Thornden Wood Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 147751 Inspection date 06 December 2005 Inspector Zelda Fay Parker

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 was registered in 1997. She lives with her husband and four children aged 16, 14, 13 and 11 years old in Wealdstone in the London Borough of Harrow. The whole ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for three children under 5 all day. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

p.2

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 attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have three cats.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are beginning to learn about good hygiene habits such as washing their hands at appropriate times of the day. The childminder implements effective hygiene procedures which minimises the risks to children of cross-infection. The effective procedures for sick children ensure that the best interests of all children are met if they are unwell. Children's dietary needs are met through parents providing appropriate food, and the childminder's good understanding of healthy eating. The childminder takes account of parents' wishes through discussions and children's individual records to ensure she meets their dietary needs well. Children benefit from the childminder's consistent and familiar routines. This contributes to children's emotional well-being. Individual needs are met and children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day children have access to a range of indoor and outdoor activities which are enjoyable and meet their developmental needs. They have the opportunity to develop control of their bodies, for example, climbing, sliding and swinging as they use the large equipment in the garden and nearby parks.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel secure and safe as the childminder provides a welcoming and safe environment. Space and resources are well organised so that children can move around safely, freely and independently. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment, hazards are identified and minimised. For example smoke alarms, safety gates and a fire blanket. Effective arrangements are in place, should children require sleep or rest, and children are monitored closely. Children are closely supervised by the childminder at all times to ensure they are safe. They learn the importance of keeping safe indoors and outdoors, for example the childminder discusses with the children how to cross the road safely. Children have access to a range of resources which are appropriate to their age and contribute to their development. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment which are very well maintained and

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

presented. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choices to make sure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development. She has the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She holds a current first aid certificate and has

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 a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures, this ensures children are protected from harm or neglect.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, very settled and show enjoyment of their time in the childminder's care. They are confident and make themselves at home. The children interact well with the childminder and with each other showing a clear bond and understanding. This leads to positive relationships and a sense of belonging. Toys present sufficient challenge for children to develop new skills and are changed frequently to maintain children's interest. Babies and toddlers are provided with a stimulating choice including musical instruments, books, shape sorters, sensory materials and electronic toys which promote co-ordination and sensory awareness. Outings are enjoyed which widen children's experiences and enable them to mix with other children of their age group. Children are content and relaxed and engage in a good range of activities that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. Young children are starting to

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

develop independence and confidence, as they freely make choices from the toys around them. Individual care routines are respected and built into the childminder's day, for example when a young child is tired, a sleep will be offered appropriately.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with respect, helping them to feel good about themselves. They are learning to take turns and share. Children respond well to the childminder and are secure and happy in her care. They enjoy close and loving relationships with the childminder and they clearly enjoy the time they spend together. Children make themselves at home and are developing self-esteem and confidence as they make choices and decisions in their play. Children have access to a good range of resources that enable them to begin to develop an understanding of diversity within society, and a respect for others. For example, there are a range of books that reflect different cultures and people with varying needs. However, the childminder has limited knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and her responsibility as a service provider Children are happy and content because parents share information about their child's

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

individual needs, interests and experiences with the childminder. Children's routines, developmental progress and activities are shared with parents daily.

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 The organisation is good. Children's welfare, care and development needs are met very effectively as the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for young children. She is well-organised, warm and affectionate towards the children who are relaxed and very happy in her care. Children enjoy a variety of outings to the park and pre-school groups where they are able to socialise with other children and widen their play experiences. The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and skills to benefit the children: for example, by attending the course Birth to Three Matters. Continuity of care is achieved by sharing of information between parents and the childminder. Required documentation and records are maintained and kept up to date. These contribute to

p.4

Organisation

the safety and well-being of children in her care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop knowledge of signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Children's safety and welfare is protected as the childminder has a copy of the local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures. This informs her about signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and the procedures to follow if she is concerned about the safety and welfare of children.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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): • gain knowledge and understanding of the disability Discrimination Act 1995

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 • gain knowledge of the Birth to Three Matters framework to support the development of the younger children

p.5

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

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