Huntingdon Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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135568 Unique Reference Number 15 February 2008 Inspection date Carolyn Mary Hasler 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 registered in 2000. She lives, with her husband and two children, aged 12 and 14 years, in the Bush Hill Park area of the London borough of Enfield. Most of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. She is registered for six children under eight years and currently she has five children on roll. She takes and collects children from school and nursery, and visits the park and library and local toddler groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning how to live healthy lifestyles. They have access to fresh air and exercise each day walking to and from school, during dry weather they access the rear garden where they have opportunities to stretch muscles and let off steam. They have bats and balls, and a

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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 variety of push and ride cars, rockers and swings to choose from. In addition they are active when playing indoors, where they enjoy dancing to music from the programmable toys.

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Helping children to be healthy

They are learning about personal hygiene, older children use the toilet facilities independently, they know how and when to wash their hands. The childminder supports the care needs of babies and younger children, nappy changing routines incorporate early skills in washing hands teaching good hygiene habits. The childminder offers children a good role-model, practising personal hygiene throughout her routines. The premises are clean and well presented, she ensures that her home is cleaned regularly. Particular attention is given to toys, especially those that babies and young children put in their mouth.

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Helping children to be healthy

When children become ill or have an accident, the childminder ensures that she takes steps to make them comfortable and notifies their parents. In the event of a serious incident she responds appropriately. All systems to regulate documentation are in place. A first aid kit is kept close at hand and the childminder has a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to drinks throughout their day. This prevents them from becoming dehydrated. Currently children bring a packed lunch with them. The childminder ensures that food supplied by parents is appropriately stored. She demonstrates a sound understanding of nutrition and is able to share her knowledge with parents to ensure that children are receiving healthy choices. Information is collected on children's dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a warm and friendly home. They feel welcomed because toys and play equipment are stored at floor level allowing children free access. They have access to a through lounge area. The planning of furniture ensures that floor space has been maximised allowing children to play actively. They can be seen at all times. The flooring has been carpeted, this ensures that very young children who play at floor level are comfortable. There are areas to sit and rest. Children have access to natural lighting from large areas of glass both at the back and front of the lounge. The windows in the kitchen open and allow ventilation in hot weather. The central heating can be adjusted to ensure the temperature is comfortable. The environment is conducive to playing and learning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning about how to keep themselves safe. The childminder has house rules and reminds them not to run or throw toys when playing indoors and they have practised evacuating the premises in preparation for emergencies, however these are not currently recorded. They are learning basic road safety skills when walking along the roads during the school run. The childminder has risk assessed the premises ensuring that they have a safe place to play and learn. They have access to a good range of well organised play resources and equipment. Toys, nursery furniture and equipment is age appropriate, of good quality and well maintained. They are suitable for purpose and ensure that children can play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a strong understanding of child protection issues. She is familiar with the different areas of abuse, and signs and symptoms. She has systems in place to record, monitor and report her concerns and is aware of when it is appropriate to share her concerns with parents and when this would endanger children's safety. The childminder demonstrates knowledge of what to do if an allegation is made against a member of her family. Documentation is available to guide her. Consequently, children are safe guarded.

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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 building confidence and self esteem and are growing in independence. They are active in their play, self selecting from a variety of brightly coloured play resources. They are inquisitive, interested in all things around them, their immediate environment helps them to explore their senses and they engage in play which is meaningful. Well established and trusting relationships help children to settle into play and allows them to express their feelings in a safe way. The childminder helps them feel secure because she gives them a high level of attention and offers them affection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Pre-school children and those attending after school have a large variety of puzzles and games to choose from. This promotes early maths skills in matching colours, number work and problem solving. They are enjoying the books available and look at these on their own but particularly like to sit close to the childminder and listen to stories. Imaginative play such as playing with the tool kit helps them re-enact familiar scenes with the help of the childminder who explains what tools are and how they work. Language development is included in all that they do, the childminder and children enter into conversation, taking turns to listen and respond. She acknowledges their responses and extends their knowledge by introducing new words. They have opportunities to be creative enjoying a variety of art and craft activities and have recently been making lanterns for the Chinese New Year.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is developing her skills in monitoring and evaluating children's development in order to plan and extend children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning how to respect their own cultures, religions and lifestyles, and those of other people. They come from a variety of different cultural back grounds and speak different languages at home and are learning to integrate with others by using the local communities facilities such as the library, toddlers and the park. Pre-school children are attending nurseries and older children are at school. They have a small variety of play equipment which helps them to explore, question and investigate their thoughts and feelings on this issue, though they currently do not have sufficient opportunities to question stereo typical ideas and positive representation of disability are limited. The childminder has recently began to include both British traditions such as Valentines Day and other cultures celebrations into her setting. For example, Diwali and the Chinese New Year. This enriches their experiences and enables them

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to contribute positively to the group but also helps them to accept and respect those who are different to them and also to recognise similarities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although the childminder does not currently work with children with learning difficulties or disabilities, she demonstrates confidence in her understanding of the issues involved. On initial contact the childminder establishes the needs of the child through visits, she is happy to work with both parents and other professionals to support the needs of individuals and feels that working with those who have additional needs enriches the whole group, helping all children to understand each others needs and support each other. She is committed to offering an inclusive environment and will take all reasonable steps to ensure that children are not disadvantaged in any way.

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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 Children are learning how to manage their own behaviour and this influences the behaviour of others. Older children get on well with each other, they are learning to be kind and helpful, and are caring towards toddlers and babies. They are respectful of equipment and each other, sharing and taking turns. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of their different personalities and understands what triggers impact on their behaviour. Younger children show determination and self assurance in achieving goals, this sometimes leads to frustration. Her strategies are sensitive to their age and ability to understand, and includes clear messages on what is acceptable. The use of distraction helps to dispel strong feelings and focus their attention on other experiences. She helps them understand the impact of how they behave on others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Language that children hear is positive and this helps them feel valued and special.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit when partnerships with parents and the childminder are strong. Separation issues are handled sensitively and enable children to establish secure relationships with the childminder before care arrangements commence. Parents and the childminder share personal information on each child, they establish a business agreement setting out clear roles. This helps the childminder to cater for the needs of individual children. Information is offered to parents on the settings policies and procedures, and this includes what happens if a complaint is made. The complaints procedure is in line with changes in regulation since 2005.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by the childminder who shows a caring attitude towards them and this helps them feel happy and secure. She has completed a basic course in childcare and maintains her knowledge by attending short courses provided by her local authority. She ensures that each member of her household has been vetted by the Criminal Records Bureau. The organisation of her service ensures children are learning about how to keep healthy and stay safe. They enjoy themselves while at the childminder's house, their achievements are acknowledged and affirmed. They are successfully learning social skills such as how to manage their own behaviour and are finding out about others who are different to themselves which will help them contribute to their own community.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures that her record keeping underpins her service. All regulations are being met and she demonstrates a confident understanding of the National Standards. The childminder continues to evaluate her service and develop areas for improvement. She demonstrates an appropriate understanding of privacy and confidentiality issues and provides a secure place to store confidential records.

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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

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to keep a more accurate record of children's arrival and departure times. This has now been met. Consequently, children are fully accounted for in the event of evacuation and historical records are available for inspection ensuring that all children are fully protected.

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Improvements since the last inspection

In addition the childminder agreed to make sure that low level glass (outdoor shed) is safe or inaccessible. This is now in place. This means that children's safety is prioritised.

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Improvements 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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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): • record fire evacuation practices • continue to develop observational and evaluative skills to monitor children's development

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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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