Woodside High School, A Business & Enterprise Specialist School

Inspection report for early years provision

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102158 Unique Reference Number 15 October 2007 Inspection date Catherine Greene 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 outstanding. 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 1992 to care for three children under eight years. There are currently three children on roll. She lives with her daughter aged seven years in a three bedroom maisonette, which is located close to public transport in the Kentish Town area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to the living room and garden. They are taken to local parks, playgroups and other places of interest regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The childminder contributes to the good health of the children in her care in a variety of ways; they are nurtured very well and cared for in a clean and well maintained family home. They are provided with their own bedding, cups and plates this helps to prevent the spread of cross infection. Children's health and welfare are of high priority to the childminder; she teaches them the importance of good personal hygiene through effective well organised daily routines.

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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 The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She shares her health policy with parents so that they can work in close partnership. This successfully helps to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses to other children. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means she can give appropriate care to children if there is an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Considering children's overall well-being and health is high on the agenda. The childminder promotes healthy eating and has an extensive understanding of the benefits of providing children with nutritious food. In partnership with parents, children receive a wide range of wholesome meals, including vegetables and lots of fruit. This helps children to develop healthy eating habits from a young age. Children's dietary and cultural needs are always respected. The childminder is very aware that children need to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and is vigilant about ensuring they always have a drink of water to hand. Daily records contain details of the children's food intake which is shared with parents each day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children engage in a wide range of activities which support the development of their physical skills. The childminder ensures children play outside each day, during outings and in the local park where they thoroughly enjoy the play equipment suitable for their age and development. She also plans time for children to play where they can use slides, balls, bikes and cars, developing their confidence and skills and becoming aware of space for themselves and others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a warm and child friendly home, space is organised well, to meet children's individual needs. They have safe access to an excellent range of toys and resources appropriate for their age. They can explore and move around safely as they choose from the low level toys available. Resources are maintained in very good condition, the childminder carries out regular visual checks of toys and resources, to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes precautions to prevent accidents, using socket covers and stair gates in areas where children could be at risk. She has been proactive in ensuring her home is as safe as it can be, for example by seeking advice in relation to her evacuation plan. She carries out fire drills with the children and regularly checks the fire equipment to make sure it is in safe working order. This forms part of her routine risk assessment to ensure her home continues to be a suitable environment for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes care to ensure that babies and toddlers are not able to get access to items which may cause them harm. With close supervision, the childminder encourages children's independence whilst making them aware of any dangers. The childminder is also vigilant about children's safety when on outings, teaching them road safety through creative work and by talking to children about safe crossing using the green man.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being is consistently supported as the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and a very good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She updates her knowledge of new guidance and legislation through close contact with her childminding advisor and by attending refresher training courses at regular intervals.

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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 outstanding. The childminder promotes children's emotional wellbeing by providing continuity of care in her reliability and commitment to the children and families she works with. Children are content and happily settled; they enjoy their time with the childminder. She is dedicated to the children that she cares for; she gives quality time where children are the sole focus of her attention. She gets down on their level and is skilled at enabling children to lead their play, as a result they are confidant to try out new activities, exploring the environment and becoming independent. She introduces children to new things, encouraging them to share their experiences from home which in turn is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder supports children's speaking and listening development by talking clearly and listening carefully when children are talking. She uses simple sign methods such as makaton to further engage the children as they are eager to communicate. She explains what she is doing during activities so that children can relate actions to words. She encourages them to thoroughly enjoy books and children are inspired to use their own imaginations for story telling. They enjoy listening to stories and learn about the meaning of words through the childminder's expressive reading. They spend time concentrating on self chosen activities that are stimulating and educational, supported by an excellent range of toys and equipment, which enable them to explore and develop their skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children actively enjoy art and craft projects which the childminder skilfully organises, they role play and enjoy making collage. Their creativity is developed alongside fine motor skills. They have enjoyed musical and art sessions at the NW5 Project. This experience has inspired their singing, dancing and helps to promote their physical health and well-being, encouraging creativity and confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children clearly enjoy their time spent with the childminder, the rich environment inspires children's learning and they spend their time purposefully. Good use is made of the Birth to three matters framework to help children make progress and achieve in all areas of their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in both indoor and outside activities as they play in the garden and nearby park each day. The childminder actively encourages them to extend their physical skills by setting achievable challenges such as throwing and rolling balls, riding on small bikes and cars and balancing on low equipment appropriate to their age.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is developing her skill in child observation; she collates examples of children's creative work and a portfolio of photo's of children enjoying different activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are benefiting immensely from the childminder's commitment to actively promote equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practice. She teaches children to treat each other with respect, fairness and equality. The childminder knows the children very well, via the information provided when the children first start and through ongoing dialogue with parents and carers. Cultural and social diversity are positively reflected throughout the home, including the children celebrating a range of different festivals. Positive images are displayed including artefacts from around the world for children to use as part of their play.

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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 The childminder gives children regular opportunities to learn about the world they live in through outings and activities that introduce them to other cultures, for example by attending a regular play group where children socialise with the diverse local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder enables children to develop a sense of belonging whilst in her care, for example by responding affectionately when children want a cuddle or by sitting close together during story time. She has developed a close and loving relationship with the children she cares for and they look to her for support. She listens empathetically to children and validates their feelings; she helps them find words to describe their emotions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is skilled at supporting children and encourages them to share and take turns. She has developed strategies to deal with inappropriate behaviour, using distraction or talking to the child in a firmer tone of voice. Children are well behaved and play together harmoniously. They are beginning to develop a good understanding of what is right and wrong. She sets limits whilst exploring strategies to solve problems at hand.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed very close and professional relationships with parents and carers who are well informed about their children's overall well being and progression.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder is very well organised, she has a routine that works with children's interests as priority. She is committed to taking a 'professional approach to registered childminding'. Children benefit from a childminder who has a secure knowledge and understanding of children’s developmental needs. She provides childcare of a high standard for the children and families that she works with. She is very enthusiastic and has taken the opportunity to be part of a pilot scheme with the childcare information service to raise standards. This has given her access to essential information and new initiatives. She is motivated and receives ongoing training and support as a member of the supported childminding team.

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Organisation

The childminder follows Birth to three matters guidance and is developing an effective system to record and assess children's development. She has a very good understanding of the National Standards for Childminding and is committed to extending her knowledge through further training. Written polices and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. She has developed a complaints procedure to ensure parents have access to information and updates her knowledge of new guidance by seeking advice and following guidance. This ensures children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents. Written records and informal discussions with parents ensure continuity of care for children.

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Organisation

This warm and caring family environment encourages children to feel at home and at ease,. Children benefit from the well organised space that is laid out to maximise play opportunities. They are cared for in an environment where they receive very good support to help them feel secure and confident. Their day is very well planned, allowing children time for quiet and active play. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare.

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Organisation

The high quality of the provision means that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend extremely well.

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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 was asked to send a copy of her first aid certificate to Ofsted because it wasn't available on the day of inspection.

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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 the 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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