Priory School

Inspection report for early years provision

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137433 Unique Reference Number 19 March 2008 Inspection date Maura Pigram 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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her adult daughter and 16 year old son in Frongnal which is within walking distance of Hampstead tube station. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local toddler groups and takes children to the local library and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The family have a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a clear understanding of good health and hygiene as they participate in daily routines to maintain this. For example, children are reminded to wash their hands following using the toilet or before meals. This means that they develop sound personal hygiene habits. The childminder has a clear illness policy in place regarding exclusion of children who have 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 contagious illness. This is verbally discussed with parents. As a result of this, parents and carers are aware of the procedure to follow if their children are ill. Therefore, the children’s welfare is effectively protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s parents provide their meals and these are appropriately stored. The childminder encourages children to eat their meals and liaises with parents about the children's likes and dislikes. Fresh fruit is freely available. Consequently, children learn about healthy eating. Drinks of water and juice are provided. As a result, children’s health is appropriately promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular trips to the nearby Heath and to local parks. Here, they enjoy playing on various equipment such as swings and slides. They also visit age appropriate venues where they have opportunities to ride wheeled toys and take part in various activities such as playing with sand. Children use the enclosed garden during the summer months. As a result, children's physical development is appropriately supported. Children can rest and sleep according to their needs. The childminder is careful to meet parental wishes regarding sleep patterns and routines. Consequently, children benefit from the continuity of care between the childminder and their parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and well maintained indoor environment. They are well supervised. The layout of the childminder's house means that children are in sight or hearing at all times. Children are helped to gain an understanding of how to keep safe. For example, road safety rules are discussed with children when on outings and when walking from school to the childminders home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a varied range of good quality, developmentally appropriate toys and equipment. These are cleaned and checked frequently to make sure they are safe for children to use. The space is well-organised and appropriate action has been taken to identify and minimise any potential risks. This means that children can move around and explore safely. An emergency evacuation procedure is on display. However, this is not practised. Consequently, children are not familiar with the procedure to follow in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection reporting procedures. She is aware of procedures to follow if she had any concerns. However, she has not got a copy of recent documentation outlining the requirements of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board. As a result, information that supports children’s welfare is underdeveloped.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle and become happy in the care of the childminder as they are provided with a relaxed environment. They have positive relationships with the childminder as she spends time talking and playing with them. As a result, children feel at home, gain self-esteem and play with confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a sufficient range of planned activities and spontaneous events, which support their development and learning. They enjoy a mix of free play and planned activities such as outings to local groups where they take part in a variety of experiences. For example, they enjoy riding wheeled toys and playing with the wide range of resources on offer such as

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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 sand play. In addition, the childminder regularly meets with other childminders and their minded children. Consequently, children are given opportunities to socialise with similar aged children. Older children are supported and assisted with their homework. For example, children regularly read to the childminder and enjoy using the computer to help them with their school work.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children independently select from the range of toys freely available to them. They draw on the easel and help themselves to books and imaginative play resources such as play food. Consequently, children develop self-esteem and are confident to make decisions about their play. The childminder is familiar with the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework. As a result, children under three years have their individual needs met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and included at all times. They receive recognition and praise for their efforts and achievements. Consequently, children develop confidence and self-esteem. Children learn about diversity through their regular attendance at local toddler groups. During this time children socialise with a rich mix of local people. The childminder has some resources such as books and small world figures to reflect positive images. The childminder currently has no children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. However, she is happy to provide care for all children. She liaises with parents about any developmental issues so that children's welfare is met. Activities are adapted according to children's needs. Consequently, the childminder demonstrates a commitment to an inclusive practice and ensuring all children develop self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to share toys and to take turns during their play. The childminder uses various strategies appropriate for children’s stage of development and individual level of understanding. These include simple explanations and distractions and are discussed with parents. This means that children learn to respond to appropriate expectations for their behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Arrangements to settle children into the childminder's care are negotiated taking into account the needs of children and the requirements of parents and carers for flexible childcare. Discussions about the children's care take place daily. As a result, there is a continuation of care between the childminder and the children's parents. Some past parents have written letters of recommendation and thank you letters to the childminder. One letter notes expressions of happiness with overall care. The complaint procedure and the requirement to record any complaints made in writing by parents is known by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for within a safe and secure environment where they can rest, play and eat in comfort. They are provided with suitable activities to promote their development and stimulate their interest. Children have good relationships with the childminder. Consequently, they feel comfortable and confident to initiate their own play. The childminder organises her time well. For instance, she ensures children attend appropriate venues where they can socialise with similar aged children. In addition, her time is effectively managed so that she is on time to collect children from school.

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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 Polices and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Required documentation such as registration records are maintained. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to; devise and implement a system to record any incident of physical restraint, increase access to books and play resources which positively promote cultural differences and people with disabilities and make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint.

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Improvements since the last inspection

These actions have been met. The childminder has had no incidents of physical restraint but is aware of the need to record any such incidents and to share this information with parents. This means that documentation to support children's welfare is shared with parents. Books and small world figures reflecting diversity are stored within children's reach. As a result, children can easily help themselves to these resources. A written statement is provided to parents explaining details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint. Consequently, parents are informed of the procedures to follow if they have any concerns regarding the welfare of their children.

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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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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 satisfactory. 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 the emergency escape plan is practised • obtain a copy of recent documentation outlining the requirements of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.

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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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