NCHS The Science College

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 124413 Inspection date 12 January 2006 Inspector Gillian Cubitt

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in a house in a quite residential area of Selsdon, close to local schools, parks and shops. The whole ground floor is mainly used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family do not have any pets.

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 childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children on a full and part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the Children come first Childminding network. She attends regular meetings and supports other childminders. She visits toddler groups on a regular basis and also provides before and after school service.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities that keep them healthy. Children participate in many outings which include walks to feed the ducks as well as opportunities to go swimming. Children also have access to a garden where they can ride on wheeled toys and play outside games such as basket ball. Children know that they have to put their coats on before they go outside to keep themselves warm. Children are regularly offered drinks of water or juice to ensure that are not thirsty and they happily crunch on fresh apples for snacks. Meal times are always well catered for, as the childminder freshly prepares meals to suit each child's dietary needs and she plans ahead, according to the varied times when children attend. Babies and toddlers are settled as the childminder makes them feel special. She understands their particular needs and provides them with security and warmth which

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

develops their sense of wellbeing. The childminder maintains an up to date first aid certificate, so children receive appropriate care in the event of an accident. The childminder also ensures children receive the correct medication, as directed by parents although parents do not sign the form at pick up time. The childminder maintains a high standard of hygiene in her home and encourages children's awareness of good hygiene practices through consistent daily routines, such as washing hands before meals.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's safety is of paramount importance to the childminder. All areas in the home such as smoke alarms and locks on doors and cupboards are thoroughly checked so children have a safe place to play. In the garden, children are always supervised. All toys and equipment are of good quality and maintained to a high standard. Children move around with ease and they do not have to struggle to reach their toys, as these are carefully positioned, so children are able to easily access games and resources that appeal to them. Specialised activities for older children are carefully stored in a cupboard so toddlers do not have access to small pieces and craft materials.

p.3

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 Children go on many outings and they are made aware of their own safety as they know that they have to hold hands and remain nearby. Children also learn about safety as the childminder holds regular fire drill practices where children follow procedures in the event of a fire. The childminder takes every measure to ensure that children are well protected. Through training, she is fully confident in her awareness of the procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child in her care.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children smile and eagerly chat to the childminder as she welcomes them each day. The children know that they are going to have a good day the minute they arrive and see all the exciting toys available for them to explore and play with. The childminder is totally flexible and plans her days around the needs of the children, taking into account their ages and different stages of development. Toddlers become independent as they choose the toys that appeal to them. They begin to build tracks for trains as well as express their ideas through creating pictures with paints and making shapes with play dough. Older children look forward to their evening as the childminder has a range of interesting group games that are fun and promotes their social skills. Children enjoy going on outings. They experience the simple joys of feeding ducks and learning about the lives of other animals on farm visits. Older children learn

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

about the world about them as they collect leaves and make collages, they ride on trams when they go out to visit shops. The childminder has a very good knowledge of children's needs and through her knowledge of the framework of Birth to three matters, she plans effectively for children under three years of age.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are treated with equal concern. Their individual details are carefully recorded so that their care needs, such as for nourishment and rest times are fully met. There are resources that promote children's awareness of other cultures, such as puzzles and books. The childminder is dedicated in supporting all children, including children who have special needs and she plans to develop this area in her professionalism. Children behave well and benefit from plenty of praise and encouragement. The childminder has 'home rules' which children respect which creates a happy harmonious atmosphere. Parents are very pleased with the care provided by the childminder. Children receive a welcome pack of a cup, plate and flannel when they arrive which makes them feel special. Parents are able to see the childminder's registration and she has a complete portfolio of policies and procedures which are

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

always available. Parents and childminder exchange information each day and the

p.4

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 parents also receive contact books which keeps them informed on how their children are progressing. Parents remark on how happy their children are with the childminder and the many different activities that are available.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Through effective organisation the childminder is able to provide an environment that is suitable for children. Her home is safe and welcoming, where she creates space so children are able to play and rest. The childminder takes an active interest in promoting quality care by attending relevant training courses which underpins her knowledge and professionalism of working with children. Furthermore, the childminder has prepared a complete portfolio of policies and procedures to which she abides, so that the care she provides children is always of high quality and consistent. All documentation pertaining to childminding is in place although one minor omission, regarding parents signatures after medication, has been overlooked. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Care Standards Act inspection the childminder was asked to improve safety by ensuring that young children could not lock themselves into the bathroom. The childminder has now removed all locks from her downstairs cloakroom which keeps children safe from inadvertently locking themselves in when using this room.

p.5

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. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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

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 parents always sign the records after administering medication • develop knowledge on caring for children with special needs

p.6

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.6

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.6