Abacus Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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133312 Unique Reference Number 11 January 2008 Inspection date Rosemary Coburn 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 2000. She lives in a ground floor two bedroom flat situated in a residential area in the London Borough of Hackney. The lounge is the main area used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for four children aged from birth to eight years. There is access to a rear patio. There are no family pets. There is currently one child on roll. The childminder is a member of an approved Childminding Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Good daily routines and explanation help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet reduces the risk of passing on germs. For example, the childminder washes her hands before preparing meals and snacks. Children who are sick do not attend the setting. This prevents the spread of contagious ailments. Parents give prior written consent to administer medication. This ensures that children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. Children's good health is supported as the childminder holds a first aid certificate. Written consent for emergency

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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 medical advice or treatment is in place and accidents and incidents are suitably recorded and information shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a food policy being in place which is designed to ensure that children receive nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder has completed a healthy eating course and parents are invited to sample the meals that the childminder provides or may bring their own food if preferred. This means that children are supported in developing healthy eating habits from a young age.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play and learn in a secure environment where they have easy access to a good range of toys and resources appropriate for their age. However, the living room and rear patio area are not sufficiently organised. For example, safety plug covers are not fully in place and the storage of household items stored in the play areas present possible hazards to children. The childminder has a good understanding of fire prevention. For example, children are taught to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe as they practise fire evacuation procedures. Gas safety checks are regularly carried out. This means that children's safety is suitably promoted as the childminder takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare and safety is suitably supported as the childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of her responsibilities to safeguard children in her care. The childminder is aware of some of the signs and symptoms that indicate possible abuse and the procedures to follow in the event of an allegation of abuse being made against her or any other member of her household.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children independently choose from a range of activities that are easily accessible and provide stimulation. There is a suitable settling in policy in place and children relate very well to the childminder. For example, a young child was attending the setting for the first time and played happily on the floor with a train set. The childminder sat on the floor with the child and demonstrated a warm and caring attitude through lifting the child onto her knee and giving lots of hugs, singing songs and providing gentle reassurance at all times. This means that good trusting relationships are built which supports children in making progress in all areas of learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder learns about children's needs including their likes and dislikes through keeping suitable policies and recording information based on discussion with parents. Children are well behaved and they enjoy and learn from a suitable range of toys, resources and activities that are laid out for them. This means that children's confidence and independence is promoted through suitable play and learning opportunities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's understanding of diversity is supported by a good range of activities and resources. For example, children are taught to feel good about themselves as well as learning to show respect for others through positive images of people living different ways of life and by

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 celebrating festivals such as Divali and Easter. Children benefit from an equal opportunities policy being in place and the childminder's inclusive practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has undertaken suitable behaviour management training. This means that behaviour management strategies are appropriate and help children understand right from wrong. Children benefit from good partnerships with parents and the childminder. A suitable complaints policy is on display and there are both formal and informal systems in place to share information about children's progress and development. This provides good opportunities for the shared management of children's learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder having a good understanding of her role and responsibilities. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards training and is currently undertaking a suitable level 3 course of studies. The childminder has also received Quality Assurance approval as part of the Children Come First childminding network. This ensure that she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after.

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Organisation

Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents. A good two-way flow of information through regular informal discussions with parents ensures continuity of care. This is because information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. Consequently, this means that the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder ensures that parents sign the accident record book; make the kitchen inaccessible to children; reorganise space in the lounge to ensure children can use it more comfortably and make toys and equipment easily accessible. The accident record book is now being signed by parents; the kitchen is inaccessible to children and toys and equipment are easily accessible to children. However, the organisation of the lounge remains an area where recommendations for improvements should be carried out.

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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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Complaints 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

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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): • ensure that all safety plug covers are in place • ensure that the space in the lounge is re-organised to ensure that children can use it more suitably and the patio area is suitable for children's use at all times.

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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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