Parkland Middle School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 107377 Inspection date 18 July 2005 Inspector Alison Joan Wadley

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 March 2000. She lives close to East Dulwich and Peckham Rye in South East London. She is registered to care for three children aged under 8 years and is currently minding one child aged under two years. The childminder lives with her husband and four school aged children in a 3 bedroom first floor flat, in a converted house. Minded children have use of the lounge and one of the bedrooms to play and sleep and they have access to the kitchen for meals. There is no garden but the childminder takes minded children to Peckham Rye Park which is nearby and to the local 1 O'clock club. The family have no pets. The childminder is a member of NCMA.

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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 enjoy a good range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They partake in regular outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example when using wheeled resources and running in Peckham Rye Park. They are become increasingly aware of their own bodies, dancing to push button resources and toddling eagerly about the floor and rug area to reach equipment. They increasingly know when they need a drink or a rest and demonstrate confidence in making their needs known. Younger children benefit from sensory and tactile activities and these are further supported by the childminder's recent training in the Birth to three matters framework. Her experience of appropriate types of activities and levels of support gives the children increasing confidence to try out new skills. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of

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Helping children to be healthy

good hygiene and personal care. Their increasing understanding of hand washing after activities and before meals, for example reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They benefit from lots of vegetables, water and healthy snacks throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder identifies and minimises most risks for children in the home, however there is currently some accessible glass at the children's level. The childminder supervises children well and as a result they are able to move around safely with increasing independence. The childminder gives priority to maintaining children’s safety outside the home, for example, when she takes the children to the one o'clock club. Children increasingly select activities from a good range of clean and well organised toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. She provides clear policies to promote children’s welfare and has an up to date first aid certificate. She has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the Local Area Child Protection Committee

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures and has fully explained this to parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children appear settled at the childminder's house. They demonstrate increasing

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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 confidence in exploring the environment and interesting range of toys and equipment. They relate well to the childminder and have good opportunities to socialise with other children through regular attendance at local One o Clock Clubs and the park. Children become independent as they move around the childminders house and because she knows the children well they are able to choose between a variety of activities which interests them. The childminder provides valuable and well planned activities to support their growing knowledge. Activities such as dancing and story telling particularly help to promote younger children’s learning. They listen and respond well to the childminder and spend their time purposefully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a good range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of others. For example, the children benefit from outings to the local one o clock club, shopping trips on the bus and outings to Peckham Rye Park. They join in with varied activities and have a diverse and interesting diet. Children are welcomed into the childminder's family and valued for their individuality and interests. The childminder meets the children’s needs well, including following children's normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children show care and concern for each other, behave very well and demonstrate increasing confidence when making choices. Children make themselves at home and have time to relax as well as be active. They respond well to stories, singing and games and the childminder is warm and approachable.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. The childminder plans an interesting routine and the children benefit from being able to choose and use resources which interest them and which support play and learning. The childminder effectively uses the policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Policies and procedures are regularly shared with parents and this keeps them well informed about the service provided and their child's activities. The childminder monitors and adapts her daily routine to ensure children are safe and to enable them to make good progress. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Improvement since the last inspection has been good overall. The childminder has completed a risk assessment on the premises and has made most areas safe for children to use. However, there continues to be some low level glass at the children's height which has not been made safe.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

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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): • Make safe low level glass at the property.

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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

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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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