Sussex Tutorial College

Inspection report for early years provision

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128867 Unique Reference Number 20 February 2008 Inspection date Margaret Coyne 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 good. 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 1984. She lives with her husband and one adult child, in the borough of Lewisham, London. The whole of the first floor of the maisonette and two bedrooms and the bathroom on the second floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for three children under eight years and five children over eight years on a part-time basis before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a childminding support group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well-maintained home. There are established daily routines. These help children gain a good understanding about the importance of washing hands to maintain their good health. They could confidently talk about how washing hands gets rid of any germs. The children have consistent support from the childminder, she uses positive strategies to develop their understanding of self-care and is a good role model. For example, she gives children clear reasons and explanations why personal hygiene is important and ensures they have separate towels and wipes to prevent any cross-infections. Some children brush their teeth whilst with the childminder and could explain why it is good for their teeth to do so.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder uses two separate accident books one records minor accidents and one is used for any serious accidents. These records are clear and concise. There are clear procedures for administering medication which are shared with parents. She takes positive action to ensure that children's health and welfare are safeguarded. For example, with the high standards of cleanliness in the home, with the extensive information gained from parents about the children's health and by supporting parents with an information file containing additional leaflets about childhood illnesses. The childminder is trained in first aid to ensure that children receive prompt and appropriate treatment for any accidents and is confident in the care she provides. A fully stocked first aid box is in place and the contents are replaced as required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy snacks, meals and drinks. The childminder plans her meals each week to ensure that children have a healthy, balanced and varied diet that complies with dietary requirements and the children's preferences. The childminder has produced an imaginative menu which clearly shows that children have a varied and nutritious diet. They are able to enjoy new tastes and experiences with food from different cultures and take part in some food preparation and cooking activities. Full details are gained from parents to ensure that children's individual dietary needs are catered for. Children access different snacks which are predominately fruits which helps them understand about healthy eating between meals. They enjoy the grapes and show lovely manners as they say 'please' and 'thank you'. Children remain hydrated because they can access drinks throughout the time they are with the childminder. The childminder has

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Helping children to be healthy

completed a Foundation Food Hygiene course which enhances her knowledge and understanding when preparing meals and snacks for the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a wide range of physical play activities both in and out of the home. They walk to and from school and access the local parks and playgrounds. They have devised their own sporting events such as the Winter and Spring Olympics taking part in sports such as crazy golf. Children's hand and eye coordination is developed as they use appropriate equipment. For example, domestic play equipment, fastenings on dressing up clothes, construction, creative activities and cooking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a stimulating, bright and child-orientated environment. There is a good range of high quality equipment appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children are confident as they access the play equipment and an inventory is in place on the

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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 toy storage door to help them understand what items are available. All toys and equipment is selected according to ages and abilities and is safe and well maintained. Children have ample opportunity for self-selection and choose freely from the toys as they engage in their own play. They show respect for their toys and equipment as they help to tidy items away after use. Play materials are exciting and stimulating and give children sufficient challenge throughout all aspects of their play. For example, activities cover all elements of children's play and learning such as imaginative play, constructive play, creative activities and learning games and resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is fully committed to making the environment safe and accessible to children. For example, safety in the home is given a high priority and children remain safe because they can not access any hazardous substances, electric sockets are covered and all low-level glass is safe. However, the front door is not always kept locked and potentially children could leave the premises unnoticed. Consistent safety rules and boundaries are followed by the children to keep themselves safe in the home such as, not running inside or climbing on the furniture. All fire safety precautions are in place such as a fire blanket and a smoke alarm on one level. However, there is no smoke alarm fitted on the second floor of the maisonette which compromises children's safety when using this level. An excellent fire safety plan is in place and is displayed detailing the exit points and escape plan. Children regularly practise an

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

emergency evacuation to increase their understanding of how to leave the home in an emergency. Children learn about keeping themselves safe as they practise road safety when out of the home they follow the safety rules and have boundaries in place such as not walking more then one lamp post ahead of the childminder. On outings children wear wrist straps which identify the childminder in the event they become lost. An effective visual risk assessment is conducted each day to ensure hazards can be quickly identified and rectified and the childminder is in the process of producing a written system as guidance and evidence of her practice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A range of procedures and documents ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has an enhanced understanding of child protection issues and the signs and symptoms to look for. She is fully aware of documenting and reporting any concerns and keeps all records up to date to provide excellent evidence of her practice in order to ensure children remain protected. She has updated her child protection policy with information relating to the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures to ensure parents are aware of the changes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have excellent opportunities to engage in stimulating and imaginative play opportunities in an environment that is centred on interesting, challenging and exciting activities. Innovative planning of visits enrich children's understanding of local areas of interest and the wider world. For example, children enjoy outings to parks, the farm and a museum where they can explore and discover items that engage their interest and help them discover things for themselves. Other trip take place which are further a field such as to Brighton and Leeds Castle. The children recall these trips sharing memories gained from them. For example, talking about some of the picnics they have taken part in. Children develop their exploratory knowledge by participating in a range of activities. For example, they have a weather station in the garden and discover how the weather changes. They explore nature first hand as they collect leaves and conkers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They access a range of information through multicultural books and resources.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans activities that are of a consistently high standard. She has a very good understanding of how children play and learn and is highly effective and skilled at using varied and exciting methods to meet each child's individual needs. The holiday activities are kept very

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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 flexible to encourage children to initiate their own play and to negotiate and compromise as they choose outings and joint activities between them. This helps children learn about how to be fair, sharing and taking turns. During the inspection the children plan a 'wedding' for their bears. They design and print out wedding invitations and talk about the 'honeymoon' and 'reception'. They decide that the childminder should cater for the food and discuss the biscuits, sandwiches and sausages they want along with a 10 layer chocolate wedding cake. The childminder praises and values the children while engaging in their play. She is very aware when to join in and when to step back letting the children lead and develop their own play. This helps children develop their confidence to participate and raises their self-esteem and reliance. She

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

talks to them with great respect and discusses many different topics and issues which increases their vocabulary and communication skills. The children have a travel bear who has been on many trips and holidays with them. He has his own passport they have produced and a stamp from the country they visit is included along with the dates of the trip. This is shared with all the children and helps extend their awareness of the wider world. Children flourish in the care of the childminder because she is consistent, kind and caring about each child's individual needs and the children are happy and secure in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a positive attitude and provides children with a well-balanced view of the world around them and an awareness of diversity through activities, discussion, books and other resources. For example, dressing up clothes represent different cultures and domestic play items show different food and utensils. Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder is extremely keen to ensure children can express their individualism and foster positive links with their own cultures. A complete profile is gained from parents about their child including their likes and dislikes, routines, medical history and any fears they may have. This enables the childminder to tailor her care to meet the needs of each child and to help them settle in to her care. The childminder is not currently caring for any children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities however she has a well thought out policy in place which

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Helping children make a positive contribution

outlines the level of care she would provide in this event.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are happy and secure and play extremely well together. The childminder makes consistent efforts to help children feel welcome and spends good quality time building trusting relationships. This helps children feel secure and confident in her care and helps them share their thoughts with the childminder. Children respond well to the strategies used to help them learn to manage and control their own behaviour. For example, the consistent boundaries in place help children know what is expected of them. Children thrive because of the positive discipline techniques that encourage good behaviour and self-esteem. Overall the behaviour observed was excellent as the children play together in a group and show the friendships they have developed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Secure relationships with parents ensure that the individual needs of the children are met effectively and helps children feel safe and secure. Parents are involved in the time their child spends in the setting by receiving excellent verbal and written information and feedback. For example, the childminder shares the children's day with their parents and excellent photograph albums help them see examples of the children during their play. They are provided with excellent and detailed written information about the organisation of the setting. For example, a comprehensive portfolio includes all aspects of her practice such as a welcome note, references, information about healthy eating, a sample menu, toy inventory, the childminder's training certificates and information about outings and projects the children can take part in. The

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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 childminder has also developed excellent policies which are shared with parents. However, a system to record any complaints that may arise has not yet been developed to further enhance the care she provides for children. Parents have provided wonderful complement and 'thank you' letters and cards showing how happy they are with the high level of care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care and learning is greatly enhanced by the excellent organisational skills and the knowledge and understanding of the childminder. The premises are very well organised and the childminder is committed to her continuous professional improvement and development. For example, she has updated her knowledge and understanding by accessing a wealth of additional training. This enables her to enrich the experiences for the children. She demonstrates a secure knowledge of the National Standards and implements these well through the care provided. Ratios are met at all times because the childminder is aware the impact these have on the children's ability to socialise and be cared for in a safe and happy environment. Children play in a well-organised environment with ample space, well-organised resources and exciting trips and outings. This enables them to have a strong sense of belonging and to develop their

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Organisation

Records and documents are extensive and effectively organised to enhance her practice and share information with parents. This efficient organisation ensures she is able to provide stimulating and interesting activities for the children to participate in which promotes their play and learning. The childminder takes into account parents' wishes and the individual needs of the children so they feel safe and secure. Comprehensive documents are shared with parents to keep them informed of the provision and there is a regular exchange of information between them about children's progress and achievements. The childminder operates a flexible system in order to fully support the parents and children. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to practise an emergency evacuation plan with the children, to gain written consent from parents to take children out using public transport and ensure a sick child policy is shared with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder ensures children regularly practise an evacuation procedure to develop their understanding how to leave the home in an emergency. Written permission is in place from parents for children to use public transport. A sick child policy has been developed and is shared with parents to ensure children are protected from infection.

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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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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 good. 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): • ensure all risks to children are assessed and minimised with regard to the front door and a smoke alarm on the second floor • ensure a system is in place to record any complaints and appropriate information from that record is shared with parents on request.

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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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