Arbour House School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 143642 Inspection date 22 September 2005 Inspector Christine Goode

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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 has been registered since 1983. At present she cares for two children. She lives with her husband and one adult son. The house is in a residential area off the New Kings Road in Fulham, close to local transport, parks and schools. The house on three floors. The main rooms used for childminding are the play room, on the ground floor, the lounge on the first floor and the kitchen and dining area. There is a bathroom on the half landing. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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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 has a pet cat. No overnight care is provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy regular physical play activities including playing in the garden and walking to the park. They develop their physical skills and co-ordination by using resources such as throwing and catching the ball and safely negotiate obstacles. Planned activities that reflect individual children's needs ensure that children get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Children are cared for in a clean, comfortable home, providing them with a hygienic environment. They are becoming aware of the importance of personal hygiene. For example, children wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet and after outside play. Children's medical needs are met fully, as the childminder demonstrates an understanding of all children's individual needs and appropriate health care as required. All medical documentation is in place and recording kept confidential to the parents. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Drinks are

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Helping children to be healthy

provided as children require them. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and children's requirements to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a secure comfortable home. They are encouraged to be safe. Risks have been identified and minimised. Appropriate steps to ensure and help children understand safety inside and outside the home are taken. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children are able to choose from a range of age appropriate good quality toys and equipment which are accessible, kept clean and maintained in good order. The childminder carefully monitors children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. They use the bathroom safely when supervised by the childminder. There is a written fire evacuation procedure in place, which the children have been involved in. For example, previous minded children have drawn their own fire procedure, which is pinned to the dining room door. All other fire arrangements within the home are in place. Children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has developed secure knowledge of child protection issues and keeping children safe.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of worthwhile activities and regular outings. They enjoy activities which contribute to their creativity and learning through painting, play dough, reading books, talking and trips to the park for more active play. Children are developing their self confidence and independence as they choose from a variety of toys, books and activities which are age appropriate. Children are happy and at ease in their play, for example, they carefully find the right piece to fit into the puzzle. They are developing their self confidence and independence because the childminder encourages them to make choices and explore their toys. Children are learning to tidy away their toys when their play is finished. Children's self-esteem is built up by the childminder who praises and encourages their work. Children develop their language as the childminder regularly talks to the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children and she encourages them to talk.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children are very relaxed and happy at the childminders home. Children play with a range of toys and resources that reflect the multi-cultural community they live in. All children benefit from being treated as individuals and are valued. Children's behaviour is managed very calmly and well. For example, children are channelled into age appropriate activities that keep them well occupied. Children benefit from parents being invited into the childminders home. They are kept well informed about their child's well being. Contracts and information about the children are in place. However, they do not receive details about the procedure to follow if they want to make a complaint. Children are cared for as parents wish because the childminder listens to parents and works with them.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are at home in the comfortable environment. They access toys easily and confidently make choices because toys are accessible to them. Children enjoy a good variety of outings and activities because the childminder plans her week well, to ensure that they attend nursery school ,visit the park and have appropriate experiences. The childminder adjusts her day and the care to ensure their individual routines are catered for. For example, she discus's with parent's children's likes and dislikes to ensure their requirements are appropriately met. Most documentation is in place, stored securely and was made available for inspection, although Criminal Record Bureau checks need to be updated. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to relocate the fire blanket from over the cooker and ensure evacuation routes were wide enough to carry children out. The fire blanket has been removed to a new position by the kitchen door. The front and back door evacuation route is clear for an easy exit outside. Children's safety is now better protected. The childminder also agreed to record accidents confidentially and seek written emergency permission from parents. There are now individual records in all children's files for written permission for emergency treatment, and accidents, which are all kept confidential to the parents. This has lead to children's health being better protected. The childminder agreed to attend training in child protection and completed this in May of this year. The outcome of this means children are protected appropriately because the childminder is aware of how to protect children.

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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 Ofsteds details are included in the complaints procedure • ensure Criminal Record Bureau checks are updated.

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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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