The North School

Inspection report for early years provision

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118832 Unique Reference Number 11 March 2008 Inspection date Mary Van De Peer 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 1997. She lives with her family in Rainham, Essex. Most areas of the house are used for minding children. There is also 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 four children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local and toddler groups. The family has a cat and a dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the Local Authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children have good personal care routines, they know when and why they wash their hands. Liquid soap and personal towels are available. A sick child policy, shared with parents, is in place. These procedures mean the risk of cross infection is minimised. If children need medication

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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 administered to them, parental consent is always given and details recorded. The childminder is currently renewing her first aid training and has a well-stocked first aid kit. Children can be treated effectively if they hurt themselves. Children have daily access to outdoor play, as well as the childminder's garden the children love going to a local field where they devise a variety games and activities. For example, each child has their own binoculars and they use them all the time to look at animals and objects. They also play ball and go on 'adventures'. Indoors children can access resources to help with their mark-making and artistic skills. They are developing both large and fine motor skills. When children feel tired they are able to rest or sleep. Their individual health needs are being met. The childminder is enthusiastic about making

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Helping children to be healthy

sure children are provided with a balanced diet of healthy and nutritious foods, for example, pasta, chicken, rice, vegetables and fruit. All menus are discussed with parents to ensure they meet children's dietary requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder uses many areas of her house for minding children, with the bathroom and a spare room upstairs if required. Children play downstairs where activities and resources are kept in low level storage. Children have the space and choice of resources to play freely. Although risk assessments are not recorded, the childminder has identified hazards and minimised them. She has safety gates if needed, socket covers fitted and child proof catches on cupboards. The garden area can be used by children but is quite small, so they tend to use a nearby field where children can run and play games freely and safely in the fresh air. A register recording children's hours of minding is kept, however there is no visitor's book. The childminder has an adequate understanding of child protection but has not attended training to refresh and up-date her knowledge. A fire blanket and smoke alarms are located appropriately and there is an emergency

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

evacuation procedure which is practiced regularly with the children. They are learning how to keep themselves safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Many of the toys and activities are stored at child height, meaning they can make choices in their play. There are games, books, dolls and small world and fantasy figures. Art and craft resources allow children to be creative. However, the children's favourite activity is using the local field where they devise and act out their own adventure games. The children are able to use their imagination and create their own play, meeting their own expectations. Children enjoy the accessibility that the outdoor play opportunities give them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder makes sure she obtains all required and other useful information on children's backgrounds, including their interests, likes and dislikes. Parents must also complete appropriate child record forms. There are toys and resources reflecting positive images of people from different cultures and with disabilities, children are able to learn about the world around them. The childminder has discussed her behaviour management policy with parents. Her strategies are simple and effective, providing children with lots of different opportunities and support. She explains clearly why she needs children to do something and how it keeps them safe. Children's behaviour is good. The childminder has clear policies and procedures to refer to,

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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 including one for complaints, which helps ensure parents are kept well informed about the quality of care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of her role as a registered childminder. She organises her time with the children very well. She has clear policies and procedures that are shared with parents. The Ofsted certificate is displayed for parents and visitors to view and the childminder has public liability insurance in place. The childminder has attended some training and workshops to enhance the children's enjoyment and achievements. All the required paperwork and record-keeping is in place and confidentiality is observed. The children receive consistent and continuity of care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There was one recommendation raised at the last inspection, requesting the childminder to obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. She now has written consents from parents for emergency medical treatment to be sought, if necessary, for their child. Children's well-being is promoted appropriately.

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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. 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): • consider recording any visitors to the house when minding, further safeguarding children • consider updating knowledge and understanding of child protection and safeguarding children procedures

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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 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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