John Blandy Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 140307 Inspection date 29 September 2005 Inspector Anne Bernadette Maher

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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 first registered in 1990. She works with two other childminders in a house in the Muswell Hill area. It is within walking distance of shops, amenities and public transport. On the ground floor there is a playroom, kitchen and dining room which are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. When working with 2 other childminders she is registered to care for a maximum of 9 children under 8 years. They currently care for 14 children, many of

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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 whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are given opportunities to develop their health through regular exercise and play both inside and outside. They walk to the woods and parks where children are given frequent opportunities to enjoy the swings, slides and sand trays in the outdoor areas. This promotes their coordination and agility. Children's knowledge of healthy living is increased by discussion and clear explanation from the childminder. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home. They learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care which increases their knowledge and understanding. For example, the children know to put shoes on to protect their feet and enjoy the outdoors. They have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands before eating and after toileting, in order to reduce the risk of infection. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and healthy options are

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Helping children to be healthy

offered to the children. Children of different ages are able to eat together and contribute to the lively chatter. Children can access child-sized cutlery, plates and bowls so that they are able to build their independence. Children's knowledge is actively developed at mealtimes with discussion about where food has come from and its benefits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a spacious home, where the risks are identified and minimised. Children learn to keep themselves safe, by listening to simple instructions and copying the childminders actions. Children are able to explain reasons why simple safety tasks must be completed. For example, tidying toys away before selecting another so that the floor is safe to walk on. Children support each other and reinforce safety practices. For example one child passing a clean tissue to another. Children select toys from well organised, accessible shelves and boxes in the playroom, enabling them to make decisions and use initiative. Children are familiar with where their favourite toys are kept and they select them safely. Children gain independence and a sense of achievement through moving around the room freely and safely. They arrive in the morning to a welcoming and safe environment as the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

home is thoroughly checked for safety hazards on a daily basis. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted through policies, procedures and records which are in place. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee

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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 Procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and relaxed in the setting. They move confidently from room to room exploring toys and play activities. Children's likes and dislikes are recorded and acted on, enabling the children's individual needs to be met effectively. There is a content and happy atmosphere in the group which owes to a robust settling-in procedure for the new children. Children enjoy and are involved in their play. They use their emerging language with confidence. Children communicate with the childminder and respond well to the attention that they receive. Children are supported in their play if required. Children gain self esteem and confidence from the participation of the childminder. Children select toys from a wide range of resources. Children are familiar with the play equipment and enjoy their play. For example children play with puzzles, games, small world toys and outdoor equipment. Children make independent choices and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

access the toys easily. They are introduced to new toys that extent their learning and offer sufficient challenge. For example, one word books to simple sentences are read to the children. Children spend time looking at the books which enables them to increase their concentration levels and develop their language skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are given time to complete self-chosen tasks, for example they put on their shoes which gives them a sense of fulfilment and achievement. Children are self assured and confident, they offer their own opinions and make choices. Children's creative work is displayed enabling the child to feel valued and part of the family. The toys and play equipment provided represents the children and the wider community well and encourages the children to have positive attitudes towards others. Children are consistently well behaved and responsive. The childminder manages behaviour well using effective strategies. Children learn to understand right from wrong and play together harmoniously. For example they take turns and show concern for one another. Children benefit from a sharing of information between parents and childminder which enables the child to receive consistent care and effective support.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel secure within the well organised environment, they are relaxed and

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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 confident. For example moving from creative playroom to quiet living room for stories. They ask the childminder for help safe in the knowledge that they will receive appropriate care. Parents are updated about their children's progress on a daily basis, which helps with the continuity of care. Children's care and development is supported through the commitment of the childminder to on-going training, and this could be further enhanced through the use of Birth to three matters framework. Effective simple guidance is offered to the children, to keep them safe and make progress. For example setting the table together. Policies and procedures are organised effectively to promote welfare, care and learning of children. Children's information is made available to their parents, which

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Organisation

encourages progress and support for the child. This also contributes to continuity in the child's care. The childminder meets the needs of the children that attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken onboard the recommendations that were made at the last inspection. She was asked to improve the attendance register to include the arrival and departure times of children. She has now got parents permission to transport children in a car, and the first aid box is available and the contents replenished when necessary.

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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

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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 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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