Courthouse Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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109819 Unique Reference Number 04 February 2008 Inspection date Susan Marriott 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 1995. She lives with her husband, their adult son and his girlfriend in Greenwich, London. The whole of the first floor of the maisonette, the second floor bathroom and the master bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed patio available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time is currently caring for one child under five all day and two school aged children for out of school hours only. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local daytime groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean home where the childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and the childminder understands good health & hygiene practices. For

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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 example, she uses disposable gloves when changing children's nappies and encourages the children to remove their shoes in her living room, where children rest and play. The childminder encourages children to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. Children are able to explain that the process eliminates germs and they dry their hands on individual towels. The childminder carries hand gel with her at all times to ensure that children can clean their hands when away from the home. Children receive conscientious care if they have an accident or become ill. The childminder controls infection by excluding children who become sick or unwell, implementing good practice. Appropriate documentation is available to record accidents and any medication in accordance with requirements. The childminder holds a suitable first aid

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Helping children to be healthy

certificate and obtains permission to seek medical advice or treatment so that children receive prompt emergency treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular physical exercise and play. They accompany their childminder on the walk to and from the school every day and learn the Green Cross Code whilst crossing many busy roads en route. Children can play on the small patio and the childminder makes good use of the local parks, where children can play on fixed equipment. Children can be suitably active and develop their social skills when they visit local groups. These activities routinely contribute towards the development and improvement of children’s physical skills and agility.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children are able to sleep in a travel cot equipped with individual bed linen. Children benefit from nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks appropriate to their individual needs because the childminder works well with parents. The childminder devises weekly menus and offers children choice. For example, during the inspection, children were invited to choose whether they had cheese on their pasta and what vegetables and type of sauce they wanted. Children do not become thirsty because they have access to regular drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and their parents and carers receive a truly warm welcome and feel at ease in this friendly and homely environment which is kept clean and tidy. Space is used extremely well to ensure that children may play safely under direct supervision at all times. Toys are in a good state of repair and are age-appropriate. The childminder makes her living room inviting for children by setting out toys and interesting activities to entice children to play. Children can select further toys and activities from a wide choice stored in boxes, facilitating self-selection and choice for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very safe and well-cared for because the childminder gives high priority to safety within her home. Children are able to move around and play freely and independently because the vigilant childminder has thoughtfully identified and minimised all risks. For example, safety gates protect the stair cases at all levels and control entry to the kitchen. Domestic safety measures such as socket covers and fire safety equipment are in place. The childminder has a robust verbal evacuation plan and has attended a fire safety training course. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder has clear rules and routines in order to maintain their safety inside and outside the home. For example, younger children are always secured in the high chair. Older children know that they must remove their shoes when entering the living room and that all food and drink must be consumed whilst sitting at the table.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder positively safeguards children's welfare and has a competent understanding of child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. This is

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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 underpinned by recent training. She keeps very clear, appropriate documentation, reference information and contact telephone numbers to ensure children's safety and welfare at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder is enthusiastic about her childminding and keen to promote a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Children receive lots of affection and cuddles. Minded children form trusting relationships with this childminder who joins in play and actively promotes learning through fun and lively interaction. For example, she encourages the children to sing 'She'll be coming round the mountain' whilst she prepares their tea. She talks about daily life events on the way home from school giving the children the opportunity to share their news. The childminder ensures that children understand the purpose of visitors which helps the children to feel secure and confident. The childminder encourages children to imitate new words, praising them for their efforts. Children make their wishes known and the childminder skilfully responds to their needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a vast range of planned activities and spontaneous events, which actively support their development and overall learning. For example, the childminder prepares pancakes and allows the children to decorate them as they wish. She takes them to 'Whippersnappers' and the 'One o'clock club', where children can mix with other children to develop their social skills through sharing physical activity, music or crafts. Children are very happy, settled and content to play in a relaxed family home. The childminder is able to devote her time and attention to the children, ensuring that she is able to accommodate their individual needs and preferences. The childminder is suitably familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses this to guide her practice with younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about their community as they visit social groups, walk in the neighbourhood and visit local parks. The childminder has a wide selection of resources to support children's awareness of the wider world and this is duly supported through activities that take place in the groups they attend. The childminder has some experience of caring for children with identified learning difficulties or disabilities. She has a secure knowledge of child development and consequently, she feels able to approach parents if she is worried about children's progress and obtain appropriate support from outside agencies to address the concern. The childminder meets children's needs through the daily routine as discussed with their parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well in response to the childminder's clear boundaries for acceptable behaviour and consistent expectations. For example, when the children begin to argue, their childminder intervenes and helps the children to negotiate between themselves. The childminder ensures that thorough daily dialogue is used effectively to keep parents extremely well-informed about their child's activities. The childminder has a verbal complaints procedure and all required parental permissions are in place.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is confident in her childcare practice, using her warm personality and her long standing experience as a childminder to actively promote positive outcomes for children. She is constantly updating her knowledge through contact with other childminders and training opportunities presented by the local authority. She operates with clear verbal procedures. A suitable attendance register is in place. However, the regulator has not been informed about all persons over the age of 16 years living on the premises, therefore children's safety and welfare may be compromised. The childminder has begun to use a local authority check list to assist her in monitoring the quality of her service. The childminder is able to enrich children's care, learning and play through her constant interaction and interest. All of the children receive individual attention at some time during the day and benefit from social interaction with children

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Organisation

of varying ages and backgrounds. Children confidently choose activities and the childminder encourages them to extend their experiences. Children's welfare and education is well-supported through the childminder's clear use of thoughtful routines which cover the National Standards. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure daily records are completed. The childminder now ensures that the register is kept up to date and this secures children's safety and meets requirements.

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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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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 that Ofsted is notified of all persons over the age of 16 years, living in the household.

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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 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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