Newhall Park Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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132185 Unique Reference Number 03 April 2006 Inspection date Denise Rosemary Olsson-Hildick Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 was registered in 1991 and lives with her husband and two children in Tolworth, Surrey, near parks, local schools and bus routes. Children have access to the entire home though are discouraged from going upstairs alone or entering the main bedroom. There is an enclosed garden at the back of the property. The family have one cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for 6 children, 3 of whom may be under 5 years and currently looks after 7 children, all on a part-time basis. She is also registered to provide overnight care for 2 children. The childminder walks and drives to schools to take and collect children and attends local playgroups, support and activity groups on a regular basis. Children who have a special need or speak English as an additional language are welcomed and supported. The childminder is a member of the local branch of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The standard of accommodation is good. The home presents as warm, clean, light, spacious, well-maintained and suitably furnished. Photographs, ornaments, personal belongings and children's own work create a relaxed and welcoming environment where children feel at home.

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Helping children to be healthy

Hygiene standards are good. For example, nappies are placed in a nappy sack and disposed of in a covered bin. The changing mat is cleaned with anti-bacterial spray after each use. The childminder and older children wash their hands after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food. Bottles and feeding equipment for babies are carefully sterilised and the floor is promptly swept after spillages. A cat is neutered, inoculated and treated regularly to prevent worms and fleas. Food and water bowls are out of reach to the children. All these precautions help to minimise the possibility of cross-infection and ensure children learn the value of good hygiene routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Arrangements to ensure children's heath is protected are good. For example medication is stored out of sight and reach of children. The first aid box only contains those materials currently recommended and is checked regularly. In the event of children becoming ill or developing a temperature the childminder sponges them down with cool water, administers medication and contacts the parent immediately. As a result children's health needs are well supported.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good provision is made to ensure children enjoy exercise and fresh air, rest and sleep. For example, children often visit the park and gym. They plant seeds in the garden and wear wellingtons to play outside or feed the ducks in wet weather. Games and dancing are organised indoors if outings are not possible. Children sleep in a pushchair, on the sofa or in a travel cot in a quiet room, to enable close monitoring. The timetable is flexible taking into account individual children's routine. These arrangements ensure children enjoy and benefit from regular exercise, fresh air and rest, according to their needs and inclination.

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Helping children to be healthy

The standard of meals and provision for children with special dietary needs is good. For example, bananas or dairy products are excluded if children have eczema and the childminder takes care to explain why these foods are omitted. Snacks of fruit are offered and children are given drinks regularly. A poster describing healthy food is prominently displayed on the wall for children's interest. The childminder is aware of food that has a low nutritional value and excludes or limits sugar, sweets, nuts, Coca-Cola and carbonated drinks. As a consequence children enjoy a balanced, healthy diet and take pleasure in eating meals they sometimes help to prepare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Good arrangements are in place to provide a safe environment and to teach children safe practice. This includes, for example stair gates to the stairs, cleaning materials and toiletries stored out of reach, a secure garden and front door. A net surrounds the perimeter of the large trampoline in the garden. The bathroom door can be opened from the outside. Older children

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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 keep small objects out of reach of younger children and are very aware of the rules relating to their personal safety. This includes for example, not somersaulting on the trampoline and taking care when using the oven to cook. Smoke alarms are tested regularly and there is a fire blanket in the kitchen. An evacuation plan is in place and good care is taken to practice this on a regular basis. Toys are regularly checked for safety, discarded or repaired as necessary. Thorough precautions result in children being cared for in a hazard free home and them learning how to look after themselves and others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good care is taken of children when they are out of the home. For example, they sit in a buggy, have their hand held or wear reins. Road safety is taught. Older children are taught not to speak to strangers and are aware of action they must take if approached. Car seats conform to British Safety Standards and seat belts are always worn. These arrangements ensure children are safe outdoors or in cars.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good precautions are taken to protect children. For example, the childminder is registered with the local authority as a 'preferred' provider and knows what action to take if she is concerned. This includes recording observations and concerns. These arrangements help to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Outstanding opportunities exist to enable children to enjoy their time with the childminder and to participate in exciting, stimulating activities. For example children knead dough, brush cling-film with oil, shape the dough into rolls and allow these to prove. They carefully set a timer and talk animatedly about how long it will take before the dough is ready. Children are closely supervised as they concentrate on placing the tray into the oven. They repeatedly look at the timer to see how long is left before the bread is cooked and are obviously eager to see the finished results. When the bread is baked they gently touch the rolls to test the temperature and talk eagerly about what to have with them for lunch. Smiles, conversations and eye contact are frequently exchanged between children and the childminder. They take great pleasure in, for example, playing games, squeezing coloured play-dough, imaginative play and building

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with Duplo. They choose hats to wear, which are proudly displayed and then bask in the childminder's admiration. Children are utterly absorbed, focussed and are delighted with their efforts. They play busily together, in pairs and individually, according to their inclination and interests. Friendships made at the childminder's last for many years. The harmonious atmosphere, imaginative activities and warm relationships result in children feeling accepted and valued as individuals, relaxed and thoroughly at ease in the home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A very good range of toys and play materials are available for children. These include, for example, books, puzzles, cars, dolls, balls, bikes, a snooker table and a tent. These are easily accessible, stored in boxes on the floor, low cupboards or shelves and are clean and safe. Children describe their favourite play activities and talk cheerfully and happily about these. Interesting activities such as planting sunflower seeds, making a tent using the trampoline, decorating and hiding Easter eggs, bowling, cooking, playing with water and painting help children to develop an understanding of texture, growth and creativity and an appreciation of the local community.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The philosophy and practice relating to equal opportunities is good. For example, in response to children commenting about 'ladies being nurses' the childminder talks about men being nurses too and that women can be police officers if they wish. She believes boys and girls should have access to toys and activities of their choice without typecasting either gender. A sensitive approach is taken towards helping children value different family compositions. For example, children who do not have a father are invited to make cards for grandfathers on Father's Day. Children are helped to understand and acknowledge different ways of life. For example they continue those activities introduced at drop-in groups such as painting pictures at Divali, eating Chinese food at Chinese New Year and making cards at Christmas. Play materials present a positive image of people from minority ethnic groups, with a disability and in non-traditional

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Helping children make a positive contribution

gender roles. The activities, range of resources and active participation in celebrating festivals help children to really value, respect and appreciate diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good arrangements are made to include and welcome children with special needs, for example the environment is adjusted if this is helpful to children with a vision deficit. Extra, suitable toys are provided and the childminder explains how and why children need extra help to others. In this manner all children are included and supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The management of children's behaviour is very good. Techniques used to deter unwanted behaviour include, for example, explaining the consequences of the child's behaviour for himself and how it affects others. Boundaries are clear and applied in a patient, skilled manner and the childminder carefully and gently explains taking turns and children comply very well. The emphasis is on reinforcing acceptable behaviour. Frequent smiles, praise, hugs and endearments are freely used to reward effort and achievement. Sensible, consistent limits help children feel secure. Understanding how their behaviour affects people, increases their ability to empathise with others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are very good, being professional and friendly. Daily conversations and phone calls ensure parents are up to date with children's progress, interests, needs and daily activities. Parents place a significant amount of faith and trust in the childminder's ability and warm, stable relationships have grown over many years. As children see how long-standing, committed and assured the relationship is between their parents and the childminder, they too develop confidence in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy playing in a well-organised home and garden, secure in a daily routine adapted to individual needs and are able to choose activities of most interest to them. They benefit from the care provided by a skilled, cheerful and enthusiastic childminder. Systems and documents, such as an attendance register and medication records are up to date, comprehensive and stored in a confidential manner. A number of policies are in place, including, for example those describing her practice relating to behaviour management and complaints. The latter is now out of date and therefore parents do not have current information if they have concerns.

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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 As a preferred provider the childminder keeps extensive records on children's development and progress. She has a current first aid qualification and a number of attendance certificates relating to training courses, including Birth to three matters, equal opportunities and child protection. All policies and records are well-organised into files to which parents have easy access. Children are protected and supported by comprehensive administrative systems designed by the National Child Minding Association and which are complemented by those designed by the childminder, to ensure all children's needs are met.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Recommendations relating to toxic plants and smoke alarm systems were made at the last inspection. An assessment of house and garden plants ensures none are poisonous to children. Arrangements are in place to ensure children's safety is protected in case of fire.

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure the complaints system complies with current regulations

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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