Hereford Sixth Form College

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

143929 Unique Reference Number 10 March 2008 Inspection date Janet Sharon Williams Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been a registered childminder for 20 years. She lives with her husband and three adult children in Streatham Hill in the London Borough of Lambeth. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Shops, schools, parks and public transport are within walking distance. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time. She currently has six children on roll.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She regularly visits local toddler groups in her area.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a satisfactory, clean environment. Most areas used by the children are frequently cleaned. Toys and equipment are checked for hygiene purposes and washing them is a regular activity with the children. Children establish and learn good hygiene practices. For example, they are reminded to wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals.

p.2

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 Procedures are in place for administering medication. No medication is administered without prior written permission from parents. However, parental permission has not been obtained for emergency medical treatment. The childminder has an up to date first aid certificate and a first aid box to carry out appropriate first aid in event of an emergency.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

All meals are provided by parents. However, children are provided with healthy options, such as fruit. Drinks are offered at regular intervals and they can request for one at any time.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily physical exercise which contributes to their healthy lifestyle, such as regular trips to the park and an under fives' group

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where most of the necessary safety precautions have been taken to minimise accidents, for example, sockets not in use are covered, stairs are inaccessible to the children, smoke detectors are fitted on each landing and hazardous and dangerous substances are out of children's reach. However, the fire blanket is not easily accessible in the kitchen. Toys and equipment are frequently checked to ensure that they are safe and in good condition. On outings younger children are strapped in their pushchair and older children are encouraged to hold hands. School age children are taught basic road safety and how to wait for the green man at the crossing.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a spacious play room where they access a varied range of toys and equipment, for example, art and craft materials, puzzles, books, games, cars, large and small bricks, small world people, soft toys, rattles, and musical equipment and a range of equipment where children can use their imagination creatively, such as dressing up clothes and play crockery, cutlery and food.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected through the childminder's sound understanding of issues surrounding safeguarding and protecting children, such as, noting suspicious marks or bruises or a child showing signs of being withdrawn. The childminder would keep a written record and if necessary contact social services. She has a handbook which she can refer to for any further information.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and enjoy their time at the childminder's. Their individual needs are met. Routines are in place to ensure that children develop and learn through play. There is a clear written activity plan which explains how children are learning within some of the six areas of learning of the Foundation Stage. Children have access to a varied range of toys and activities, which allows them to choose activities themselves. They enjoy completing puzzles, drawing, colouring, sticking, playing with dolls and brushing their hair.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the childminder's positive interaction with them, she takes time to explain how things work when demonstrating a musical toy, teaches the children colours, and asks them about what they are doing. Children relate well with their peers and adults, such as socialising and sharing. Older children support younger children and assist them in various activities, such as completing puzzles with them.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to respect each other. They develop an awareness of other cultures and religions through resources and play materials that reflect diversity, for example, books, dressing up clothes and dolls. However, the childminder has few resources to raise children's knowledge about disability.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive approach towards children with learning difficulties or disabilities and is pro-active in addressing issues promoting their well-being and care. For example, she is prepared to work with professionals, such as speech therapists to improve any areas of verbal communication.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved through being fully occupied. Management of their behaviour is positive and consistent, for example, the childminder would remove them from a situation and take time to explain right from wrong. All behaviour is dealt with according to the child's level of understanding. Good behaviour is promoted by the use of positive reinforcement. The childminder praises the children giving them good self-esteem and confidence.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well looked after through good relationships being established with parents. All mandatory documents regarding children and their parents have been gathered to ensure children are looked after according to their individual needs. Parental consent has been gathered for outings, taking photographs and for transporting children in the car. Written details also include a comprehensive complaints procedure. Information regarding the children's progress is shared with parents on a daily basis.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well looked after and their individual needs are met. Good routines are in place to allow for active and quiet play and time outdoors.

p.4

Organisation

Records are well maintained and kept up to date, which includes children's arrival and departure times. Clear written comprehensive procedures are also in place to promote the well-being of children being looked after and are accessible to parents. The childminder has attended various training courses to improve her knowledge and skills for working with babies and young children which includes the Birth to three matters framework, introduction to the Early Years Foundation Stage and Makaton.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop a range of play materials that reflect positive images of race, gender and disability and ensure that toys and equipment are well maintained, safe and accessible to the children. Most of these have been satisfactorily addressed, however, the childminder has few resources for anti-discriminatory practice.

p.4

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.

p.4

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 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.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain parental permission for emergency medical treatment • improve resources and play materials to raise children's knowledge about disability

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5