The Winterley Project School

Inspection report for early years provision

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133297 Unique Reference Number 05 April 2007 Inspection date Chris Banks 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 1996. She lives with her husband and three children in a four bedroom house in the N1 area of Islington. A lounge and dining room are the main areas used for childminding purposes. A fully enclosed patio garden is also available for outdoor play.

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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. She is not registered to care for children overnight. The childminder currently cares for four children, some on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in well maintained, bright, homely surroundings. Standards of cleanliness are good throughout and the good hygiene practice used by the childminder helps ensure children are protected from infection. Children learn from an early age about good hygiene habits such as washing their hands before food and after playing in the garden. They also understand why this is important and are familiar with their routines. Children benefit from the

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 sensitive approach of the childminder to toilet training. Parents are closely consulted and guidance is given if requested.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected from the risk of infection. This is because the childminder has a clear written sickness policy which is shared with parents at the outset. It makes clear when children should be kept at home and also outlines exclusion times for contagious illnesses. Effective practical steps are taken if a child becomes ill whilst in the care of the childminder. If a child needs to be taken to hospital, there is a clear contingency plan to follow. This enables suitable arrangements to be made for the care of any other children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder understands well the benefits of healthy eating and positively encourages parents to provide children with nutritious food. Children enjoy healthy snacks provided by the childminder who also ensures they have plenty to drink during the day. The childminder holds a valid Food Hygiene certificate which means she is familiar with key aspects of food safety.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from different aspects of outdoor play as part of their everyday routines. They enjoy playing in the garden with wheeled toys, a slide and mini trampoline and also experience more challenging physical opportunities when they visit local pre school outdoor play facilities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play in safety and comfort because the childminder takes good practical safety precautions and ensures they are well supervised at all times. In the event of an emergency, there is a clear written evacuation plan. Children also practise a fire drill with the childminder on a regular basis which helps prepare them in the event of any real emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to behave in a responsible way and receive sensitive guidance as they learn to assert their independence. Safe arrangements for their arrival and collection are in place as the childminder insists on meeting other adults authorised to collect children once arrangements are formally agreed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The well secured patio garden provides children with easily accessible, safe outdoor play. On outings, the good practice of the childminder is shared with children who are also learning about road safety in a fun way through rhymes and songs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding the overall welfare of children. They are well protected because the childminder has a clear and thorough understanding of child protection issues and has recently attended updated training. Parents are informed about her responsibilities and there written procedures to follow if there are any concerns about a child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is an extensive range of good quality early learning toys and equipment for children of all ages which are clearly categorised and stored within easy reach of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and well settled because the childminder creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the home and understands well how planned routines meet the needs of individual children. They benefit from her warm and caring approach and enjoy a stimulating

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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 range of play experiences which support their all round development. This is because the childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and develop and effectively combines simple play activities with good communication skills which extends their learning in a meaningful and enjoyable way. Reading as an activity is positively promoted and the childminder has recently introduced the practice of encouraging children to take books home to share with their parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a good range of outdoor play activities because the childminder uses her local knowledge well to ensure each day is varied and interesting for children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The progress of children is monitored well. In the beginning, parents are given a routine sheet which the childminder completes each day outlining how well children are settling in. As children develop, their achievements are photographically recorded in well presented profile books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Within the home, children have access to a varied and interesting range of good quality toys and equipment. Resources are well organised and children can help themselves to resources stored at child height.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder values children as individuals and effectively works with parents to ensure she meets their health, dietary and care needs. Information is effectively gathered and recorded and parents are encouraged to be actively involved with the settling in process which also includes a visit to local pre school facilities used by the childminder. The progress of children is monitored well. By developing individual 'profile books' which are exchanged with parents on a weekly basis, they are kept well informed in the long term. This practice also reassures them that the childminder takes an active and continuing interest in their child's welfare and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the wider world and its diverse communities through a range of play activities. They benefit from the childminder's knowledge of different cultures and experience of caring for children from a wide variety of backgrounds. Resources in the home positively reflect diversity and children are also learning to acknowledge difference when they socialise with other children at nearby under fives facilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is well supported. There is warm interaction between the childminder and those she cares for. This is because she understands children's behaviour well and uses good techniques to help build children's self esteem. She uses gentle reasoning and explanation with children and is calmly reassuring if they become upset. Kindness to others and sharing is positively encouraged.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the very warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the childminder who demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a professional service to children and families. If parents are unhappy about the service there is a formal complaints procedure in place but it requires further development.

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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 The childminder's active involvement in her local Childminding Network and recognised childcare qualification help ensure she keeps herself professionally well informed. It also enables her to keep up to date with proposed changes to the early years curriculum.

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Organisation

Children play in comfort and safety because space is suitably organised and is sufficient for the number of children the childminder is registered to care for. Children's routines are carefully planned around their individual needs and are successfully combined with those of the childminders own family.

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Organisation

Record keeping arrangements are well organised and documentation is stored securely.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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. 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): • devise a system to record complaints in the event of a complaint being made

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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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