Little Ealing Middle School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 126850 Inspection date 10 January 2006 Inspector Lesley Theresa Watts

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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?

This childminder was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and two children, one of whom is an adult. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children. The childminder lives within easy reach of local schools, pre-schools, shops and the park. She attends the local childminding group and a carer/toddler group on a regular basis.

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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 She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted in premises that are maintained to a good standard of hygiene and cleanliness. From an early age, children begin to learn the importance of good personal hygiene, because they are supported to wash their hands before eating and individual towels are provided for hand drying. A sick child policy, clear procedures for accidents, and the childminder's up-to-date knowledge of first aid mean that she is able to act in the best interest of children should they become ill or have an accident. A healthy and balanced range of meals and snacks are provided for children, supporting them to develop an awareness of food that is good for them, for example, children enjoy fresh fruit at snack time. Dietary requirements are met because the childminder adheres to easily accessible information relating to allergies and preferences. Children begin to learn the importance of keeping their bodies hydrated,

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Helping children to be healthy

they have their own drinking vessels and they are gently reminded to enjoy a drink. Children enjoy regular opportunities to play outside and visits to children's activity centres. As a result children acquire a healthy attitude to physical exercise and they receive plenty of opportunities to develop their large muscle movements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are safe and secure, contributing to keeping children safe. Toys and resources are clean and in good condition because the childminder cleans and checks them regularly. Effective procedures for the arrival and collection of children and the childminder's clear understanding of recommendations for sleeping babies contribute to keeping children safe. However, the childminder continues to develop her knowledge and understanding of issues and procedures relating to child protection. A clear and consistent routine enables the children to develop a sound awareness of the boundaries implemented by the childminder to keep them safe, for example; children know from an early age that they sit at the table to eat. Clear procedures for outings ensure that children are kept safe away from the childminder's home. A written evacuation plan understood by the childminder, a fire blanket and regularly

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

checked smoke alarms ensure that children and adults are able to evacuate the premises safely and quickly.

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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 The provision is good. The carefully prepared, well-organised and nurturing environment helps children to settle quickly. The childminder is attentive and caring in her approach and the children are content and settled in her care. The children clearly enjoy exploring the range of brightly coloured toys that the childminder provides. Together with the support of the childminder, they explore the interactive musical toys, pressing buttons and repeating actions, clapping together as they embrace their achievements. Together the babies find their voice as the childminder echoes their babbles and gurgles, smiling and reaffirming their actions. Effective questioning techniques help children to develop their language for thinking and provides opportunities to recall past events, helping children to consolidate their learning fully. The childminder uses

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

some simple sign language to aid communication and enable children to make their needs known to her. The childminder ensures she shares her time equitably amongst the children, supporting and encouraging them in their play and learning. She ensures the children receive lots of praise and positive intervention, helping to build on their self-esteem and confidence. As a result, children are beginning to make independent choices and develop concentration. Regular visits out in to the community help children learn about the environment, for example, children enjoy walks to the park and regular visits to the toddler group. Opportunities for the babies to explore with their senses are not yet fully established, because resources that reflect the natural world are not freely available and access to malleable materials are limited. However, the childminder intends to use the Birth to three matters framework in the future to further promote babies and children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children and babies are settled and enjoy a consistent and organised routine that affords them opportunities to be active and to relax. They are valued and respected as individuals, differences embraced and each child treated with equal concern. A child record form details children's dietary requirements, medical needs, likes and dislikes, all of which help the childminder provide the appropriate care. The celebration of festivals from around the world and a small range of toys and resources that reflect positive images of society, help children to develop their awareness of different lifestyles, beliefs and traditions. Behaviour is managed positively, for example, by the use of distraction and discussion. Although the childminder has not cared for children with special needs, she is happy to do so and has a clear understanding of how to access information about special needs or disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A strong commitment to working in partnership with parents underpins positive relationships and effective communication, this contributes to meeting the individual needs of all children. Details of policies and procedures are included in a parents

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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 welcome pack, thus ensuring they are fully informed of the service provided. In addition, written permissions for appropriate aspects of the childminder's service have been obtained and contracts detail business arrangements to ensure the care required is provided. As a result, parents are well informed of the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The organisation of the setting is good and contributes to positive outcomes for children. The environment is well organised and carefully prepared to ensure children's individual needs are met. The routine accommodates children’s individual needs and preferences throughout the day helping them to feel secure. All of the required mandatory documentation and consent forms for the safe and efficient management of the setting are in place and well maintained. The clearly displayed certificate of registration enables parents to confirm details of the childminder's registration.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection one recommendation was made. This was to link the planning to the stepping-stones towards the early learning goals. As an accredited childminder, she has successfully addressed this issue using focused activity sheets.

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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 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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • continue to develop the use of the Birth to three matters framework • continue to develop knowledge and understanding of issues relating to child protection, including procedures to follow in the event of an allegation against any person who has access to children in her care.

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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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