International School of Creative Science

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

147974 Unique Reference Number 06 December 2007 Inspection date Julie Biddle 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 outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1996. She lives with her husband and two children in the London Borough of Harrow. Children have a access to a play room on the ground floor, toilet facilities are also situated on the ground floor. Children have a fully enclosed garden to play in.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children. There are currently four children on roll.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are well nourished with meals and snacks that take account of their individual dietary needs. The childminder provides freshly cooked food that is healthy and nutritious. Children particularly enjoy fresh fruit and cheese as a mid morning snack. Parents are provided with paper work that informs them what their children have eaten each day. Children have made

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 jolly posters with information about healthy and unhealthy foods, happy and sad faces tell the reader which foods are good to eat.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted as they are looked after in a very clean home. The childminder adopts extremely good hygiene practices when changing nappies and keeping her house clean to ensure children are protected from cross infection. She also encourages children to understand the importance of washing their hands at appropriate times during the day to maintain their good health. Children's health is further protected as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate, and has very effective systems in place to manage accidents and administer medication

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is very well promoted by the childminder. Children have many opportunities to use the garden and regularly visit local parks. They also have regular visits to the park where they develop their large motor skills further in a safe environment

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from being cared for in a very safe environment. The childminder is very vigilant about safety in her home and garden to ensure children are safe and secure. For example, the childminder has a comprehensive fire evacuation procedure and children practise how to leave the premises safely. The children enjoyed a trip to the fire station thus extending their understanding of fire safety. The childminder has compiled comprehensive systems to ensure emergency vehicles know how to reach her home and to ensure she can contact parents at all times.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has good systems in place to ensure that the children's records and details are current, she has written parental consent in place to take the children out. Children are learning to take responsibility when crossing the road under the close supervision of the childminder. The childminder has taken the children to local events about road safety, in addition posters in the home reinforce their awareness.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well safeguarded due to the childminder's clear knowledge and understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and the reporting procedures to follow, should she have concerns about a child in her care. Children's welfare is strongly promoted by the childminder, who has a comprehensive understanding of child protection policies and procedures. The childminder has ensured her child protection knowledge is up-to-date through training.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use high quality equipment and resources, with enjoyment and excitement which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder also supervises young children's play to ensure their overall safety is maintained.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The children benefit from having a very close, warm relationship with the childminder, who gives them much positive praise, support and encouragement for their achievements. Interaction between the children and childminder is lovely, the childminder is proactive in responding to their individual needs and requests. As a result they are very relaxed and happy in the setting. Children have access to a wide range of toys and interesting activities that provide them with challenges and much fun. For example, as they made Christmas cards for family members they

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 talked animatedly about the forth coming season and events. The childminder and children talk about seasonal events such as the weather as the children notice the cat in the garden getting wet. Children are very excited as they play with dolls houses creating stories for the characters in the houses. Children are happy as they help to tidy toys away and the childminder supports the children in their task.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides the children with a bustling, varied, daily routine which includes regular visits to the local parks and school runs.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a lot of fun and laughter in the setting. The children have developed good relationships with one another and with the childminder's encouragement and guidance they are kind and caring towards one another.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are settled and very happy because the childminder values and respects their individuality, she knows the children extremely well, meaning that she is able to provide for them and ensure their needs are constantly met. Firm consistent boundaries encourage children to know what is expected of them and behave well. The childminder reacts gently and positively to develop children's learning of right and wrong, which encourages children to play harmoniously together. Children enjoy learning about sharing and taking turns through example and activities. Children are kept motivated and interested throughout the day.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have access to a range of resources such as books and play figures that enable them to begin to develop an understanding of diversity within society. The traditions and customs of different cultures and faiths are recognised through acknowledging a variety of festivals, such as Diwali and Christmas. The childminder recognises the benefit of working in partnership with parents and the positive impact on children. An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's wellbeing. The childminder has a caring and sensitive approach to ensuring parents feel confident in the care she provides. An excellent amount of written information and extensive procedures are available for parents. The childminder works closely with parents as children settle, with her increasing time spent until children and parents are happy with all the care arrangements. In addition parents receive feedback sheets to

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

comment on the care their children receive.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the exceptional quality of the organisation of the setting. She organises the day to provide a variety of interesting pursuits, both indoors and out, to promote children's all-round development. The home is also well organised to provide comfort for the children and ample space to play. Children benefit from the good working relationship the childminder enjoys with the parents. Children benefit from a highly motivated and skilled childminder, who is committed to improvement and development. The childminder has attended relevant training courses and is very keen to constantly develop her knowledge and skills to benefit children. For example, she has recently attended both food hygiene and safeguarding children training. As a result, the children's experiences in the care of the childminder remain positive and in-line with current good-practice.

p.4

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 Children's health and welfare are safeguarded as the childminder maintains all required records. Parents are kept well informed about their children's developmental progress and the service that the childminder offers. The effective working relationship the childminder enjoys with parents also adds to children's sense of well-being and contentment.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to enable children to select more toys and equipment independently. She now uses a storage system that allows children to self select thus improving independence.

p.5

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.5

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.5

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 outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

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

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