Northgate Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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117085 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2007 Inspection date Jean Mary Andrews 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 1997. She lives with her husband, and three children aged 13, 11, and eight years. The childminder's Father also lives in the property. The family live in the Shinfield area of Reading. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding two children. All children attend on a part time basis. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and to the local park. The childminder has two cats and a rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has experience of children with learning difficulties. She 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 benefit from being cared for in a well organised, warm and clean environment where they follow and learn good hygiene practice set by the good role model of the childminder. For example, children wash their hands after using the toilet and before and after eating food. Children also have their own individual towels, which reduces the spread of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily physical exercise both in the home and outside, for example, fun exercises and dancing to music. They regularly visit the local park. Children are given the opportunity to rest as they require. This helps children to understand that they need to exercise and rest as part of a healthy lifestyle. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and is therefore competent in administering first aid to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are met effectively by the parents providing most of the food. Children are encouraged to try new foods to help establish a healthy eating pattern. They can ask for a drink throughout the day, which prevents them from dehydrating. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating for young children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has identified risks and hazards around the home, enabling children to move around freely and safely. For example, socket covers are in place and the external doors are always locked.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and equipment are monitored to ensure that they are safe and suitable for young children being cared for. Space is used very well, ensuring children are freely able to access all toys and activities from low level drawer units. The childminder uses her policies and procedures effectively to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children. For example, children are aware to hold onto the buggy and to stay close to the childminder on visits to the park. The childminder has a good understanding of identifying child protection issues and the procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, relaxed and confident. They relate well to the childminder, other children and adults. The childminder plans daily activities and outings, which enables children to participate in community activities. For example, visits to the local library, cinema and local park where they extend their social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy and learn from a good range of activities, for example, playing with a wooden train set, musical activities, singing and dancing. They are beginning to recognise number,

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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 colour and shape and enjoy listening to stories. They have the opportunity to use their physical skills while playing on the large equipment in the garden and in the local park.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The space is well organised allowing children independent access to the toys and equipment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with respect and made to feel good about themselves. They are encouraged to talk about things which are important to them, for example, their home life.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates some understanding of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from lots of encouragement and praise, for example, a star chart for personal hygiene. Basic ground rules are consistently maintained by the childminder, for example, showing respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder keeps parents fully informed of her practice. Children have a diary and the childminder exchanges information daily about the children's day with her. The two way process makes parents aware of their children's day and assists the childminder in the care of the children. This ensures children's continued support and considers the welfare of children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from very well organised resources and space. They receive sufficient adult support to make them feel confident and secure, for example, children playing with floor activities, dancing and singing with the childminder. Parents are kept fully informed in the event of an emergency and there is an effective procedure in place which ensures confidentiality.

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Organisation

All relevant and mandatory documentation is in place and well maintained. This promotes children's welfare and health at all times. However, criminal record documentation is not available.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps herself informed of current childcare practices, through accessing relevant childcare information on the internet. She is extending her professional development by attending appropriate courses offered from the local authority. This helps her to review childcare practices for the benefit of the children in her care and assists children in developing to their full potential.

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Organisation

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

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made the current driving licence readily available. This is now in a file and stored in the study. This ensures children are protected when travelling in the childminder's vehicle.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made toys and activities more readily accessible for children. She has provided low level plastic drawers, clearly labelled and situated in the dining area. This enables children to choose their toys and activities and increase their independence.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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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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): • extend professional development by exploring courses available locally. • ensure family members complete CRB documentation

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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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