The Harvey Grammar School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 138480 Inspection date 17 October 2005 Inspector Victoria Vasiliadis

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 satisfactory. 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and three years in a residential area of Ruislip in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs are used for childminding and there is a full enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years on a part time basis. She is not registered to provide overnight care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a healthy diet and are offered regular drinks throughout the day. Children enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks that are provided by the childminder in agreement with parents. These take into account special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy. Children enjoy a selection of activities which contribute to their good health. There are regular outdoor activities such as outings to toddler groups, the park and walks to the shops. The children are happy in the warm and clean environment. The childminder has appropriate hygiene procedures in place that enable children to be cared for in an environment that reduces the risk of infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to an internal environment that is safe and free from potential risks. The childminder has identified and minimised hazards within the home, resulting in children being able to move around safely and independently. However, a hazardous plant is accessible to children in the garden. Children have access to a selection of resources. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe, appropriate and suitable for their ages. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection procedures. The home is comfortably furnished and equipped enabling children to make adequate use of space that is organised with the child in mind.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are comfortable at the childminder's home. They are settled in the environment provided by the childminder, for example, the older child sought out the childminder to join in with his play and to read stories to him. Children have access to resources that offer sufficient challenges, are stimulating and interesting in order to extend their learning and development. The children enjoyed playing with the trains, puzzles and shape sorters. The children are provided with sufficient opportunities to develop their physical skills

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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 as they have access to a garden, visit the park and attend toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and according to their ages. Children are just beginning to learn right from wrong. The childminder has an understanding of the needs of the children, whilst ensuring parent’s views are sought. Children are not provided with a sufficient selection of resources that promote a positive view of the wider world. They would benefit from more toys that reflect positive images to increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of others within the wider community Partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well-being. The childminder ensures that parents know how their children are progressing and developing as she shares information with them verbally on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminders procedures are regularly shared with parents to keep them informed about their child. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. However, the childminder needs to maintain a record of any complaints she receives and to obtain written consent from parents for seeking emergency medical treatment. The children feel at home and at ease in the environment provided by the childminder. This means that children are confident, comfortable and settled. The setting is meeting the needs of all the children for whom it provides care

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve her recording of attendance, accidents and medication and also to attend first aid training. She has now completed this ensuring she is now able to deal with accidents appropriately and to share the required information with parents when recording incidents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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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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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • Obtain written consent from parents for seeking emergency medical treatment. • Maintain a record of any complaints received. • Provide children with a selection of resources that promote positive images.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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