Risley Avenue Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 102105 Inspection date 19 October 2005 Inspector Marcia Robinson

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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 2000. She lives with her children aged seven and ten years. They live in a two bedroom second floor flat in the Kentish Town area of the London Borough of Camden. The premises are close to most public transport links. The main areas used for childminding are the living room, children's bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. There is no access to an outdoor area but the communal garden is used and children are regularly taken to local parks and local parent and toddler groups.

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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 The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time. She currently has one child on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She attends local parent and toddler group and visits local parks with children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through the daily practice of washing their hands before and after eating. Good procedures are in place to ensure children are protected from risk of infection. For example, the childminder wears disposable gloves for nappy changing and toys and equipment are washed regularly. Children are well cared for due to the efficient procedures in place for first aid, accidents and medication, all of which are shared with parents. Each child's dietary preference is provided for well. Parents provide the meals for their children but the childminder gives additional drinks and snacks, such as fresh fruit, rice cakes and raisins that are suitable for their dietary needs. Babies in particular are making good progress in becoming independent as they are encouraged to feed themselves and wipe their own hands. Children have daily opportunities to take part in physical activities which help them to

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Helping children to be healthy

exercise and take control over their bodies. Walks to and from school and regular trips to the local park, pre-school groups and sports centre for soft play sessions ensures they enjoy fresh air and improve their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and babies are at ease and feel at home because the childminder has made her home safe and secure enabling them to explore independently. The childminder has identified and minimised risks for children in the home and they are kept safe when out as the childminder has in place appropriate procedures. Children benefit from an environment that is bright, warm and comfortably furnished and where the premises are spacious enough to allow children to play, eat and rest in comfortable surroundings. The good organisation of well maintained equipment means children can move around freely and are able to independently choose toys from storage containers at their level. Children are further protected by the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and of her clear understanding of the procedures to follow should she be concerned.

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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 busy, content and happily settled. Their individual needs are responded to well and this helps to develop their self esteem. Children's enjoyment is enhanced by the childminder's involvement in their play. They are praised and encouraged for their achievements. A good range of play equipment is available and stored at child height giving the children opportunity for choice and independence. Play equipment is regularly rotated to maintain children's interest and enthusiasm. A well established daily routine helps children feel confident and secure in the environment. Children develop social skills and a sense of nature and the world around them through regular attendance at the local playgroup, farm and parks. Children play and learn from a good range of activities because the childminder displays a good understanding of how children learn and develop. Children are beginning to develop communication skills because the childminder encourages

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's language, through responding to babies sounds and attempts at words.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to feel valued and gain a sense of belonging from the childminder who knows them well and is aware of their routines, likes and dislikes. The childminder has a good understanding of equality issues and encourages children to recognise the differences and similarities in themselves through discussions. Children's understanding of others is further promoted through regular visits to the local community, taking part in religious and cultural celebrations at the local school and access to a good range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity. Children receive praise and recognition for their achievements. The childminder manages their behaviour through a range of age appropriate strategies which helps children learn right from wrong. Children benefit from good partnerships between their parents and the childminder. The childminder keeps parents well informed of children's progress and daily routines

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Helping children make a positive contribution

through the use of a daily diary and a regular exchange of information at the end of each day. This has a positive impact on the children's overall well-being and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children have free access to two main play areas, this helps to develop their

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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 independence, giving space for free movement and exploration. The play areas are bright, welcoming and child centred. Provision is well organised to allow children to make free choices. The children can play, eat and rest comfortably. The childminder organises her time effectively, ensuring all children are included and participate in all areas of play and learning. All records are in place, kept securely and well maintained. At present procedures relating to the safe management and welfare of children are mainly shared with parents verbally. Children's progress is reported to parents on a regular basis. This provides additional reassurance to parents that their child's progress is being monitored. The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and skills to benefit the children's

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Organisation

learning and developmental needs, for example through updating herself with information on Birth to Three matters.

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of birth to three matters framework.

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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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