Castle Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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116083 Unique Reference Number 07 February 2008 Inspection date Hilary Turner 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 has been registered since 1999. She lives with her three children in a terraced house, near to public transport routes and close to local amenities in Isleworth, in the London Borough of Hounslow.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to all areas of the ground floor, with one bedroom available for sleeping purposes on the first floor. Children also have access to a garden at the rear of the premises.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years and currently cares for two children under eight for four days a week, term time only.

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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 home where they are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene practice. Children follow sound hygiene routines including wiping noses and washing hands at appropriate times which reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children's health is promoted by the childminder holding a current first aid certificate and maintaining good accident and medication records. However, the childminder does not have consent from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to good health such as regular outings to local parks and places of interest including an outing to Portsmouth. A well planned garden is used regularly to ensure children have a wealth of opportunities for outside play, and an extensive range of outdoor equipment helps children develop physical skills and develop body control.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide the main meals for their children, and the childminder supplies healthy snacks. For example, a child enjoys munching on a peeled apple and chewing organic raisins. The childminder has good knowledge of children's individual dietary needs, which she discusses with parents and records, to ensure children remain healthy and are cared for according to parents wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well-maintained home where risks are identified and minimised. Children are able to move around safely and freely. They access a very good range of varied resources to meet their needs and are happy, relaxed and secure in the interesting, child focused, homely environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select from a wonderful range of toys and play resources, which meet safety standards. Children's safety is well promoted by the childminder carrying out regular checks on toys and equipment. Appropriate safety and fire-fighting equipment is provided within the home and emergency evacuation procedures are practised with children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder recognises her responsibilities towards the children in her care and is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse. She understands the procedures to follow and has attended child protection training to ensure children are safeguarded and well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The interaction between the childminder and children is warm and affectionate. Children enjoy being with the childminder, they receive lots of attention and cuddles and have a good sense of belonging as they settle well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are making good progress in their learning as the childminder has sound knowledge and understanding of how children learn. She provides a fun and stimulating environment.

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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 Children enjoy the activities provided, as they are appropriate for their ages and are fun to do. Furthermore even the youngest children are able to make choices in their play, self selecting toys from well organised containers. For example, a child takes great delight as they take out a train from one of the containers. The childminder encourages the child to press a button on the train which makes music and lights up. The childminder then shows the child how to turn around like the light on the train, which the child does laughing as they are turning. Children also have time to relax and play quietly as the childminder reads them stories. Children are developing their speech and language as the childminder asks them questions and encourages them to chat. She encourages young children to imitate words and sounds, such as asking a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

child what the noise certain animals make. The child brings her a duck and says "quack, quack". The childminder replies well done," This gentle guidance and encouragement helps to develop children's confidence and promotes their self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy regular outings to child-friendly settings such as parent and toddler and childminding groups. This gives them opportunities to explore new activities and enjoy relationships with the other children, developing their social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

School age children's needs are well met after a day at school as the childminder has good knowledge and understanding of the needs of all children. They enjoy looking at books, icing biscuits, playing games and if they wish after a busy day at school opportunities to relax and watch television.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All children have their own individual scrap books. Lovely photographs with wonderful captions written underneath the photos show a range of exciting and interesting experiences and outings the children have participated in, and their own work shows how they make progress over the time at the childminder's.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow a regular daily routine as discussed with their parents. The childminder forms close working relationships with parents and the daily exchange of information with them about their children's activities and achievements helps the children to receive consistent care. In addition she is aware of the regulation of how to proceed if she ever receives a written complaint.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's self-esteem is fostered through positive interactions with the childminder. They receive lots of praise and encouragement as she involves herself with their play; children feel valued and confident to try new experiences. Clear, consistent house rules, based around safety and respect for property and people, are in place, which enable children to develop self-discipline.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children are beginning to learn about and respect differing cultures and abilities through the good range of toys and resources which promote positive images of diversity, and the childminder's positive attitude to providing an inclusive service. Furthermore they mix socially with others at local activity groups where they are beginning to appreciate each others similarities and differences.

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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. Children experience a high level of care and support, which aids there development because the childminder has good knowledge and understanding of how children learn and the environment is well organised. Children are involved in a range of interesting age appropriate activities both within and away from the childminding setting.

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Organisation

Children are comfortable and at ease in the warm, welcoming environment of the childminder's home. Good organisation means they have sufficient space to sit, play and move around freely in the areas used for childminding.

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Organisation

The childminder has a positive attitude to childminding. She has a commitment too continual improvement and up dating her childminding practice for the benefit of children and their parents. She has completed training in both developing childminding practice and extending childminding practice.

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Organisation

All documents are in place according to regulation. They are stored securely and available for inspection. The childminder keeps parents well informed about the care she provides. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, and comply with local Area Child Protection Procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has increased her knowledge and understanding regarding child protection issues. She has attended child protection training and has the appropriate documentation and written child protection policy in place. As a result children are better protected and safeguarded.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take 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):

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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 • obtain written parental permission at the time of placement to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future.

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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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