Al-Bilal Academy for Girls

Inspection report for early years provision

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132737 Unique Reference Number 21 February 2008 Inspection date Kelly Eyre 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 1997. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in the Custom House area of London. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under eight before and after school and during the school holidays. Care is also provided for children over eight. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a dog and two cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have regular opportunities to participate in a wide variety of physical activities, which contribute to the promotion of their development and good health. They are able to explore and practise skills such as balance, control and co-ordination as they play at the park, using static equipment including swings, climbing frames and slides. Frequent visits to larger parks

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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 and their regular attendance at specialist sessions such as 'Baby Gym', ensure that this area of development is consistently promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to develop finer physical skills and movements through their participation in a variety of activities and play opportunities. For example, young children hold pencils correctly and are able to manipulate construction pieces. Their overall health and physical development are further promoted because the childminder maintains an appropriate first aid qualification, keeps clear records of all individual health needs and records accidents and medication correctly. However, their health would be affected in an emergency situation as some of the contents of the first aid box are not in date.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder's good understanding of healthy eating helps to ensure that children are well nourished and their physical development promoted. They are offered a range of healthy snacks and meals that include fresh fruit and foods low in salt, sugar and additives. Children's understanding of the relevance of a healthy diet is promoted as they participate in specialist sessions where they cook and learn about healthy foods. Good daily hygiene practices ensure that the spread of infection is minimised. Children wash their hands before snacks and meals and after handling the pets. Their understanding of good personal hygiene is promoted because the childminder talks with them about these issues.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's daily safety is given a high priority because the childminder has a good understanding of this area and takes positive steps to prevent accidents and promote all safety issues. For example, the emergency evacuation procedure is practised and discussed with children so that they become familiar with this routine. This area is further supported because the childminder has additional written policies, for example, there is a procedure for dealing with accidents. Children are building up their understanding about keeping themselves safe. They practise road safety when out and also regularly discuss issues such as 'stranger danger'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to access a wide range of toys and play resources. These are sorted into appropriate categories and are generally accessible, enabling children to make choices about their play. Children's welfare is well promoted because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities relating to safeguarding children. There is a written policy covering this area and she has ensured that she has all relevant details and paperwork to enable her to record, report and follow up any concerns without delay.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and secure, confidently choosing their toys and activities and moving around the childminder's home. They have good relationships with the childminder who joins in with their play, helping to extend their learning and making them feel welcome and valued. Children's learning is further extended because the childminder is skilled in making good use of incidental learning opportunities, for example, a child is encouraged to count the toy money and work out how much each person needs in order to have an equal share. Children enjoy the childminder's interaction in their activities and play. They are also encouraged to develop their own play and independence because the childminder is skilled in assessing situations and ensures that children have time to play together and develop friendships. This is further

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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 facilitated through their regular attendance at childminders' support groups and specialist activity groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a wide range of activities that promote their learning and development and are interesting and fun. The childminder knows them well and pays particular attention to their current interests, linking these to activities and play opportunities. This area is further supported because the childminder plans some activities in advance. An example of this is the interesting range of activities offered during the school holidays. These include visits to the cinema and parks and attendance at local play schemes. These help to ensure that children enjoy their holidays and are offered opportunities to extend their knowledge and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected because the childminder has a good awareness of equal opportunities, understanding their varying needs and meeting these consistently. Children's behaviour is good and they happily help with tasks such as tidying up between different activities. They are able to understand the implications of their behaviour and start to take responsibility for this as the childminder offers them clear explanations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children participate in a range of activities which provide opportunities for them to learn about other lifestyles and the diversities of society. For example, they attend local events where they taste traditional dishes and celebrate festivals such as Chinese New Year, Diwali and Christmas. They have regular access to a selection of play items such as books, dolls and puzzles, which give positive images and information about other ways of life. They are gaining a good awareness of their community through the use of local facilities such as parks, shops and play schemes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's good relationships with parents. They are given information about the childminder's policies and procedures, ensuring that they are clear about expectations and the daily care offered. They are kept informed of their children's progress and activities through regular discussions with the childminder and the use of communication books for younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although there are no children currently attending the setting who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities, the childminder has a good practical awareness of this area and has attended additional training. She recognises the importance of working closely with parents and of considering possible adaptations so that children are able to participate fully in activities and daily routines.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, children's needs are met. Their ongoing safety and welfare are promoted because all information is accurately recorded, with paperwork and records being accessible, well organised and confidentially stored. Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude towards continuously reviewing and improving her practice. For example, she ensures that she remains suitable to care for children by attending further training, keeping up-to-date with current regulations and reviewing her daily practice. She has developed clear policies and procedures which cover most areas of work and these are implemented on a daily basis, ensuring that all children are offered consistent and appropriate care. However, the registration certificate is

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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 not displayed and this means that parents are not fully informed to enable all to work together to support children's well-being.

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Organisation

Children's daily care is enhanced by the childminder's thoughtful organisation of her work. She plans ahead to ensure that all children are offered a range of appropriate activities that suit their current developmental stage. Their individual development is promoted as she pays attention to detail in activity planning. For example, activities are planned to include balanced opportunities for free play, structured activities, time to play with other children and time to play independently. Space within the home is well organised so that children can be offered a range of play opportunities and the varying needs of different age groups can be comfortably met. For example, there is space for craft activities, floor space for larger activities, and comfortable furniture for quieter play and reading.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection, the childminder was asked to record children's arrival and departure times. These are now accurately recorded in the daily register, promoting children's safety and welfare. The childminder was also asked to improve fire safety precautions by ensuring that a fire blanket is accessible in the kitchen. This has now been provided, further promoting children's safety.

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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 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 the contents of the first aid box are in date • comply with conditions of registration with regard to displaying the certificate.

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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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