Arrow Vale High School

Inspection report for early years provision

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138505 Unique Reference Number 31 July 2008 Inspection date Marilyn Joy 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1993. She lives with her husband in a three bedroom house in the Yeading Marina area of Hayes, Middlesex. The premises are close to the main shopping complex and convenient to bus routes. Schools, pre-schools and parks are nearby. Children have access to the dedicated play room with adjoining toilet facilities, there is also access the lounge. Upstairs is not used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years. She currently has no children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the supported childminding scheme, which is organised by the London Borough of Hillingdon. In addition to English, the childminder speaks Gujarti, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi and Arabic.

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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. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how children's health is promoted. She describes how she incorporates exercise and fresh air within her daily routines, such as visiting the park, walking home from school and playing in the garden. She has effective systems in place to gather information from parents regarding children's individual health, dietary and medical needs, and for the recording of any accidents or medication. The childminder's home and resources are clean and well maintained. Hygiene is given a priority and she clearly describes how she encourages children to develop good hygiene practices themselves. From discussion and menu samples, the childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of healthy eating and the importance of respecting cultural and parental preferences regarding the provision of food and drink.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The dedicated playroom provides a welcoming environment for children. Dual language posters and photos of children's activities decorate the walls. There is a suitable range of toys and resources stored on low level shelves and storage units which means children have the opportunity to select and choose for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A strong emphasis is given to safety. The childminder has taken action to ensure that risks to children are minimised so that children can play safely when in the home and on outings. She explains how she uses her road safety poster and practical activities to help children understand about keeping themselves safe when going for walks and coming home from school. She practises evacuation procedures so they know what to do in the event of a fire. Smoke detectors are fitted and a fire blanket is available in the kitchen, although it is not fitted to the wall to ensure it is easily accessible should it be required in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder regularly updates her knowledge of child protection issues through training which contributes towards her secure knowledge and understanding of what to do should she have any concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder describes a wide range of activities and experiences that she offers children, such as exploring the texture of cornflour and water, creating models and shapes from dough, threading beads and colouring. The childminder meets with friends and other childminders so that children have the opportunity to make friends and develop their social skills. Plans and diaries refer to using bug boxes to collect and investigate mini-beasts, playing parachute games, celebrating different festivals and supporting children's language development. Play resources are organised in a manner to promote independence and free choice. Through discussion, the childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of supporting children's development and learning.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder showed a sound knowledge of behaviour management giving examples of how she would approach a variety of situations for children of different ages. Appropriate arrangements are in place for supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder talks about how she uses dual language posters and celebrating different festivals to value children's home experiences and to promote English as an additional language. The childminder speaks a variety of languages which assists her in communicating more effectively with parents and children. 'All about me' forms are used to gather information from parents so that the childminder is able to respond to children's individual needs. She explains how she uses ongoing discussions to develop relationships with parents and to keep up-to-date.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, evidence suggests that the childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides. The childminder is well organised with all the required documentation in place, available for inspection and maintained to a good standard. Forms used to gather information from parents contain all the necessary information and consents to enable the childminder to meet children's care and welfare needs. Good arrangements are in place for promoting children's health and safety is given a clear priority. The childminder organises her home well to provide a welcoming and suitable environment for children. She has detailed policies and procedures to show how she manages children's care, as well as effective measures for communicating with parents. The childminder is committed to developing the quality of her provision and regularly attends training. She has recently completed an NVQ level 3 in

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Organisation

Childcare and Education, attended training on the Early Years Foundation Stage and has a current first aid certificate.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has made clear improvements to her documentation. The daily attendance register now includes all the required information and written agreements have been established with parents which set out the expectations of both parties regarding children's care and business arrangements.

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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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 the fire blanket is fitted appropriately so that it is easily accessible in an emergency.

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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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