Oakley Vale Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

140120 Unique Reference Number 25 January 2008 Inspection date Samantha Smith 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and three children; a child aged eight and twins aged 14 in Muswell Hill. The whole of the home is registered for childminding and the childminder restricts access to some bedrooms. Minded children do not have access to the garden. Local parks are used for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight at any one time. There is currently one child on role attending on a part-time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children to parent and toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the local networking group and she is also a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a generally clean home that meets satisfactory hygiene standards. They are encouraged to follow basic hygiene routines such as washing their hands before eating, after

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 using the toilet and after outdoor play. The childminder's own hygiene practices contribute to promoting children's health. She washes her hands before touching food and after assisting children with their own personal needs such as wiping their noses and helping them with toileting needs. Soap, disposable paper towels and a step is provided in the bathroom allowing children to help assist in their own personal hygiene needs and encouraging their independence.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Satisfactory procedures are in place to prevent the spread of infection. If a child has an infectious illness they are excluded from the provision until they are well. If a child becomes unwell whilst in the childminder's care appropriate provision is made and parents are informed. Procedures are in place for administering medication to children, which includes obtaining appropriate consents before administering medication and obtaining signatures of acknowledgement afterwards. Only prescribed medication is given to children. The childminder has a current first aid certificate; a first aid box is located in the home and written permission has been obtained to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This ensures that children receive appropriate care if they have an accident.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children do not have access to the garden. However the childminder takes them on regular trips out of the home. They benefit from visits to the park where they practise their skills on the large equipment, play in the sand pit and look at the wildlife. They particularly enjoy feeding the ducks and the rabbits.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The home is made welcoming through the displays of posters and pictures on the walls in the hallway. These are bright and colourful. The home is adequately ventilated and the main play space in the lounge provides adequate space for children to play and pursue their interests. There is a good range of toys and resources stored in the hallway and lounge that children can access freely. Toys and equipment are in good condition and suitable for the children attending. The childminder carries out regular checks and ensures that resources are safe for children to use.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe in the childminder's home because the childminder has taken positive steps to identify and minimise potential hazards. There are safety catches on the windows to prevent them being opened widely, low-level glass has been fitted with safety film, the fireplace is not used whilst minded children are present and the gas and electrical appliances are checked yearly. Fire precautions are in place through the use of smoke alarms which are tested regularly. A fire blanket is in place in the kitchen and emergency evacuation procedures are in place and practised regularly.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When using a vehicle to transport minded children the childminder ensures that children are strapped into appropriate car seats, her vehicle is well maintained and the relevant documents are in place. However, she has not obtained written permission to transport children in a vehicle.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a sound knowledge of her role in protecting children from issues relating to child protection. She has a good awareness of signs and symptoms and she is confident of the procedures she would follow if she had concerns about the welfare of a child in her care. A written procedure is shared with parents.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well settled and enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They have established close relationships with the childminder and they spend time engaged in activities together. The interaction between them is warm and positive as they sit together talking whilst engaged in play.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a sufficient range of toys and resources available including books, puzzles, cars, dolls, construction bricks and interactive toys and there are further resources stored in the hallway. Children take part in planned trips and outings to places of interest including parks where they learn about nature and parent and toddler groups where they take part in various activities and experiences that are interesting, fun and develop children's curiosity and imagination. They paint, draw, cut and stick to make fun creations and pictures to take home.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development and how children learn. She has attended training in the 'Birth to three matters' framework and she uses this in her practice to improve outcomes for young children.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and demonstrates how she uses this in her practice with young children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcome in the childminder's home. There is a range of resources available that they can access freely and independently. The childminder has a sound understanding of equal opportunities and promoting diversity. She uses the library and her local childminding network to borrow books and resources. She takes children to various cultural festivals and events to support their understanding of others and the multicultural society they live in.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has no experience in caring for children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties. However, she demonstrates a positive attitude to meeting children's individual needs and working with parents and other professionals.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved. They listen to and are responsive to the childminder's requests. The childminder's calm and consistent approach is reflected in the children's behaviour. She offers appropriate explanations about what is unacceptable about their behaviour and she uses praise and encouragement, along with stickers to reinforce positive behaviour.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships the childminder has established with parents. There is a regular exchange of information informing parents of their child's activities on a daily basis. Contracts and most written agreements are in place and parents are given written policies and a procedure informing them of the provision the childminder offers. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility in dealing with complaints.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. All persons over the age of 16 years living in the home have completed relevant checks, ensuring that children continue to be safe in the home. The home is sufficiently organised to support

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 children's care, learning and play needs. Although space is limited the childminder makes good use of space available and children are free to explore their own interests. The childminder shows a commitment to further training in order to remain up to date with current childcare practice.

p.4

Organisation

The necessary documentation is in place and sufficiently maintained. Paperwork is kept secure and easily accessible to the childminder. This supports children's welfare because the childminder can easily access emergency contact details and other relevant information. The childminder maintains an accurate register including the arrival and departure times of the children.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has taken positive steps to improve equal opportunities through the provision of resources that promote positive images. In addition the childminder has improved the overall organisation of resources. Children are able to access toys and resources and make choices about their play. The childminder uses the local library and her local network group to access resources that depict people from various backgrounds which supports children's understanding of the wider society we live in.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has also taken steps to improve children's health and well-being. She has completed a first aid course that includes first aid training for babies and young children and she has systems in place for recording the administered medication.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved her organisation. This is because she is now familiar with and keeps and records required in National Standard 14 and she is aware of the need to report significant incidents. In addition, policies and procedures are in place and an accurate record of children's hours of attendance is kept and adequately maintained, promoting children's welfare.

p.5

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.

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 satisfactory. 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):

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 • ensure positive steps are taken to promote children's safety on outings, with particular reference to obtaining written permission to transport children in a vehicle.

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.6

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.6