The Mount Preparatory School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

122934 Unique Reference Number 02 May 2006 Inspection date Janet Sharon Williams Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 1977. She lives with her husband.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The area is well served by public transport and there are many child care facilities provided within close proximity. The childminder uses the ground floor of her home for childminding, consisting of a kitchen/diner, bathroom, lounge and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight at any one time and is currently caring for three children under five.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the Wandsworth childminding association, and takes children out to many of the local groups, one o'clock clubs and parks within the area.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment, where good hygiene habits are put into practice to reduce cross contamination. Children wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has an effective system in place to record accidents and medication administered. However, the childminder has not obtained parental written permission for emergency treatment and first aid. The childminder has an up to date first aid certificate, to ensure she can provide appropriate medical care for children who attend.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's meals are provided by parents; the childminder works well with parents to ensure children have their health and dietary needs met. Snacks provided are healthy and nutritious, for example, a selection of fruit is always readily available. Children are offered drinks at regular intervals, with consideration for those who are unable to ask for one themselves.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily physical activities. They attend the local children's and carer's group; during the summer months they make good use of the garden which has a range of outside play equipment, for example, a range of climbing equipment. Young children learn about healthy living, rest or sleep according to their needs, which aids their growth and development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. They are kept safe through the childminder making sure that children can play and investigate safely, both indoors and outdoors and that any possible dangers to children are minimised. For example, a stair gate is fitted at the bottom of the stairs and areas accessible to the children are safe. The childminder also teaches children boundaries by taking time to explain to them areas in the home they are not allow to access. On outings younger children are strapped into their pushchair. Older children learn basic road safety and how to cross at the pelican or zebra crossing.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from playing in welcoming surroundings, where they can move around freely and independently. The childminder sets out a range of toys for the children each day and she allows them the opportunity to choose activities for themselves. For example, cars, trains, dolls, musical activity centres and a small play house and garage. Toys and equipment are easily accessible and stored at children's level.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children welfare is safeguarded due to the childminder's sound awareness of child protection issues. She has a good understanding of possible signs and symptoms of abuse, enabling her to assess risk and protect children.

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a broad range of activities, both within the home setting and wider environment. Toys and play materials are stimulating, fun and interesting. For example, imaginary play where children act out roles such as, pretending to be at the hair dressers. Children also have frequent trips to the local parks. This provides children with a range of experiences, which help promotes their overall development.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children individual needs and routines are very well met. They receive consistent care through the childminder frequently talking to the children and showing an interest in what they are doing which, encourages them to progress and develop their independence and self esteem.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make positive relationships, they enjoy being close with the childminder, confidently join in with a selection of songs and rhymes. The childminder pays good attention to children and engages them well in play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued, respected and treated as individuals. They develop an understanding of other people and the world about them through the use of readily available books, dolls and puzzles promoting positive images. Children are also taken out into the local diverse community to extend their awareness of others.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive attitude towards caring for children with special needs and is proactive in addressing issues. For example, offer support and make special adaptations.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well through being fully occupied and stimulated. They know boundaries because the childminder has created an environment that encourages good behaviour through support and frequent verbal positive praises.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive and friendly relationship with parents. She has clear, effective written agreements with parents formalising arrangements and expectations and to ensure that children are looked after in accordance to parents' wishes.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well organised home providing suitable area for rest, play, sleeping and time outdoors. They are cared for according to their needs because the childminder's child ratio is well maintained, which positively supports children's care, learning and play.

p.4

Organisation

All of the mandatory documents are in place, well maintained and kept up to date. However, a copy of the childminder's certificate is not displayed.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure loose tiles stored in the garden are inaccessible to the children; obtain parental consent for emergency medical treatment; ensure accidents are recorded in a confidential manner and that parents are fully aware of the sick child policy.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Although most of the recommendations have been satisfactorily addressed. The childminder has not obtained parental consent for emergency medical treatment.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There has been no complaints to report since the last inspection.

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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain parental written permission for emergency treatment and first aid • ensure childminding certificate is displayed

p.5

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

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