise all play opportunities for children in her care.

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Organisation

The childminder has attended a wealth of training courses and has achieved a level 3 qualification in child care. The attending of these courses ensures she keeps up to date with childcare initiatives and changes in legislation.

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Organisation

All required documentation is effectively maintained to contribute to children's health, safety and welfare. This is used well to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Records for individual children are openly shared with parents and used well to manage and meet their individual needs. Confidentiality is rigorously maintained to further enhance their care and welfare.

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Organisation

Overall 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 was required to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote positive images of disability.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has purchased an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote positive images of disability. These resources include books and dolls which show positive images of people with varying needs.

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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 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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