Park House School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 130269 Inspection date 30 March 2006 Inspector Maura Pigram

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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 1998. She lives with her husband and four children aged 17, 15, 11 and 6 years in Rickmansworth. It is within walking distance to all amenities. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed spacious garden for outside play. One bedroom is also used for rest or sleep purposes. She is registered to care for five children at any one time. Children are taken to age appropriate venues such as toddler groups, parks and the library. The childminder is a member of a local childminding organisation and takes an active interest in the

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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 events held.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a wide range of activities that contribute to their health. They are provided with nutritious meals and snacks which are eaten at the family table. Parents may supply the children's meals if they wish and all dietary needs including weaning are discussed and agreed with them. As a result of this children's dietary needs are met and they are well nourished. Children are encouraged to discuss their food and drink preferences and healthy options such as fruit, cheese, ham and yogurts and naturally chosen by them. This promotes their understanding of healthy eating. Children learn about healthy living through the childminder discussing with them the benefits of eating all their food. Positive comments include 'that will make you really strong'. From this the children learn what foods help them grow. Children are protected from cross infection because the childminder has a clear

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Helping children to be healthy

illness policy in place regarding exclusion of children who have a contagious illness. This also includes detailed information on suitable arrangements if the childminder or her own children are ill. Measures such as using tissues, anti-bacterial wipes, separate towels and bedding ensure children are protected against cross infection. Children learn good hygiene routines by the childminder giving gentle reminders to wash their hands after using the toilet. They are given opportunities to rest and sleep according to their needs. Children have plenty of opportunity for fresh air and physical exercise. They have regular opportunities to play outdoors where they enjoy digging, riding wheeled toys and playing in the paddling pool. The spacious enclosed garden is well used in fine weather. The children love to visit local parks including the Aquadrome. Here they enjoy playing on the broad range of play equipment, feeding the ducks and watching

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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 welcoming and well maintained indoor and outdoor environment. They can independently access suitable play equipment from tables and boxes which are at their height. The good organisation of these and the general environment means children can move safely and freely. Toys and resources are checked for damage regularly and small parts are kept away from younger children. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures, for example socket covers and a stair gate are used when younger children are present. They can play safely in

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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 the garden because potential hazards such as access to sheds have been minimised and they are supervised appropriately. Children are kept safe when travelling in the car because suitable cars seats are used and the childminder ensures she is familiar with any which are supplied by parents. Young children are able to explore safely and independently as the childminder uses reins and suitable buggies when they are out walking. They learn to look out for traffic when they go to and from school and they regularly share a child friendly safety book with the childminder. As a result of this children develop their understanding on how to keep themselves safe when they are outdoors. Children's safety and welfare is further protected because the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures. She has recently attended training

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and is fully aware of procedures to follow if she had any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care as she is proactive in spending purposeful time with them. The childminder knows the children well and ensures resources to develop their interests are easily available. The children become confident, independent and develop self-esteem as they can readily choose toys, books, jigsaws and games from the well-organised play room. They are motivated and interested because the childminder gives them space and time to initiate their own play. They enthusiastically use their imagination as they play with the cars, dolls, zoo and a broad range of toy animals. They also join in with a wide range of appropriate indoor and outdoor planned activities suitable to their age and development. They take pleasure from making artefacts related to the time of year such as an advent tree made from twigs and sprayed silver. The children then hang

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

numbers representing each day of the month and chocolate decorations on the braches. As a result of this the children build on positive memories and are able to extend their language and knowledge. Children make positive relationships with the childminder and other family members because they are interested in what they say and do. Their language is developed as the childminder develops their conversation throughout their day, asking them about their time at nursery or playgroup. Praise is frequently given and sensitive interaction which allows them space to make their own decisions. The childminder is booked onto a 'Birth to three matters' framework course and is considering using this when planning activities and resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals. They develop a positive attitude to others and gain a good understanding about the wider world and the community through celebrating festivals and joining in with various celebrations such as special assemblies at local schools.

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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 They feel a sense of belonging because the childminder develops close relationships with the parents. Individual needs prior to starting are discussed, parents and children are invited for pre-visits where the childminder begins the process of getting to know the family. Comforters or favourite toys are encouraged and the routine is explained to both the parents and the children. This means that the children are helped to feel secure and settled. Written records of younger children's routines are maintained if parents wish. Details such as how long they have slept, what they have played with and what they have eaten are recorded. Verbal information also takes place daily such as what the children have enjoyed doing whilst with the childminder. Children with special needs are well supported. The childminder works closely with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the parent to ensure their development needs are met. The children behave well and know what is expected of them as the childminder is a good role model. She understands appropriate strategies to use to manage any unwanted behaviour. Any issues regarding behaviour are shared with parents and positive discussions take place to resolve these. As a result of this the children play together harmoniously taking turns and sharing throughout their play. She ensures they are given choices throughout their time with her such as deciding what toys to play with or choosing which park to visit.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease and happy in the flexible childminder's home. They feel comfortable and secure through the close relationships that have been established. Previous minded children and their families remain in contact with the childminder. The organisation of her time means that children are able to develop friendships from a young age. They are taken to various age appropriate venues such as toddler groups and the library. This develops their confidence and helps them feel secure as they become familiar with the routine of visiting these venues and playing with their friends. Documentation is in place which is updated and reviewed regularly. The childminder has developed a portfolio which is shared with parents. Children benefit from the continuous training the childminder has completed such as Child Protection and First Aid. A 'Birth to three matters' course is booked for the near future. Overall,

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain information on Child Protection. She was also asked to develop documentation to improve the organisation of care. The childminder has completed a Child Protection course and has obtained relevant information. Documentation such as an illness policy and an emergency escape plan has been devised and are shared with parents. As a result of this the children's welfare and safety are enhanced as the childminder has relevant knowledge on child protection matters. Parents are now fully aware of the procedures to follow if their children are ill and know about the childminder's emergency escape plan.

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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

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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 the 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): • improve the outcomes for children age from birth to three by using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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