Marshland Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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146948 Unique Reference Number 01 February 2008 Inspection date Kanwal Sonia Lobo 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 satisfactory. 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 1992. She lives with her husband and adult son in a three bedroom semi detached house. The family do not have any pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The house is situated in a largely residential area in Hendon in the London borough of Barnet.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The areas of the home that are used for childminding purposes are the through lounge, kitchen, play room, toy room, downstairs toilet and a bedroom. There is a rear garden that is used for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years. At present, there are two children aged one year and three years on roll who attend from Monday to Friday between 08:00 to 16:00.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 satisfactory. Children arrive happily and settle quickly because the home is warm and welcoming. The childminder makes sure areas used by children are clean and tidy and as a result, they are comfortable. Children play with toys and access equipment that is regularly washed and cleaned, consequently, this helps to reduce the risk of cross contamination. However, the arrangements are yet to take account of children always having access to their own flannel and suitable bed linen when they take a nap, in order to further help prevent the spread of infection. There are some chances for children to learn about personal hygiene through the daily routine. For example, older children know they need to wash their hands after having played outside in the garden. But systems are evolving to ensure that hand washing with children is practised consistently at other times and therefore is not yet integral to their routine.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy eating is promoted through encouraging children to eat nutritious foods, such as having fresh fruits as a snack. They have access to regular drinks throughout their time spent with the childminder. Children have some opportunities to receive fresh air and exercise as the childminder takes children for walks in the local area approximately three times a week or they play in the rear garden, weather permitting.

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Helping children to be healthy

The health and well-being of children is safeguarded by the childminder's understanding of emergency first aid and the systems that are in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are comfortable in an environment which is organised to take account of their needs. Children's work is valued and displayed effectively and this contributes to them feeling a sense of belonging and self worth. The welfare of children is safeguarded by them using a range of suitable furniture, play equipment and resources that are safe and well maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children receive sufficient supervision and all areas of the premises are secure which helps to ensure that children are safe. Sleeping babies and young children are checked at regular intervals for their safety. However, their sleeping arrangements are yet to be reviewed in order to ensure they are either in sight or hearing of the childminder at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire safety is given adequate consideration as, for example, the fire blanket and smoke detectors are appropriately sited. An emergency evacuation plan is in place and has been practised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse. She shows an understanding of the reporting procedures to follow in the event she has a concern and keeps all the relevant contact details close to hand.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thrive in an environment which is child-friendly, calm and relaxed. They respond well to the childminder's gentle and caring attitude and this helps to form and maintain the close bond they share. Children are confident communicators who know they can express themselves

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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 in the safe knowledge they will be heard and acknowledged because the childminder is attentive and shares their interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from some of the informal planning the childminder undertakes which enables and ensures that they build on their natural curiosity as learners. Children confidently self select from a range of activities and resources that are organised for them in advance. They enjoy the regular chances to be creative as they, for example, use different coloured paper and paints to explore colour and print. Young children actively take part in singing and show a keenness to join in with the actions to rhymes and songs, such as 'twinkle, twinkle little star' or 'let's go driving'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities and toys which children express much pleasure from are frequently made available to them and consequently they remain successfully engaged and most often initiate their own play. They enjoy mimicking the world around them as they, for example, play with interactive toys, such as the 'driving wheel' which allows them to beep their horn and change gears.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to share their experiences and the childminder listens and values their contributions. This in turn helps children to feel secure and included. Resources that reflect positive images and promote diversity are evolving to take account of children's own beliefs and identity. Children have many informal opportunities to learn about other people's beliefs through every day occurrences. This is because the childminder talks to them, for example, about the significance of the 'Menorah' as they notice these displayed in windows of houses they walk past.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware that some children may have learning difficulties and /or disabilities, and understands the importance of working in partnership with parents and with other professionals to promote the welfare and development of the child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

In the main, children are well behaved because they are mostly occupied in play experiences and tasks which keeps them engaged and focussed for short periods at a time. Children have clear boundaries and the childminder offers explanations that are in line with their individual level of understanding and maturity. As a result, they respond positively to the childminder's requests, for example, not to bring their snack into the lounge and to eat in the designated areas of the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are supported well from the partnership between the childminder and their parents. There is a regular exchange of information about all issues relating to the welfare of the child. The childminder has a developing knowledge of her duty in regulation regarding what she must do if she receives a complaint from a parent and is yet to seek advice in order to ensure her procedure is in line with current guidance.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has overlooked the statutory requirement in regulations to notify Ofsted of changes to people living in the household. However, she now recognises that this has been an oversight and intends to follow the appropriate procedures. All the required documentation is

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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 in place but the childminder is yet to display the certificate of registration effectively so that it is easily seen.

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Organisation

The childminder shows commitment to on-going training and development. She has recently completed a level 3 qualification in childminding practice and is keen to access training and briefing sessions related to The Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision does meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last the inspection, the childminder has completed a risk assessment of the garden and has taken action to minimize potential risks and hazards. She has increased her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and issues through completing training and maintaining information that is up-to-date. The childminder now ensures that children play with toys and access equipment that are in a clean and hygienic condition in order to prevent the spread of infection. This has had an overall positive impact on the service offered to parents and the welfare of children.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • continue to prevent the spread of infection through, for example, ensuring children have access to their own flannel and suitable bed linen and by making sure that hand washing forms an integral part of their daily routines. • review the sleeping arrangements for young children in order to ensure they are closely monitored at all times. • continue to secure knowledge of regulatory duties with regard to dealing with complaints raised by parents • notify Ofsted of any significant changes or events.

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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 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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