Hornchurch High School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

143946 Unique Reference Number 19 February 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 registered since February 1997. She lives with her daughters aged 15 and the other an adult in Brixton in the London Borough of Lambeth. There are local parks, playgrounds and drop in groups within walking distance, that she uses regularly as part of her childminding day.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years at any one time. She currently has five children on her register. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and also treasurer of the local Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where good hygiene habits are put into practice. They are reminded to wash their hands after using the toilet and encouraged to wash them before meals. Good nappy changing routines are in place to avoid cross contamination, through the childminder cleaning the changing mat after use.

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 Effective procedures are in place for recording accidents and medication administered. Parental permission has been obtained for emergency medical treatment.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Most meals are provided by parents. Children are provided with healthy snacks, such as varied fruit. Children who are cared for in the morning are provided with a nutritious breakfast of cereal and milk.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have plenty of physical exercise through making use of the local park and garden which contributes to their health.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in an environment where most of the necessary safety precautions have been taken to minimise accidents, for example, stairs are inaccessible to the children, smoke detectors are fitted, a fire blanket is accessible in the kitchen and fire exits are clearly displayed around the home. However, hazardous and dangerous substances are accessible in the bathroom.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a varied range of toys and equipment appropriate for their age and stage of development, such as, books, soft toys, play animals, musical activity centres, puzzles, large and small bricks, art and craft materials and a home corner area.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded and protected. The childminder is aware of her role and responsibility, such as, to be vigilant of any signs of abuse, keeping relevant details and if necessary contact the necessary professionals or agencies.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a varied range of resources through the childminder organising toys and equipment each day to encourage children to make their own choice. The arranged home corner area with play crockery and cutlery allows children to use their own imagination and role play. Children pretend to cook and serve meals to each other and adults. They have good social skills through being able to communicate with their peers and the childminder.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are supported in their play through the childminder interacting with them, extending their learning opportunities, teaching them basic numbers and colours and regularly talking to them about what they are dong and asking them questions to make them think. Children enjoy books and have the opportunity to take them home.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy additional activities within the wider community, which include trips out to various children's and childminders' groups and the park. This provides children with a range of experiences, which helps promote their overall development. Children enjoy being close to the childminder, she reassures them when they are upset, comforting them, showing them affection and meeting with their individual needs.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are from a diverse group. They have many opportunities to mix and meet other children and adults within the community. Children have access to a few toys that reflect positive images,

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 such as, dolls and books. In addition, they also address some of the festivity events such as Chinese New Year. However, she has no resources to raise children's knowledge about disability.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's well-being is promoted through the childminder's positive attitudes towards caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is proactive in addressing issues.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop their confidence and self-esteem through the childminder regularly praising the children. Minimal behaviour management is required as the children are kept stimulated and occupied. They learn boundaries and the childminder takes time to explain to them how to share and right from wrong.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership with parents. All relevant records have been gathered from parents including parental permission for transporting the children in the car. Information is shared with parents daily to ensure children are cared for according to their needs.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and secure environment, enabling children to play well together in a calm, friendly atmosphere. The childminder organises her day to effectively meet the needs of the children being cared for, allowing for play, meals and time outside.

p.4

Organisation

All of the mandatory documentations are in place, such as, attendance records of children's arrival and departure times and relevant permission has been obtained.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to make sure that potential hazardous substances in the bathroom are inaccessible to the children and to develop an awareness of child protection issues. The childminder has failed to ensure that all areas used by the children are safe. However, she has improved her knowledge on safeguarding and protecting children.

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

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

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

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): • ensure that potential hazardous substances in the bathroom are inaccessible to the children • improve resources and play materials that reflect diversity and to raise children's awareness 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