Intake Farm Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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133273 Unique Reference Number 05 December 2007 Inspection date Moreen Johnson 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 satisfactory. 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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her 14 year old son, in the London borough of Islington. The areas of the childminder's home available to minded children are the living room, one bathroom and the kitchen. The childminder is available to collect children from the local schools. She attends local drop in groups and takes children to the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is currently one child under five years on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in clean hygienic premises where the childminder ensures that her home is well maintained. Children are protected well from infection by the childminder having effective hygiene procedures. For example children with infectious illness are not allowed to attend, thus

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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 reducing the risk of cross infection. There are effective accident and medication procedures in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate. However she is aware of procedures to follow should a child become ill or need attention whilst in her care. For example, she previously administered immediate first aid treatment to a child who was choking.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet because the childminder promotes healthy eating well. Children are given drinks at regular intervals throughout the day. The childminder works in partnership with parents to provide children with healthy balanced meals which take their individual needs into account.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm welcoming environment where they have easy access to a wide range of good quality toys and books. Children have opportunities to rest, sleeping arrangements are discussed and agreed with parents. Children's safety is promoted well. The childminder takes a number of safety precautions to ensure that children are not placed at risk. For example, the childminder has fitted safety sockets, window restrictors and an appropriate smoke alarm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well being is generally well safeguarded. The childminder has a sound understanding of how to protect children from harm and has a clearly written procedure in place. She is aware of the categories of abuse and a range of signs and symptoms that may be indicative of abuse or neglect. She is also aware that she must notify Ofsted of concerns about children. However, in times of emergency children's health is compromised because the register is not updated appropriately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from excellent individual attention from the childminder. For example, when children become unsettled they are held and cuddled and are reassured. They receive good encouragement from the childminder who sits and plays with them and shows them how to use the toys. Young children have good opportunities to engage in their favourite activities such as standing and holding the childminder hands and walking about the room. They show delight when they look out of the window. The childminder helps them to develop an understanding of what they see by talking about the people at the bus stops and the busy traffic.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a stimulating environment which is planned well by the childminder. Children's needs are met well because the childminder plans activities in accordance with each child's interest. Children enjoy playing with a wide range of activities that are easily accessible to them on the floor. The childminder is always close at hand to provide children with support and encouragement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities to learn about their surroundings and to socialise with others by visiting the park, library and drop in groups.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a sound understanding of equality issues. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as the childminder works closely with parents to ensure their normal daily routines of eating, sleeping and playing are followed. Children are developing a positive attitude to differences through discussions, celebrating festivals and by having access to a range of resources that reflect diversity. The childminder has experience of caring for children with disabilities. She fully understands the benefit of working with parents and other professionals, in order to meet the needs of children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing a good understanding of appropriate behaviour and learn to distinguish between right and wrong. The childminder focuses on children's positive behaviour and uses an effective range of suitable methods by which to manage inappropriate behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. At the outset the childminder and parents share information and agree on individual menus and activity plans for each child. Parents and the childminder regularly share verbal information about the children's day to enhance consistencies in their care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder is aware of the significant changes that she must notify Ofsted about. The childminder is improving her practice by undertaking a child care course and is enthusiastic about taking up further training. The childminder is in breach of conditions by not displaying her registration certificate.

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Organisation

All policies, records and procedures are in place and are kept in a secure manner. Children's arrival times are not updated appropriately because arrival times are recorded when children leave at the end of the session. This is a breach of regulations. The childminder is aware of the importance of retaining records and demonstrates that she will keep them for a period that exceeds the required time. 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 last inspection it was recommended that the childminder develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection concerns. The childminder now has good written procedure in place and is aware of how to implement it. This means that children are protected from harm.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 satisfactory. 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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • keep written documentation of children's attendance updated

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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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