Highgate Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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102092 Unique Reference Number 05 February 2008 Inspection date Siobhan O'Callaghan 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 1999. She lives with her two children aged 16 and ten years, in Camden Town, London. The childminder lives in a first floor flat, she uses the lounge and children's bedrooms for childminding purposes.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for two children over five after school and in the school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are developing a positive attitude to healthy living as they are encouraged to eat nutritional and well-balanced meals and snacks. They are offered fruit and vegetables on a daily basis where they are encouraged to try new foods that they will not necessarily eat at home. Parents receive a sample menu of the foods their children eat and receive verbal feedback

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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 daily on how they have eaten. Children enjoy eating a plain biscuit as a treat as soon as they arrive home from school. Their individual requirements are wellmet as the childminder works in partnership with parents to cater for any special diets or allergies that children may have. Children too are involved as they are given some choices about the foods that they would like to eat.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to understand good health and hygiene practices as they are reminded of the need to wash their hands before eating snacks. They are further encouraged to maintain good hygiene practices with regards to washing their hands after using the bathroom and for example, before engaging in cooking activities. Children are protected from infection and are taken care of if they become ill as the childminder maintains appropriate environmental health and hygiene procedures. A positive sickness policy minimises the risk of cross-infection as children who are unwell do not attend until they are fully recovered. The children are cared for appropriately should they have an accident whilst in the childminder's care as she ensures that her first aid training is kept up to date. However, her recording of accidents does not include the timings of when these occurred which could potentially compromise children's welfare, particularly

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular physical exercise as they walk to and from school every day. On the way home from school they have opportunities to play in the communal playground which is sited close to the childminder's home. They are able to access challenging climbing equipment which helps to develop their muscles and coordination. During the school holidays children are encouraged to bring their bicycles and scooters from home, as they regularly visit local parks. Children are able to engage within a variety of physical activities when the weather is wet and cold as the childminder utilises a local indoor activity centre.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe environment. The childminder has instigated many safety precautions within the home to help protect children from hazards and accidental injury. Regular risk assessments of the premises, equipment and resources available to children, ensures that these are safe and appropriate for the children attending. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they wait with their teacher in the playground until the childminder arrives to collect them. They hold the childminder's hand as they walk home from school, whilst becoming aware of the dangers of traffic around them. Children are kept safe on outings as high ratios are maintained to support the safe management of their care. The childminder maintains all required documentation in liaison with parents regarding permission to take their children on any outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Once home from school children remove their shoes before they play. They are clear about boundaries within the home that help to keep them safe, for example, no running or climbing up on furniture. They independently access their environment as they play with a broad range of safe and suitable resources. They take an active part in keeping their environment tidy as they put toys away before starting a new game.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection. Her sound knowledge of necessary processes and procedures supports her in dealing with any arising concerns. Children are cared for by a childminder who is aware of her duty to ensure that all adults who have contact with children are appropriately vetted. Where this is not possible, they are closely supervised at all times.

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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 secure, happy and settled in their environment. They enjoy playing board games such as, 'Frustration' with the childminder and her daughter. They demonstrate good social skills as they play cooperatively and take their turns fairly. Children are encouraged to count aloud as they move their counters around the board. The childminder utilises this opportunity to reinforce their mathematic skills and to challenge them to work out what numbers they need to get, in order to win. Younger children's self-esteem is positively promoted at this time as they are informed about how well they are doing. Children enjoy the challenges of completing puzzles. The childminder is on hand to assist by encouraging them to find all the edges first. It is evident that children have established secure relationships with the childminder and her family as they are comfortable and relaxed in their company.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have their individual needs met as the childminder works closely with their parents to ensure that she has appropriate information to meet their care needs. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how young children learn and develop, which is reflected in her good practices with the children. For example, as she extends their reading opportunities when they are completing puzzles and their maths knowledge when they are playing board games. Children thrive as they are supported and encouraged to learn through fun activities. They receive lots of praise and encouragement for doing well and for trying hard when they achieve certain tasks. Children have good opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills as they play card games where they have to learn the rules of play. They are confident to rise to these challenges as they enthusiastically engage in all experiences available to them. Overall

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children are busy and engaged at all times as they receive excellent support and attention.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder values working in partnership with parents to meet the needs of their children. She has established a positive settling in procedure to ensure that both children and parents have time to get use to their new experiences and therefore settle gradually into the setting. The childminder has established some good policies and procedures in relation to her childminding services, these are shared with parents and are available to them at all times. These clearly demonstrate her commitment to keeping children safe and secure within her home environment. Parents are kept informed about all aspects of their child's care through open communication. Children feel a sense of belonging as their ideas and wishes are heard and valued. For example, their choices of what they want to play with are acknowledged and followed. On a more practical level they have a sense of belonging as they access their own

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Helping children make a positive contribution

individual flannels/towels within the bathroom.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand responsible behaviour as they interact harmoniously with their peers, they play games and take it in turns to say what they would like to do. They demonstrate excellent social skills as they are polite and well-mannered at all times. The atmosphere within the home is calm and yet busy. Children are developing an awareness and respect for others as they play with a good variety of resources that positively reflect the diverse society in which we live. They access multicultural puzzles, dolls and a good range of books to help them understand about the many different cultures and traditions celebrated within our community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are able to make choices and take decisions as they move confidently within their environment and independently access resources that they wish to play with. They make their

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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 needs known when they explain that they will have a snack but that they are not thirsty at the moment. The childminder offers effective support to encourage children to talk and express their needs, thus helping them to play a productive part in the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides a warm and welcoming home for children. They are presented with a well-organised environment which enables them to play, eat and rest in comfort. Children receive excellent support and attention which has a positive impact on their ability to enjoy and achieve and make progress within their learning. Flexible routines allow children to have the freedom to choose, for example, if they would like to go to the park on the way home from school or whether they would like to go home and play.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates a secure knowledge and understanding of the National Standards for Childminding. She maintains comprehensive documentation; policies and procedures to support the management of her childminding business. She is committed to working with parents as she continually shares information with them. Contracts are regularly reviewed to ensure that information is correct and continues to support her care of the children. The childminder demonstrates a high regard for children's welfare as due attention is given to vetting procedures and to the effective supervision of children to ensure that they are protected and cared for by suitable adults. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to ensure that she recorded all dosages and times of medicines administered to children. She demonstrates a clear understanding of the requirements to record this necessary information, however, it is difficult to assess the impact on children as the childminder has not needed to administer any medication since her last inspection.

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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 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): • ensure that accident records include the times of when these occurred.

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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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