Alexandra Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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102076 Unique Reference Number 10 October 2007 Inspection date Chris Banks 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?

She lives in a two bedroom flat in the NW1 are of Camden. The main areas used for childminding purposes are a lounge and playroom. There is access to an enclosed communal garden for children's outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is not registered to provide overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in comfortable, bright and well maintained surroundings. Standards of cleanliness are good throughout and children benefit from the hygiene practice used by the

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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 childminder which helps prevent the spread of any infection. Nappy changing arrangements are well managed and as children progress, they are sensitively supported with their toilet training which includes learning about the importance of hand washing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are also protected from the risk of infection because the childminder has a well developed written sickness policy. This is shared with parents at the beginning of each placement and the circumstances under which children cannot be cared for are made clear. The childminder is knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of many infectious childhood illnesses and takes effective practical steps if a child become ill in her care. The childminder also holds a valid first aid certificate and is well prepared in the event of an emergency. There is written permission for the childminder to seeks emergency medical treatment on behalf of the parent and a clear agreed procedure for administering any medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder understands well the benefits of healthy eating and works flexibly with parents to provide children with nutritious food. Children enjoy healthy snacks provided by the childminder who also ensures they have plenty to drink during the day. The individual dietary needs of children are clearly recorded and the childminder is also familiar with the preferences of each child she cares for.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy fresh air and exercise on a daily basis. They visit nearby well equipped open spaces and playgroups and also benefit from using a range of outdoor equipment provided by the childminder in the communal outdoor area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in safe and well secured premises. They are able to explore their surroundings with confidence because the childminder takes good practical precautions and supervises children well. Action is taken to minimise any risks in the home and all required safety equipment is in place. Children do not have contact with the childminder's pets.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and equipment in the well organised playroom are easily accessible with children able to comfortably help themselves from a range of well cared for age appropriate resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Outings are planned with care to minimise risks to children and the good practice described by the childminder helps ensure their safety when they are out and about. There is close supervision of children when they use the securely enclosed communal outdoor play area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder acts in the best interests of children when making arrangements for their safe arrival and collection. Accurate attendance records are kept and only those named on the child's registration form may collect them. There is also a clear written procedure for the childminder to follow in the unlikely event a child is not collected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The overall welfare of children is positively safeguarded because the childminder demonstrates a commitment to acting in their best interests at all times. She has a good understanding of child protection issues since she has attended updated training and also now has written procedures to follow. The role of Ofsted is included but relevant local authority contact numbers are not.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and well settled because the childminder creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the home. They enjoy consistency of care because the childminder knows their personalities well and develops routines that meets their individual needs. For example, rest and meal times are carefully considered when planning what to do each day which helps ensure children do not become too hungry or overtired.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A stimulating range of play and learning experiences is enjoyed by children both in and outside the home. This is because the childminder is developing a good understanding of how they learn and develop and plans activities which are interesting and fun for children. Children's creative efforts and achievements are valued by the childminder, some of which are displayed in the play room. Well documented photographic records are kept of children enjoying activities. These are shared with parents as part of keeping them informed about their child's progress

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with respect and their individual needs are well met by the childminder who liaises closely with parents. They are consulted at the beginning of the placement and asked to provide comprehensive information about their child. This is recorded by the childminder and assists in planning their daily routines. There are clear contractual agreements in place which include a complaints procedure detailing the role of Ofsted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a gradual settling in process which helps them feel more secure and also provides reassurance to parents who are anxious about the separation process. They are kept informed about their child's progress on a regular basis.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the wider world and its diverse communities through a suitable range of play activities. They visit the local 'drop in' centre on a regular basis where they socialise with children from many other backgrounds and also enjoy playing with a range of non discriminatory toys in the home of the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to show care and consideration towards each other. Their behaviour is guided in a consistent way and the childminder uses suitable distraction techniques to avoid conflicts between children. They are congratulated on small achievements and enjoy a close warm relationship with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Space in the comfortable home is sufficient for the number of children the childminder is registered to care for and is well organised. Children benefit from the additional space created in the well equipped playroom which is welcoming and child friendly.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the individual needs of children and effectively plans daily routines. Clear, well developed policies and procedures relating to children's health, safety and welfare are effectively shared in writing with parents.

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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 has updated her knowledge in two key areas and is now awaiting confirmation of a place on a qualifying childcare course.

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Organisation

Documentation relating to childminding activities is well organised with all required information clearly recorded. Confidentiality is maintained and the childminder is aware of Ofsted regulatory requirements.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection, the childminder was required to update first aid training and ensure public liability insurance was obtained. She now holds a valid first aid certificate and has also made appropriate arrangements for insurance.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There was also a requirement for the childminder to update her knowledge of child protection and obtain written guidelines. Since attending further training the childminder is better informed. Written guidelines have been obtained but do not include contact details.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Documentation relating to all childminding activities are now kept for the required period.

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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 taken 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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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 relevant local authority contact details are included in child protection procedures

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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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