Sundon Lower School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 138939 Inspection date 12 October 2005 Inspector Victoria Vasiliadis

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and two children aged eleven and eight years. They live in a residential area of Ruislip in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding along with the master bedroom for children requiring a sleep. 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 on a part time basis.

p.2

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 one fish. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a healthy diet and are offered regular drinks throughout the day. Children enjoy varied and nutritious snacks that are provided by the childminder in agreement with parents. These take into account special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. There are regular outings and outdoor activities such as visits to the park, Ruislip Lido, walks and use of the garden. Garden games and regular visits to the park and Lido improve children's physical skills. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder has good procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection when attending to children's personal needs and caring for them when they are ill.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to an environment that is relatively safe and free from potential risks. The childminder has identified and minimised most hazards within the home, resulting in children being able to move around safely and independently. However, the childminder has not taken sufficient precautions to prevent children from accessing cleaning materials in the kitchen. The home is comfortably furnished and equipped enabling children to make good use of space that is well-organised with the child in mind. Children have access to a selection of resources. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe, appropriate and suitable for their ages. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are becoming independent as they choose from a good range of resources that are well organised and easily accessible to them. Resources promote learning

p.3

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 and are enjoyed by the children. They play happily and are interested in the activities provided, the children particularly enjoyed playing with the dinosaurs and drawing. Resources are suitable for the ages and development of the children cared for. The children are provided with appropriate opportunities to develop their physical skills as they have regular outings to the park, airport, Ruislip Lido and through the use of the garden. Children are comfortable at the childminder's home. They confidently settle in the environment provided by the childminder. Children are spoken to in a warm, positive and respectful manner by the childminder.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and according to their ages. Children are beginning to learn right from wrong. The childminder has an understanding of the needs of the children, whilst ensuring parent’s views are sought. Children are not provided with a sufficient selection of resources that promote a positive view of the wider world. They would benefit from more toys that reflect positive images to increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of others within the wider community Partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well-being. The childminder ensures that parents know how their children are progressing and developing as she shares information with them verbally on a daily basis. She also has several written statements in place that she shares with all new parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has completed her Introduction to Childminding Practice course; her procedures are regularly shared with parents to keep them informed about their child. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. However, the childminder has not yet implemented the recording of complaints. The children feel at home and at ease in the environment provided by the childminder. This means that children are confident, comfortable and settled. The setting is meeting the needs of all the children for whom it provides care.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to update her records relating to the administration of medication and to record information on children's religion, culture and language. She has now completed this ensuring appropriate information is held on the children.

p.4

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

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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 a written log is maintained of all complaints received. • Continue to extend resources that reflect positive images.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5