Huxlow Science College

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 138030 Inspection date 04 October 2005 Inspector Mauvene Burke

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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 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 since 1993. She lives with her husband and three adult children in the London Borough of Merton. They live in a house within walking distance of parks, shops and on a bus route. The whole of the ground floor apart from the kitchen and one bedroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding six children under five years old, all attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes children on regular outings to local parks and amenities.

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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 The family have three cats and an enclosed aviary in the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about the importance of good personal hygiene. They access individual towels (paper) for drying hands and are aware of the need to wash hands after visiting the toilet. The childminder has developed effective procedures to ensure that children are protected from the risk of illness and infection. Children enjoy a range of healthy snacks and meals and are encouraged to make their own choice as to what fruit they would like with their lunch. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents and provides snacks that meet the individual needs of all children. Children benefit from daily outdoor play. They have access to the well resourced garden as well as trips to the park and other venues where children partake in activities such as "Sports Day". Well organised activities both indoors and outdoors whether it is dancing and exercising to children's videos or

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Helping children to be healthy

whilst partaking in an obstacle course in the garden are teaching children about healthy living.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has a good awareness of safety and uses her knowledge to identify and minimise risks to children. Consequently children are able to move around the welcoming home safely and independently. All children are taught about road safety and made aware of the fire evacuation procedures within her home from an early age. Children independently select activities and resources from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment that are presented in an inviting way. Toys are stored in a way that ensures children choose toys that are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children's welfare is further safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and is fully trained in first aid in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have good opportunities to enjoy and progress well in their learning, personal and social development. They benefit from being involved in a range of

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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 interesting and well thought out activities provided by this experienced childminder. Children are confident and can play well on their own or with others. Younger children demonstrate their increasing skills in crawling and pulling themselves up on to furniture. Older children demonstrate increasing confidence when chatting to and making their needs known to the childminder. The children enjoy and benefit from cuddles and close contact, playing in the "post office", dressing up and choosing books. Children are at home in this family orientated environment, they are made to feel part of the childminder's family. The childminder is beginning to use the Birth to Three Matters framework and will continue to use this to plan and continue to present activities that meet the needs of children under three

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows all the children in her care very well. She shows a commitment to providing for their needs and works well in consultation with parents to achieve this aim. Children benefit from a very good range of activities and resources which meet their individual needs and promote their understanding of the wider world, for example through positive images in books, toys and like the "Prejudice in Society" poster. Children get along with each other and behave well. They have a sense of well-being as the childminder's family are like an extended family to them all. They clearly feel at home and are settled in this environment, they have regular daily routines for eating, sleeping and playing. The childminder has developed good relationships with parents and has systems in place to share information about their child's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has created a well organised environment which supports children's learning, care and play needs. Regular discussions with parents ensures that they are adequately informed about the service and progress of their children. The childminder attends training to support her development in her role as a childminder. The childminder has good systems in place to ensure that all relevant documentation is in place, although the attendance register lacks some relevant detail. Space is used well to support the different needs of the children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements 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 Improvement since the last inspection has been good. The childminder has a working smoke alarm on the first floor landing which helps to promote children's safety.

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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 children's time of arrival and departures are recorded

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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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