Friarage Community Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

147448 Unique Reference Number 12 March 2008 Inspection date Lindsay Hare Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and four children aged 15, 14, 10 and 4 in Whetstone, North London. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder occasionally walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has no pets.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The environment is clean and tidy and children receive good support to develop their personal hygiene. Daily routines and clear explanations help children understand that washing their

p.2

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 hands before eating and after using the toilet reduces the risk of passing on germs, that may make them ill.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has the necessary written parental consents to administer medication and seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This means that children are given appropriate care if there is an accident or they become ill. A detailed sickness policy is adhered to which helps to prevent the spread of infection.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with well-balanced meals and nutritious snacks which help them to understand which foods are good for them. For example, children are offered mainly fruit as a snack and very few sweets, as they learn to look after their teeth. The childminder gathers detailed information regarding diet which ensures children's individual dietary needs are met as well as children's preferences.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to be active and rest according to their needs and babies follow their own individual sleep pattern. Children enjoy regular physical activities that keep them in good health, such as visiting the park to use the large climbing equipment and walking to school. The garden is not currently used by the children as it is unsafe. Children occasionally visit the indoor soft play areas.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy their play in a safe and secure environment. The childminder supervises them closely and they have use of a spacious play room. Children have easy and safe access to a broad range of labelled toys and play resources that are stimulating and appropriate to their ages and stages of development. Regular visual checks of the toys and equipment ensure that there are no broken parts that could harm a child.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good routines and gentle reminders help children learn about safety within the home. For example, children understand why they sit up at the table to eat and why they need to tidy up toys from the floor. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe as they hold onto the pram and discuss road safety whilst out walking. Children are beginning to learn the importance of emergency evacuation through careful discussions with the childminder and the displayed fire procedure. However, they have not practised the procedure and this means that children may not know how to leave the premises quickly and safely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect as the childminder ensures that they are never left alone with anyone who is not vetted. She has a clear knowledge of child protection issues and the correct procedure to follow if she has any concerns.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the welcoming environment. The childminder develops good relationships with the children and is very aware of their individual needs. For example, play resources are stored at a low- level to enable all the children to be independent in selecting their toys and the childminder receives detailed information about what the child particularly enjoys doing and incorporates this.

p.3

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 Children choose from a wide selection of resources that are easily accessible and provide stimulation. They are beginning to understand and accept the need to share and take turns as they play board games. They are involved in making up their own games and enjoy playing together. For example, they are all very interested in trains and so the childminder has set the track and train set up on a low table.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy sharing stories and they regularly visit the library with the childminder where they each choose a book. Children are involved in baking biscuits with the childminder and decorating them afterwards. They are keen to participate in art and craft activities in which they can create freely and the childminder sometimes provides additional craft resources, such as the Easter chicks in preparation for the children to make Easter cards. The older children have controlled access to the computer and Playstation.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit greatly from the flexible and supportive partnership the childminder has with the parents. Parents provide very detailed information on their child's individual needs, such as sleep pattern, diet and social interaction. Parents receive clear information about the childminding provision and frequent feedback about their child's day. However, the complaints procedure is not clear and does not contain the Ofsted contact details. Therefore any concerns that a parent may have, may not be fully acknowledged and followed up.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder encourages all children to participate in the activities provided. This ensures children have equal opportunities to maximise their enjoyment and potential. Children play with a wide range of resources that reflect positive images of all aspects of society. This means they learn to acknowledge and accept differences. For example, children enjoy repeating Greek words that the childminder's son is learning.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy each other's company and treat each other kindly. Children feel valued as their work is displayed on the wall and they are treated like the childminder's own family. The childminder manages children's behaviour through distraction and simple explanations that are appropriate to the age and understanding of the child. Children benefit from lots of praise and encouragement and the childminder uses stickers as a reward.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well-organised environment where they receive good adult support from the childminder to help them feel secure and confident. Clear written procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents. A good two-way flow of information ensures continuity of care.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has updated some of her knowledge through training such as first aid and the 'Early Years Foundation Stage' workshop. This means that she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. The childminder uses her time well and her flexible approach allows children the opportunity to organise and pursue their own games.

p.4

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 All the relevant documentation is in place and is reviewed regularly as well as the detailed information kept about the children. This helps to promote their welfare. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to develop her understanding of the child protection procedures and record all accidents. The childminder has the up to date information regarding child protection and can demonstrate a clear understanding of the procedure to follow if she has a concern. Although the accident book does not contain any entries, the childminder is aware of recording all accidents involving children, however minor.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • devise and practise regularly a emergency escape plan • ensure parents are aware of the complaints procedure and Ofsted contact details.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5