Brooklands Middle School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 137636 Inspection date 28 July 2005 Inspector Caren Carpenter

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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 was registered in 1983. The premises is a three bedroomed house, which is located within the London Borough of Brent. The childminder lives with her husband and two adult children. The living room and the dining rooms are used as the children's play rooms. There is an enclosed outdoor play area. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for six children under eight years at various times during the day.

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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 The childminder is not registered to provide overnight care. The childminder is a member of the National childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s health is promoted as the childminder sustains good levels of hygiene. The children are developing self-care skills, as they are encouraged to wash their hands before meal times. Good policies and procedures are in place for first aid, accidents and medication, which ensures children are well cared for. Children are developing good physical skills as they have daily opportunities to climb, balance and slide on outdoor play equipment. They enjoy exercise outdoors in the fresh air every day, which promotes a healthy lifestyle. Children learn about healthy eating as they enjoy eating fresh fruits and healthy nutritious meals, which are provided to meet their individual dietary requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in safe and secure surroundings. Space is used effectively to create a welcoming environment where children are relaxed. Potential risks have been identified and minimised to prevent accident, because the childminder has very good understanding of how to keep children safe. Children make choices in safe and secure surroundings. They are confident that the childminder will keep them safe as she is with them constantly. Children independently select activities from the wide range of stimulating and age appropriate toys and equipment. They are learning how to maintain a safe environment as they help to tidy up at appropriate times. Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a sound knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse, and the correct procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy playing with a good range of interesting activities and toys which promotes and supports all areas of their learning and development. They enjoy a stimulating routine which includes a wide range of visits to other places of interest, which widens their experiences of the world in which they live. Children are forming very good relationships with childminder and each other and are

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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 familiar with everyday routines. She is affectionate, caring, warm and offers lots of praise and encouragement. Children's learning and development are well supported because the childminder provides lots of learning opportunities for them. They are learning to recognise simple numbers, letters, shapes and colours. They enjoy listening to a wide range of stories and are provided with good opportunities to look at books independently. As a result, children are developing good listening and communication skills. Children are happy, confident, content and feel secure, because the childminder spends plenty of time talking and playing with them. She knows each child extremely well and responds positively to their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well cared for as the childminder has a good working relationship with parents. She shares information daily with parents about their children's routine. Children develop independence as they select their own toys to initiate their own play, and regularly practice self-care as they put their coats, hats and shoes on in preparation for outdoor play. Children’s behaviour is good; they respond well to the childminder's clear and simple rules for acceptable behaviour. They are developing a positive self-image and take pride in their achievements, because they are regularly praised and encouraged by the childminder. A range of resources reflecting different cultures, gender and disability enable children to gain a positive image of others and to learn about the world they live in. The childminder understands the importance of helping them to develop a strong identity and feel good about themselves, their family and others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the close partnership between their parents and the childminder. They are happy and content because parents daily share information about their individual needs, interests and experiences with the childminder. The childminder’s knowledge and experience of caring for children with special needs enables them to be cared for appropriately.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in the organised home. Space is used effectively and allows children to develop their play and ideas in a safe environment. Children are secure because they supervised, valued and familiar with everyday routines. Their individual needs are met through well-organised and flexible routines. Information about each child is kept well and shared with parents. Children’s overall care, learning and welfare are enhanced by the information shared between parents and the childminder.

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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 is extremely organised and the children benefit from a variety of outings to the park and pre-school groups, where they are able to socialise with other children and widen their play experiences. 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 previous inspection the childminder was required to keep a daily attendance register which includes children's arrival and departure times. The daily attendance register is maintained and includes the times children arrive and depart. As a result, children's welfare is promoted more effectively.

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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): • review and update written agreement with parents.

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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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