Harris Academy St John's Wood

Inspection report for early years provision

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145126 Unique Reference Number 24 May 2006 Inspection date Glenda Kathleen Field 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 has been registered since 1994. She lives with her partner and two children aged three and one in a house in Carlton Colville, Lowestoft. It is within walking distance of the local park, mother and toddler group and school. The town of Lowestoft is close by. All areas of the ground floor, apart from the office are used for childminding. There is a secure rear garden for outside play. No family pets are kept.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, there are currently two children on roll, both attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member 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. Children's health is well promoted because the childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection. Appropriate measures are taken when children are ill so that their health needs are met. Information obtained from parents at registration ensures the childminder is aware of any specific needs. The child minder holds a current first aid certificate and careful logs are kept of accidents and medication given. However, written parental consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice is not in place, this potentially compromises children's good health. Children are learning about their personal hygiene and how to keep healthy. For example, they are reminded that they need to wash their hands after using the toilet or potty and before eating. All areas of the house used by children are cleaned regularly to minimise risks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy varied opportunities for physical activity which develop their physical skills. The childminder plans a range of activities inside the house, in the garden and on outings that enable children to develop their confidence using a wide range of equipment. Children learn to lead a healthy lifestyle because they make good use of the garden when the weather is dry. They have regular walks around the community, for example, to the local school and park. Individual sleep patterns are developed to ensure children can rest or sleep according to their needs and the wishes of their parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and have adequate opportunities to learn about healthy eating because the childminder provides them with regular drinks and food that are nutritious and complies with their dietary needs. Children have access to fresh drinking water at all times to keep them well hydrated. The childminder works with parents to provide meals where necessary, however, parents currently provide food for their children. The childminder ensures fruit is available for snacks, and provides children with choice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and well cared for in premises that are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. The childminder ensures that the environment is well organised, welcoming and child centred. Children are provided with space to play freely, to be active, rest or relax.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a good range of equipment that is suitable and safe. Resources are stored to promote easy access for children and encourage them to make appropriate choices. The childminder cleans and checks the toys and resources regularly to ensure they remain safe for children to use. Risks are minimised in and around the house by the childminder who is pro-active in ensuring children remain safe whilst in her care. For example, there are smoke alarms on both floors of the house which are tested and maintained in working order, all low level glass is safety glass, socket covers are in place and cleaning products are inaccessible to 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 Children remain safe on outings. Young children are restrained appropriately when out, in buggies or on reins. Parents provide written permission for outings, and for walks around the local environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice. The childminder has a knowledge of the signs of abuse and neglect, and is aware of the referral route to be followed, if necessary, to report any concerns she may have.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, independent and developing their self-esteem. They respond well to the questions posed by the childminder and use their initiative to make appropriate choices. All children have their individual needs met through the daily routine. They are developing an extensive range of knowledge and skills because the childminder provides activities and play opportunities that help them to achieve.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have excellent opportunities for creative activities. For example, they paint and use play dough. A broad selection of toys are made available to the children, these include cars, playhouse and play people, games, books and puzzles. Children learn to socialise by exploring their local environment, for example, walking to school and visiting the local shops and park. Children use their imagination through participation in good role play opportunities. The childminder plans on a consistent basis to ensure children's needs are met across all areas of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing good relationships with adults and other children in a setting where the childminder works with parents and carers to meet individual children's needs and fully include them in the routines of the setting. Children are able to feel a sense of belonging, work harmoniously with others and make choices and decisions. These all contribute to the children developing good self-esteem and respect for others. The childminder ensures that she knows all the children well and that they are provided with equality of opportunity. She ensures there is no bias in her practice in relation to gender, race or disability. A good range of resources that reflect diversity are provided, for example, play food, play people and books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder gathers adequate information at time of placement, for example, children's preferences and their likes and dislikes in discussion with their parents. This information is used to help children settle. All children are valued and their individual needs are met. The childminder gathers information to enable children's special needs to be met and will work with parents to provide any specialist services required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to understand responsible behaviour and respect the boundaries set by the childminder. The childminder uses lots of praise and encourages children's achievements. The childminder talks and listens to the children, enabling them to feel valued. Children are

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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 learning to share and co-operate because the childminder joins in with their play and encourages them to share the resources. The childminder discusses behaviour management strategies with parents to ensure there is consistency. Any incidents are logged and shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's needs are being well met because the childminder works with parents to develop consistency of care. She is aware of the importance of developing good relationships with the parents and of how this can benefit the child. She develops individual settling in processes to meet the needs of the children and their families. Information is shared daily with parents, giving parents information on their child's day. References from parents speak highly of the care the childminder provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by the childminder who has a good understanding of the National Standards which ensures children are protected. She ensures children are never left with anyone who has not been vetted. The childminder has attended appropriate training courses which have developed her knowledge and understanding of child development and how to effectively care for children.

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Organisation

Children are welcomed into a well-prepared environment which enables them to feel at home and provides stimulation for their play. The records, policies and procedures work in practice to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. Contracts and children's records are reviewed regularly, to ensure they are up to date and that children benefit from consistency of care. Records are carefully stored to maintain confidentiality.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to keep a record of medication given, this is now in place, thus benefiting children's good health. Ensure details of local child protection procedures were available and to consider resources that reflect diversity when purchasing new equipment. Information regarding local child protection procedures has been obtained and the childminder is seeking to update her child protection training. This benefits children's safety. Resources that reflect diversity are now in place which enables children to learn about the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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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.

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Complaints 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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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): • obtain written parental consent for the seeking of any emergency treatment or advice that may be necessary.

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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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