Arlecdon Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 147395 Inspection date 05 December 2005 Inspector Kanwal Sonia Lobo

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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 satisfactory. 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 1992. She lives with her husband, two adult daughters and a younger daughter aged 11 years. They live in a two bedroom house in Edgware, in the London Borough of Barnet. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes which includes the lounge, kitchen and the garden. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years. There are currently three children on roll who attend on different days.

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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 a member of the National Childminding Association and the Grahame Park Childminding Network. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children attending are beginning to learn about the importance of hygiene through the care routines in place such as washing their hands at relevant times. As a result they are protected from some harmful bacteria and germs. Children needing medication are assured of receiving and benefiting from the correct medicine as suitable records are kept for medication. Although the procedure for seeking emergency treatment or advice is not yet in place. Children get swift and appropriate help if they have an accident due to the childminder's knowledge of first aid. Children benefit from the freshly prepared and nutritious meals and snacks such as fresh fruit and vegetables. This in turn raises their awareness for the need to eat healthy foods in order grow and be healthy. Children enjoy playing in the garden. They receive fresh air and exercise on a daily basis. They go for walks to the park, the library and a local nursery. This provides

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Helping children to be healthy

them with opportunities to use large outdoor play equipment such as slides and the swings which results in them developing a range of physical skills. When indoors they are able to practise their fine motor skills during activities such as drawing and modelling play dough.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are comfortable in the environment and space is organised to meet their basic needs. They are acknowledged and greeted warmly by the childminder who is friendly and approachable. Children's work is valued and shared with parents. This contributes to them feeling a sense of self worth and promotes their self-esteem. The welfare of children is safeguarded by them using a range of suitable furniture, play equipment and resources that are safe and well maintained. Children receive high levels of supervision. They respond well to the childminder who is vigilant and promotes an awareness of boundaries within the home. However, children are not fully protected from some potential risks and hazards such as low-level glass and detergents. Protection of children is considered a priority by the childminder. Children are assured of practice that involves the childminder's willingness to make notes of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

existing injuries and to discuss these with parents. She is aware of appropriate procedures to follow should there be a concern about a child.

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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 satisfactory. Children benefit from building positive relationships. This is encouraged through the childminder settling them in at their own pace to enable the transition from home to the setting easier. Children are forming friendships and in the main, they are able to express their needs to the childminder in the knowledge that they will be acknowledged. Children are engaged in activities most of the time that are age appropriate and provide some enjoyment. But children are not always able to access toys easily and most of often these have been selected and set out for them. The activities and the care routine do not fully promote children's independence or foster their ability to make choices. The balance of activities allows for children to be involved in active play whilst outdoors and when inside the home to engage in relaxing activities. They benefit from the regular visits to the park and the library as they have access to different

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to share their experiences and the childminder listens and values their contributions. This in turn helps children to feel secure and included. Although resources that reflect positive images and diversity are limited, children's own beliefs are reinforced through the care they receive. This helps children feel a sense of belonging. Children with special needs are welcome and consideration is given to ensuring that any child attending feels part of the group. The systems in place to support children with special needs including working closely with parents and seeking other professional help. Children are well behaved and respond well to the childminder. They receive warm care and attention. The use of positive language and sensitive interaction, helps them learn to manage their own behaviour. Children benefit from the consistent and positive approach to the management of their behaviour. They are helped to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

understand their actions through explanations, which in turn contributes to forming positive attitudes. Children are supported well from the partnership between staff and their parents. There is a regular exchange of information about issues relating to children's behaviour, health and well being.

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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 The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a developing knowledge and understanding of the National Standards for childminding. She shows a commitment to her personal development and to updating her knowledge with new information such as Birth to three matters. Children's needs are identified through the communication the childminder has with parents and the record keeping which contributes to continuity in the children's care. The childminder uses some of the policies and procedures effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. However the complaint's procedure is not up to date and written parental consent has not been obtained in order to seek emergency advice or treatment. Although the space is organised to meet the basic needs of children, the clutter

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Organisation

contributes to the overall untidiness. This impacts on the space available for children to explore the environment. At present it is not organised to enable children to choose resources for themselves or to access toys easily. Overall, the provision does meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Two recommendations were raised at the previous inspection. These have now been met. The childminder was required to check the contents of the first aid box regularly to ensure it was adequately stocked and to include information about Ofsted in the complaints procedure and make the procedure available to parents. The first aid box is regularly checked and the contents are replenished as and when required. The childminder has devised a complaints procedure which details the role of Ofsted and forms part of the policies and procedures that are available to parents. Although, it does not include the contact details for Ofsted as yet. Overall the improvements have had a positive impact on the service as children are assured of receiving appropriate first aid treatment and in the event parents should wish to complain they now have access to a clear procedure.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 satisfactory. 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): • foster children's independence through play and daily routines ensuring they have opportunities to select resources and activities for themselves and make decisions about what they want to do next. • undertake a risk assessment of all areas accessed by children and make sure that potential risks and hazards are minimized or eliminated. • improve the range of resources that reflect positive images and make sure that it forms an integral part of children's play and learning experience. • make sure the areas accessed by children are free from clutter so that they can access resources and play provision more easily.

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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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