Cherry Tree Academy Trust Marham Junior

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 141227 Inspection date 08 September 2005 Inspector Jennifer Liverpool

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 November 1993. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 years to adulthood. They live in the Walthamstow area of the London borough of Waltham Forest. The property is in walking distance to local transport facilities, schools and shops. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day, and two children aged over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and

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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 collect children, and attends the local carer/toddler group. The family do not have any pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are healthy and well cared for. Their health is protected because the childminder has effective systems in place for sick children, and good procedures to prevent the spread of infection and help children to learn about personal hygiene. The childminder maintains a current first-aid certificate ensuring that her knowledge is up to date in the event of an accident. Children's accidents are recorded, and most required medical consents are sought from parents. Children are given opportunities to rest or sleep according to their needs. They regularly visit local parks and community groups, which provides with sufficient physical challenges and contributes to their overall development. Children are nourished as they are provided with varied and nutritious meals that meet with their special dietary requirements. They are learning about the benefits of healthy and cultural foods as they are given opportunities to eat curries, dhal and roti.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have ample space and they move around freely and independently. The childminder has suitable measures in place to reduce potential hazards to children when they are working and playing both indoors and outdoors. All children help with tidying up and putting things away as part of the daily routine. Older children in particular are developing an awareness of how to keep themselves safe on the roads through the childminder's simple explanation and guidance. Children choose from a wide range of good quality toys, and they use developmentally appropriate equipment that meets with their individual needs. Children are well protected because the childminder understands her responsibilities with regards to child protection. She attends courses and adheres to the guidance to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They have good relationships with the childminder, and are developing firm friendships with each other. Younger children are beginning to express feelings of joy and show excitement when participating in outdoor

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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 activities. They are gaining confidence through exploring their environment, selecting toys, and making requests for particular activities and choice of food at meal times. The childminder's encouragement and support of their decision-making help children to develop self-assurance. Older children talk confidently and are provided with good opportunities to further develop their early reading and writing skills. The childminder's close relationship with all children helps to support their social well-being and develop their language and communication skills. She provides a good range of activities, which challenges and interests children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's self esteem and sense of belonging are encouraged because the childminder value their contributions, help them to acknowledge their similarities and cultural differences, and celebrate each others family traditions. Children are helped to become aware of the wider society through regular visits to local community groups and contact with other children, and through resources such as dolls and some books. Children's sense of security is supported by the good partnership the childminder has with parents. Their needs are well met because the childminder share and exchange information with parents on a daily basis and look after children according to parents wishes. Children relate well with each other and younger children are given appropriate support and guidance to help them to learn to share and take turns in games and activities. The childminder uses effective strategies for promoting positive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behaviour through praise, offering of stamps and giving children lots of opportunities to make decisions and learn to be responsible. All of which, helps to promote children's self esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children work and play in a warm, caring and friendly environment that helps them to feel secure, explore safely and develop independence. The childminder has created an attractive play area that celebrates children's achievements as seen in their drawings, and promotes their learning through good quality toys and posters. The organisation of the children's care is effective in meeting their group needs, and the flexible routine ensures that each child personal and individual needs are well catered for. The childminder has good understanding of the National Standards and interprets them well in most of her records, policies and practices. However, not all appropriate checks on some members of the household have been updated. She is keen to attend courses to further update her knowledge of childcare and education. Written

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 information about most of the childminder services is made available to parents so that they are kept informed about their children's care and make informed choices about the care arrangements. The childminder keeps most relevant documentation that is required for the welfare and safe management of children, apart from parents consent for seeking urgent medical treatment for their children in the event of a serious accident. 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 asked to limit the use of television whilst minded children are present. The childminder now carefully ensures that children watch television programmes that is appropriate to their development and interests at set times during the day.

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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment • ensure appropriate checks are updated on yourself and all those over 16 years who are living on the premises

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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