Northfield Primary School: With Communication Resource

Inspection report for early years provision

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130859 Unique Reference Number 01 August 2007 Inspection date Fran Fielder 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 1997. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder. She has two school aged children and an adult son. They live in a house in Brighton, within walking distance of schools, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for three children, one full-time and two on a part time basis.

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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 play in a clean and relaxed environment where they learn the meaning of good personal hygiene. Effective daily routines and the childminder's own good practice prevent cross infection. She uses wipes and anti-bacterial gel to prevent the spread of germs. Even toddlers know they need to wash their hands after using the potty.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides nutritious meals and snacks that help children develop a taste for healthy foods. They enjoy fruit and vegetables as snacks and always have drinking water available. Children appreciate healthy meals such as pasta, curry and couscous. All children receive regular drinks to ensure they do not become thirsty or dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular trips to the park and local playgrounds where they run around and play on large equipment. The childminder plans a 'sports day' in the local park and visits to the local community centre give children the opportunity for fun on a bouncy castle. This keeps them healthy and develops important physical skills. Indoors there are suitable resources and furnishings that help young children gain control of their bodies and practise walking and climbing. The childminder builds warm relationships with babies making sure they feel safe and confident in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a well-organised environment that allows them to move around safely. They have easy and safe access to a good range of toys and resources that are stimulating and suitable for children's stage of development. Regular checks ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. The childminder is vigilant and ensures that items with small parts are not accessible to babies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are secure and there are good procedures in place to protect children from unknown visitors. Written evacuation procedures and regular drills ensure children know how to leave the premises quickly and safely in an emergency. Children benefit from well-supervised outdoor play on an enclosed patio area. A padlocked gate prevents access to the high-level garden. Clear procedures for outings ensure children's safety at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and ensures parents are aware of her role. She keeps relevant telephone numbers easily to hand so she can get advice if needed. This safeguards and promotes children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children arrive and settle well. They are happy, relaxed and confident. They relate very well to the childminder and to each other and clearly enjoy each other's company. Children independently choose from toys and resources that are stimulating and fun.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a good range of indoor activities that support development and ensure children have fun. They paint, play with dough, listen to music and dress up. They also play with Hama

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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 beads and have their faces painted. They particularly enjoy reading and listening to stories. They sow sunflower and tomato seeds and take these home to look after while they grow. They report to the childminder on the progress of the plants and are particularly pleased with how big their sunflowers are getting. Very good interaction with babies and toddlers supports their language development and allows them to express their ideas and feelings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats minded children as family members. This makes children feel confident and relaxed in the childminder's home. Constant praise and encouragement helps children develop a positive self-image. The childminder knows the children well and gathers all relevant information to ensure appropriate care. Children have access to a small range of resources that reflect diversity. The use of the library gives children the opportunity to look at other cultures. This together with the childminder's positive attitude means children learn to accept differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from lots of praise and behave beautifully. Children learn important social skills such as sharing and listening to each other. They enjoy each other's company and treat each other kindly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are friendly and ensure a good exchange of information. Daily feedback about each child’s day ensures continuity of care. The childminder respects parents' wishes that enable her to meet individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well-organised environment where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The childminder uses her time well. She is flexible and allows children time to organise and pursue their own games.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps up to date with current practice by reading all the documentation she receives. She has a folder containing details of her service that she shares with parents. This includes a set of policies and procedures that guide the childminder in her daily practice. Most required documentation is in place. The information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to reduce the hazards to children both indoors and out. She was also asked to ensure all required documentation was in place and stored securely.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has all required documentation in place but written permission to seek treatment in the event of an emergency is not completely clear. All documentation is kept securely out of reach of family and visitors. This ensures information is only shared with the individual children's parents. This safeguards children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has put safety film on the glass panels in the doors and has removed the lock from the bathroom door. This means children are not in danger of cutting themselves on broken

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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 glass. It also means they cannot lock themselves in the bathroom. The glass in the garden shed has also been made safe although children do not have access to this part of the garden. This keeps children safe when playing outside.

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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): • increase resources that reflect diversity • ensure all parents give prior written consent to seek treatment in the event of an emergency

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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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