Hartford Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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143849 Unique Reference Number 12 February 2008 Inspection date Angela Ramsey 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 September 1996. She lives with her three adult children. They live in a four bedroom flat three storey first floor flat situated in the London Borough of Lambeth.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the whole of the second floor, toilet and washing facilities are also available on this level. Although there is access to a garden, the childminder does not use it.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently registered to care for three children under eight years at any one time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is currently caring for two children aged under five years and two children aged over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted due to the childminder's sound knowledge. For example her home and toys are kept clean. Children are reminded to wash their hands after using the bathroom, before and after meals and after playing outdoors.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parent's provide meals for their children, these are stored in lunch boxes with ice packs to ensure they remain fresh. Drinks are also provided to keep children hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is met as the childminder arranges trips to the local park where children can play on the swings and slide.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Safety equipment such as, socket covers, a stair gate and a fire guard are in place to ensure children's safety. The childminder has thought through how she would evacuate her home in an emergency. When childminding, fire drills are practised ensuring the safety of the children in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A varied range of toys are available and these are stored in child friendly containers, which are easily accessed by all children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Through discussion the childminder demonstrated a sound understanding of child protection procedures. She is aware of the need to record and report her concerns to safeguard vulnerable children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder sets up her living room with a selection of toys. These are changed regularly to sustain children's interest. Children are also able to help themselves to other activities, as these are stored in accessible containers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a good range of home based activities, which the childminder organises well. Children use their imagination as they make 'cups of tea' in the pretend kitchen. School aged children enjoy playing board games such as Twister, Monopoly, snakes and ladders and Buckaroo. When playing together it encourages children to take turns and enjoy each others company. After school children also read their reading books and learn their spellings with the childminder's assistance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Visits to a local library enable children to listen to story telling sessions. Children are also able to look at books and increase their social skills as they meet with other children.

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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 ensures that the individual needs of all the children in her care are met. This is achieved through discussions with parents. Children learn about people of different cultures through looking at and reading books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and form positive relationships with each other as they learn to take turns and share during play. Although the childminder has not cared for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities she is willing to consider this providing appropriate training is provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed a good rapport with parents. Daily communication ensures parents are aware of the activities their children have participated in. Written agreements are in place as are completed child detail forms. However, parents are not provided with the contact details for Ofsted, should they wish to contact the regulator.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised. Her home and resources are well maintained and offer children a range of opportunities in their play to promote their all round development.

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Organisation

Her records are well kept. Children's attendances are accurately recorded and all other records meet requirements. The childminder has devised some policies and these are shared with parents. All records and information relating to children is securely stored to maintain confidentiality.

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Organisation

The childminder is keen to update her knowledge. Since her last inspection the childminder has attended training on health and safety, food hygiene, inclusion a focus on diversity and child protection.

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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 was required to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has attended training which has increased her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. This enables the childminder to recognise signs and symptoms of possible abuse and she is aware of the appropriate procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child.

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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 further action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to have procedures for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents and to keep a record of complaints and their outcome.

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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 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): • provide parents with the contact details of Ofsted

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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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