Chesterfield Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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101986 Unique Reference Number 24 January 2008 Inspection date Daphne Prescott 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 1986. She lives in Cricklewood in the London borough of Camden. Part of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five part time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted as the childminder sustains a good level of cleanliness throughout her home. Children are learning the routines for good hygiene practices. For example, children wipe their hands with wet wipes before and after eating which helps to stop the spread of

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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 germs. They are protected from unnecessary illness as they do not attend if they have an infection, which helps towards ensuring children are well protected. Clear procedures are in place for accidents and medication. In the event of an accident children receive appropriate first aid because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Meals and snacks are taken at the table in the kitchen, which creates a social occasion and encourages good manners. The childminder works in partnership with parents when feeding the children. She has a good knowledge of their dietary needs and individual preferences. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and their choices to provide meals. Children have access to drinking water throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of outdoor activities which contribute to their good health. They are provided with activities to help them develop their physical skills. For example, they have opportunities to play in the local park. In addition, daily outings to the local toddler group also give children healthy exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from spending their time in a safe and welcoming homely environment where suitable play resources are within easy reach. The good range of equipment is suitable for all ages of children and is fun to play with as well as encouraging development in areas of learning. The equipment and toys are in good condition and are checked regularly by the childminder to ensure they are safe for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe and secure on the premises as the childminder has taken steps to ensure her home is safe. For example, safety gates are in place to prevent unsupervised access to the upstairs area. The childminder ensures most of the necessary fire safety measures are in place. For example, a smoke alarm is in place on the ground floor and a fire blanket in the kitchen. Emergency escape plans have been devised, which helps towards helping them to keep safe. However, children's safety is not totally safeguarded as a smoke alarm is not fitted on first level of the house. There are good procedures to ensure that the children remain safe on outings, as the childminder teaches the children to cross roads safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is protected through the childminder’s good understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection. She is fully aware of the indicators of abuse and the correct procedures for reporting any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content in the care of the childminder. The care given is warm and affectionate, so that children develop a sense of belonging. A variety of play equipment is available for the children and they quickly settle into selecting something to do that interests them. Children giggle and have fun as they relate well to the childminder. She includes herself in their play and uses her presence to extend the children's learning and play. For example, children are beginning to develop their hand coordination by putting together the train track with the childminder’s help.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children enjoy listening to songs and rhymes. They smile and their eyes sparkle with delight when listening to the sounds being played. They are making attempts at finding their

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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 voice; they make sounds to make contact as the childminder chats to them. Their vocabulary is also being developed as the childminder talks to them constantly. For example, by repeating key words and phrases and touching the items, children are learning to develop their vocabulary. Children enjoy sitting with the childminder to read books, they help the childminder to turn over the pages pointing at the pictures as the childminder reads the story.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children partake in activities such as creative play. They go on regular outings to child-friendly settings such as parent and toddler groups. This gives them opportunities to explore new activities and enjoy relationships with the other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are relaxed and happy at the childminder's home. They enjoy positive relationships with the childminder, they are valued and their individual needs are met because the childminder spends time getting to know them well. The childminder provides activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have developed good relationships with the childminder. This is because she acts as a good role model and treats the children with respect. As children are happy and fully engaged in meaningful play, their behaviour is good. The childminder uses age-appropriate and positive strategies to manage any difficulties that may arise. Their achievements are valued as the childminder gives them lots of praise and encouragement which builds their self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All of the required documentation is shared with parents. Children are well settled and comfortable in the home because the childminder recognises the importance of working closely in partnership with parents. This means that there is consistency of care as all relevant information is regularly shared and exchanged with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The environment is well organised and children have sufficient space to move around freely and play with the different activities provided. The childminder is aware that she needs to address a safety issue by fitting an additional smoke alarm. Children have good access to toys and resources, and they are enhancing their independence in self selecting their own activities. Children feel comfortable and at ease within the childminder's home environment. Their general welfare, care and learning is supported well because the childminder sets aside sufficient time for play, rest, and meal times. She also organises the day to include a good variety of indoor and outdoor play activities.

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Organisation

Children's sense of well-being and contentment is promoted by the effective working relationship the childminder establishes with parents. She shares all relevant information with them, and respects their wishes. All of the required records that contribute to children's health, safety and well-being are in place and shared with parents. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure appropriate arrangements are made for all members of the household over 16 years to complete relevant checks. The checks have been completed for a member of the household, which helps towards safeguarding 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 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 a smoke alarm is provided on the first floor of the house.

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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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