Strand Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 117953 Inspection date 26 September 2005 Inspector Christine Bonnett

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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 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 9 years, in Northolt in the London Borough of Ealing. The whole house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day, and four children over five years, all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the

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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 local parent and toddler group. The family has no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted as the minder sustains a good standard of cleanliness throughout her home. They are developing good self-care skills as they are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the bathroom. However, hygiene standards in the bathroom could be improved to prevent the risk of cross-infection between children. The policies and procedures used by the childminder to manage accidents, first aid and administer medication are effective and help to ensure the wellbeing of the children. Children benefit from outdoor exercise as they regularly walk in the park, and to and from the local school instead of using the car. The childminder also promotes children's understanding of maintaining fitness as they have access to a well-maintained back garden where they can run, slide and generally benefit from outdoor play within a secure environment. They are learning that exercise is fun and

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Helping children to be healthy

good for staying healthy. Children's specific dietary needs are met appropriately because the childminder takes into account the wishes of parents when planning meals. She gives priority to serving healthy and nutritious foods and encourages children to understand the benefits of healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Keeping children safe in the home is a priority, particularly in the event of an emergency. Smoke alarms are fitted and an emergency escape plan has been devised and practised to ensure the quick and safe evacuation from the home, should the need arise. A risk assessment of the plants in the garden needs to be undertaken to ensure that they are not a potential health hazard to children. Younger children are able to sleep and eat in comfort and safety as the childminder has appropriate furniture and equipment, such as a travel cot, highchair and child-size table and chairs. An understanding of keeping themselves safe on outings is being promoted in the children because the childminder makes sure they listen to her when they are out, and follow her instructions. For example, holding onto the buggy and stopping at the kerb before crossing the road. Children's welfare is further safeguarded by the childminder's in-depth knowledge of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

child protection matters. For example, she is aware of the indicators of child abuse, and the procedure for reporting concerns. She also holds a first aid certificate.

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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 good. Children play enthusiastically with a wide range of resources that are suitable for their age and promote their learning. The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn, so encourages them to match, sort, and count, particularly when playing with the farmyard. Children's vocabulary is also developed as the childminder asks questions to make them think, and respond appropriately. For example, "where does the pig go?” The childminder plans activities to meet the needs of all the children in her care, whatever their age. Children are also able to self-select what they wish to play with from easily accessible toy boxes. The Birth to three matters framework used by the childminder supports children's learning in their earliest years. Children are happy and content in the care of the childminder. They laugh and have fun as they relate well to her and her family. They also have the opportunity to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

socialise with other children as they regularly visit parent and toddler groups, Wacky Warehouse, and the park. The confidence and self-esteem of the children is reinforced because of the care and kindness of the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected and valued as individuals. Their needs, such as diet and sleep patterns are discussed with parents and incorporated effectively into the daily routine by the childminder. She works closely with parents and provides written and verbal feedback about how their child has spent their day. This ensures children experience consistent care and parents are well informed. Children have access to a good range of resources that enable them to develop a positive view of diversity within society and an understanding of others. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and consequently is aware of her responsibilities as a service provider to act in the best interest of a child. By using positive methods to manage behaviour, children are learning right from wrong in ways that promote their self-esteem and confidence. In addition, the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

emphasis on good manners and consideration for others helps to create a harmonious atmosphere.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel comfortable and at ease within a family home environment. The

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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 childminder organises the day to include quiet times indoors and physical exercise outdoors. This helps to ensure the children's overall developmental progress. The organisation of the day also ensures that the individual needs of all children are met in relation to meal and rest times. The home is clean and offers sufficient space for children to play freely and safely. Detailed information about the childminder and her practices is given to parents to ensure that they are aware of the service they and their child will receive. The effective working relationship with parents adds to children's sense of wellbeing and contentment. The health, safety and wellbeing of the children are also promoted as the childminder maintains accurate and up-to-date records. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was required to provide a range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and disability. This has been achieved by obtaining books and a puzzle that reflect positive images of race, culture and disability and making them available for the children to use. Because of this, children are able to develop a positive view of diversity within the local and wider community and gain an understanding of those who are different from themselves.

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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): • improve hygiene standards in the bathroom to prevent the risk of cross-infection between children • conduct a risk assessment in the back garden to ensure that the plants are

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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 not a health hazard to children.

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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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