Holycroft Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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143982 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2008 Inspection date Linda Close 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 has been registered since 1984. She lives with one adult member of her family. The childminder's home is a house in a residential area of Clapham close to bus routes, shops and local amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The local authority is Lambeth. The childminder is available to take and collect children from Nursery and School. She takes children to the local childminder drop-in on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminders Association (NCMA) and holds National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) at levels one, two and three in childcare. At the time of this inspection one child is present aged 20 months who attends on a part-time basis. Two other children under eight years are also minded before and after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for well if they have a minor accident because the childminder has updated her first aid training and can provide appropriate treatment. She has gained written permission from parents that enables her to seek emergency medical treatment or advice for the children

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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 without delay. Children are protected from the unnecessary spread of infection because from the outset parents know they must keep children at home if they are unwell. The childminder is particularly well informed about the symptoms of childhood diseases and incubation periods and she shares her knowledge with parents. Children each have a clean towel to dry their hands and highchairs and table tops are meticulously cleaned with anti-bacterial wipes and this prevents cross-infection. The childminder carefully follows a hygienic routine when she is changing nappies. Children learn about good personal hygiene because the childminder supervises them closely and talks to them about the importance of washing their hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs, and any likes and dislikes, are well known to the childminder which enables her to ensure that children only have food that meets parental preference. She finds out this information at two interviews which she arranges with parents before children join her. The menu for children includes tasty, well balanced meals based on fresh foods including fish, chicken, salads, sugar-snap peas and green beans. Children can have food provided by their parents if they prefer which demonstrates flexibility on the part of the childminder. Children thoroughly enjoy snacks of fresh fruit and they are encouraged to take sips of bottled water throughout the day to maintain their hydration levels.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have excellent opportunities to take healthy exercise. They walk everywhere with the childminder who shares her belief in a healthy lifestyle with the children. Children play with a range of wheeled toys in the childminder's garden, weather permitting. They are frequent visitors to the local toddler groups where they join in energetic games with other children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are safe in the home because the house is secure. They are cared for in a warm home environment which is kept very clean. A dedicated playroom on the ground floor provides children with ample space for play, rest and meals and there is direct access to the outdoor play space. The playroom has been furnished and arranged with children's comfort in mind. Children have easy access to a delightful selection of good quality toys, books and resources. Toys are clean, in good condition and beautifully presented. Toys and resources are available to suit both boys and girls up to eight years.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is clearly of paramount importance to the childminder. She conducts daily checks and risk assessments in her home and any risks are minimised. Children wear non-slip socks indoors to prevent slipping on smooth floor surfaces. Radiators are covered to prevent accidental burns and electrical sockets are covered to avoid mishap. Fire safety is particularly well planned. Fire officers have visited the home recently to check and advise on safety and the children regularly practise fire evacuation which is recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded very effectively in relation to child protection issues because the childminder is exceptionally well informed. She takes her responsibilities very seriously and has kept her knowledge current through attending a recent training course. Contact details for relevant outside agencies are kept to hand.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from the childminders extensive knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework. She has gained her knowledge from training courses, personal study and extensive

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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 work that she has completed in connection with her NVQ. Children are involved in a well planned range of activities each week that is linked to all aspects of the framework. Younger and older children enjoy a selection of worthwhile activities that are thoughtfully chosen to stimulate them at their own level.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn new words and correct pronunciation through discussion over play and through sharing books with the childminder. They choose their favourite books and snuggle up with the childminder to explore them together. They show great curiosity when they lift the flaps in their books to find out what is hiding beneath and they eagerly respond to well-worded questions that make them think. Children experiment with battery operated toys and they laugh out loud when they press the buttons and the toys burst into action. Dressing up is a favourite with the children and photographs show them wearing special hats for cooking. Children take a keen interest in the contents of a Treasure Basket which has been put together by the childminder to encourage children to explore. They particularly enjoy action songs and rhymes such as 'Row, row, row your boat' and 'Incy Wincy Spider'. Children love to get involved

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

in messy play including cornflour mixing. They rush to find an apron and a wooden spoon as soon as cornflour is mentioned.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children who are only minded after school take part in many worthwhile activities which include imaginative play, art and craft and nature study. Their pictures and finger puppets adorn the walls in the playroom. Photographs show the children laughing and playing together on outings with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are treated with kindness, fairness and respect by the childminder. She plans carefully to ensure that all of the activities that she provides meet the varying needs of the children she cares for. She makes a point of gaining detailed information from parents at initial interviews, and in subsequent conversations, so that she can provide continuity of care for the children. Children play with toys and books that reflect a whole range of people in a positive way. They also engage in lively activities linked to multi-cultural celebrations which help them to learn about each other and the people they meet in the community. The childminder has made some interesting sorting and matching games to supplement her store of dolls, puzzles and books that show a diverse range of people. The childminder has not cared for children with learning difficulties however, she notes how children are progressing and shares her observations with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents. In this way she identifies their individual needs and works with parents to help the children make the best progress. She welcomes liaison with outside agencies if there is a need.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are helped to understand what is acceptable and what is unacceptable in terms of behaviour through explanation and gentle reminders. Children are busy and happy when they are with the childminder which means that their behaviour is very good. Behaviour management strategies used when required are stated clearly in the childminder's policy. She relies on distraction for the younger children and she quickly recognises when they are ready to move on to a different activity which keeps them interested and contented. Older children talk over any difficulties they may have and they are encouraged to give their point of view and at the same time the childminder helps them to appreciate that other children have needs and feelings too.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Many parents have written cards and letters to the childminder expressing their delight with the high standards of care that she provides. They are invited to share any concerns they may

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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 have either in person or on the telephone at times to suit them. The childminder is very flexible in her relationships with parents. She thoughtfully arranges a special evening for parents who cannot stay to talk during the day because of work commitments. She takes numerous photographs and keeps notes and examples of art work to share with parents so that they are well informed about their child's activities and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are kept under the direct supervision of the childminder at all times which ensures they are safe from non-vetted persons. The childminder has identified another registered childminder who can offer emergency cover if there is a need which helps to ensure children's safety. She keeps up to date with developments in childminding practice through reading current publications and through meeting with other childminders. The childminder has regularly attended valuable training courses run by the local authority which contributes directly to the high standards of care that she provides. She has already identified worthwhile courses that she has booked to attend to enable her to prepare for changes in the way that childminders work later in the year.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures that her home is clean, safe and exceptionally well organised before the children arrive. She keeps all of the required records and includes all of the necessary details. She maintains confidentiality and retains the records for inspection at any time. The childminder's attention to detail in relation to documents helps her to run her childminding service smoothly and efficiently. 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 time of the last inspection one recommendation for improvement was made. The childminder agreed to provide resources and activities which promote children's positive awareness of disability. Children now have access to a good selection of books, puzzles, games, dolls and a range of figures that represent diversity and this helps to promote their understanding and respect for a range of people.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required either the childminder or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder is required to keep a record of complaints made to parents that 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 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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