Longton County Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 133135 Inspection date 12 December 2005 Inspector Liz Corr

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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 1996. She lives with her partner and school age son in a two bedroom maisonette in the N1 area of the London Borough of Islington. The premises are close to most public transport links. Local parks, drop-in centres and libraries are also nearby. Areas to be used for childminding are the living room, kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor. There is a small fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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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 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 4 children under 5 years on a part time basis. She is a member of the Islington and National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted by the effective procedures and practices in place which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. For example, clear information is given to parents to explain the sickness procedures. She has completed a two day course on First Aid Emergency Treatment for children. Consequently, they are well cared for if they become ill or have an accident. Children learn the importance of following good hygiene routines and can easily reach the bathroom taps to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Steps taken to ensure that children have individual bedding at rest time help prevent the spread of infection. Children's health is further promoted by meals and snacks that are well balanced and comply with their individual dietary needs. Healthy drinks are available throughout the day. Children enjoy frequent opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Planned visits to local

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Helping children to be healthy

drop-in groups and parks ensure they develop physical co-ordination skills. Their need for appropriate rest and sleep is built into their daily routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe and are well supervised in a clean and well maintained environment. Children benefit from a well organised play space where hazards are minimised. This allows them to move around the environment freely and independently. Children eat, sleep and are transported comfortably because the childminder has suitable furniture and equipment in place. For example, each child has their own car seat and they are learning about why it is important to wear seatbelts. Children's safety is promoted by the use of appropriate fire safety equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe by regularly practicing emergency evacuation procedures at the drop-in group. However, they have not practiced this in the childminder's home which would further increase their knowledge of how to keep themselves safe. The children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted because the childminder has a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

good awareness of signs and signals of abuse. She knows the appropriate

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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 to follow if she has concerns about a child or if an allegation is made against her or her family. There are clear procedures to ensure that children are collected only by authorised people.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are relaxed and settled. She is very attentive and gives regular praise and attention. Children are secure because there are sensitive settling-in procedures in place. Parents of very young children are encouraged to bring items that help remind them of home. Children are involved in a wide range of activities and easily access good quality play equipment which caters for their age and stage of development. They are learning independence skills by choosing from a selection of toys, books and activities. These include toys that promote positive images of diversity. Children are also becoming independent as they put on their own shoes and tidy up the play equipment. They are being introduced to numbers and letters of the alphabet in everyday situations. For example, they count out pieces of fruit and biscuits at snack time and older children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are encouraged to write their name. Children benefit from well planned activities outside the setting. They go for walks to the local park and playgrounds. Children enjoy attending a variety of well resourced local drop-in groups where they have further opportunities to take part in creative activities and socialise with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are leaning to value diversity in society through a range of resources that reflect positive images. For instance, children have access to puzzles with positive images of children with disabilities and figures from small world equipment representing people from different cultural backgrounds. Their learning is extended as they take part in celebrations of other faiths and cultures at drop-in groups. The relationships with parents are honest, trusting and professional. This helps children feel settled and secure. Parents benefit from clear information about the childminding service and receive an information booklet at the beginning of the contract. Policies and procedures are also easily available. However, parents are not fully informed as they have not received information on what to do if they have a complaint. There are good systems in place for sharing information regarding

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children's daily progress. This has a positive impact on the children's overall well-being and development. The childminder is experienced in caring for children with special needs. Children benefit from her clear systems for recording concerns and her ability to liaise

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 sensitively with parents and other professionals. Children are happy and content, relating well with the childminder. She manages their behaviour according to their understanding and stage of development. Children are encouraged to be kind and considerate to each other. Children are praised, encouraged and given choices.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a very good understanding of the National Standards for Childminding. She is committed to extending her knowledge through further training, for instance, with new information such as Birth to Three Matters. She has strong support systems in place including her local and national childminding association. As a result she is aware of new initiatives and developments in childminding. This has a positive impact on children's care and learning and the quality of the organisation. The home is well organised and laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. The children feel at home and at ease in this environment. The parent's views are valued and there are good systems in place to share information which contributes to children's sense of confidence and security. A wide range of policies and procedures are available for parents and documentation is well organised and easily accessible. This has a positive impact on the overall well

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has improved her systems for dealing with emergency situations, by ensuring that parents consent to the measures taken when children are ill.

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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 that 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

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 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): • improve fire safety by practicing and recording an emergency escape plan • provide parents with details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint

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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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