Hazelbury Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 102010 Inspection date 10 May 2005 Inspector Catherine Greene

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 1998. She lives with her husband and their 3 children aged 18, 16 and 10. They live in a 3 bed roomed house close to West Hampstead and Kilburn, there are local shops, community play facilities and schools nearby. The ground and first floor of the house is used for childminding. There is a kitchen, WC and playroom on the ground floor and the upstairs living room is also used for play, there is a secure back garden. The family have a pet budgie.

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 The childminder is qualified in NVQ level 3 in Childcare and Education and provides care for Camden's supported childminding service. She is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding 4 children who attend on a part-time basis.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children thrive because the childminder follows highly effective procedures and practices which meet children's physical, nutritional and health needs. They are cared for in a warm, clean, family environment where daily routines help children learn about health and independence. Children enjoy regular outdoor activities that encourage them to develop control and co-ordination. A planned routine of visits to drop-in groups and local parks ensures that children can experience larger physical play experiences. They are confident when using resources such as climbing frames, swings, bikes and footballs. Toddlers practice new physical skills indoors using resources that support and encourage them to use their bodies. The childminder has a very good understanding of appropriate types of activities that will give children confidence to experiment, set their own limits and know when to ask for help.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to eat and rest according to their developmental needs. Close partnership with parents and other agencies ensures that the children's individual needs are met. Children help themselves to easily accessible drinking water throughout the day and enjoy nutritious, cooked foods, fruit and vegetables at snack and lunch time.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk from accidents are minimised by the childminder's proactive attitude to risk assessment and vigilant supervision of children throughout the day. Children are very adept and able to move around the home freely and independently. This is achieved because the childminder encourages children's independence whilst raising their awareness of safety issues. Children are provided with a selection of safe play equipment suitable to their age and development. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare with regular communication with parents. She has taken steps to ensure children's safety. For example she has a current first aid certificate and has attended recent child protection training. Children are very well protected by the childminder who has a clear understanding of child protection procedures.

p.3

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 Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They achieve well because the childminder is highly skilled. She uses her exceptional understanding of early years guidance, such as birth to three matters and the curriculum guidance for the foundation stage, to provide high quality care and learning activities. Children settle well at the childminder's house and are happy and contended in her care. They relate well to the childminder's family. Children receive lots of cuddles and attention from the childminder, consequently children develop a strong sense of self, they build confidence and self esteem. Children socialise well through regular attendance at local toddler groups. A very good selection of play materials are provided for children these are well organised, sorted into categories and children are able to self-select

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

which encourages their independence and choices.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and happy in the childminder's home because she values and respects their individuality, culture and language. She has a good awareness of providing care for children with special needs grasped from her previous experience. Children's family backgrounds are valued and respected. The childminder's work with one child has been fundamental in teaching him to speak English. Children's personal daily routine is followed and discussed thoroughly with parents. Children are welcomed into the home and by the childminders own family, this gives them a sense of belonging. Children are treated with equal concern and have access to a very good range of equipment which promote diversity and positive images. This raises children's knowledge of the wider world and awareness of others.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the exceptional quality of organisation and the well planned curriculum and information for parents. The home is well organised. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. Children feel at home and at ease in this caring environment. Parents views are valued and the systems in place to share information contribute to the children's sense of confidence and well-being. The daily routines are planned and are based on the individual needs of each child. All required documentation is in place and the childminder has sought to update her knowledge of first aid and child protection which impacts well on children's overall safety and wellbeing. Overall, the needs of children are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to inform Ofsted when household members have reached the age of 16. By doing this, she has enabled appropriate checks to be carried out to ensure the suitability of adults in the proximity of children.

p.4

Improvements 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

p.4

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): • Continue to maintain and update knowledge and understanding of good childcare practice, for example, through the use of Birth to Three matters.

p.5

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

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