Thames Park Secondary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 147853 Inspection date 17 May 2005 Inspector Julie Whitelaw

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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 has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and their three children aged 9,12,and 15 years. They live in a three bed roomed house in South Oxhey, close to the local shops, park and schools. The ground floor is the main area used for childminding. There is a large garden available for outdoor play. The family have two cats. There are currently four children on roll between the age of 16 months and 4 years.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children experience a wide range of activities in the home and outdoors that contribute to their good health. They enjoy time outside in the fresh air each day, as they walk to school and play in the park. Opportunities to climb and ride wheeled toys helps children to develop physical skills and control of their bodies. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of how activity affects their body and know when they need a drink or rest. Their daily needs are met because the childminder works in close partnership with parents. Children benefit from a clean and warm home. Their health is promoted through the childminders cleaning routines, storage and preparation of food. Children's understanding of good hygiene and independence in their personal care is developed as they are encouraged to wash their hands after going to the toilet, playing in the garden and touching the cat. Their health is promoted as the childminder follows the

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Helping children to be healthy

policy and procedures that are in place to exclude sick children. Children enjoy nutritious snacks and have regular drinks. Their health is protected by the childminders understanding of how to prevent the spread of infection. Children's individual dietary requirements are met because the childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and records this information.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a safe and secure environment both indoors and outside, this is because the childminder has identified and minimised risks within her home and garden. Children are able to move around the living room freely because it has been made safe by the use of gates and socket covers. They can access most of the resources independently which are stored in clear plastic containers and checked daily to ensure the are clean, safe and appropriate for the children who attend. Children benefit from an environment which is cleaned daily before they arrive. They feel secure and are confident to try new activities and develop their skills because the childminder closely supervises them and supports them when necessary. When walking to school, children learn about the Green Cross Code and where it is safe to cross. This develops their understanding of road safety. Children's welfare is

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safeguarded and promoted because the childminder puts her polices and procedures into practice. They are kept safe through the childminders sound knowledge of first aid and understanding of how to calmly deal with accidents. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 provision is good. Children settle well and are happy. Younger children confidently select what toys they want to play. This encourages them to make choices and develop independence. Storage of some of the resources and toys could be improved to extend these skills in older children. The childminder has a clear understanding of how to support children as they play. She is led by the children's interest. This ensures they have fun and that their attention is held. Children show curiosity when exploring the toys and their learning is extended as they childminder intervenes at the appropriate time. A child was observed attempting to dress a doll. When the child indicated she wanted help the childminder demonstrated and explained how to put the cardigan on. The child then attempted to dress the doll.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children listen with interest when read a story, their learning is extended as they are asked opened ended questions and new vocabulary is introduced. They show enjoyment when the childminder sings 'Round and Round the Garden'. Children's creativity is developed well through planned craft and cooking activities. Their confidence and physical skills are developed as they crawl through a tunnel and ride wheeled toys. Younger children are learning to share toys and play co-operatively together. This is developed through consistent and appropriate strategies to manager their behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a varied range of toys and resources that promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children learn about cultures and festivals through dressing up clothes, small world toys, books and discussion with the childminder. Children are valued and treated as individuals. The childminder is clearly aware that the twins she currently minds have different personalities, likes and dislikes and learn at different rates. Children benefit from the sound partnership that has been formed between the parents and the childminder. This ensures their individual needs are met. Daily diaries and discussion keeps parents informed of their child's routine, the days activities and the progress they are making. The childminder has a clear understanding that children with special needs may require different resources and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

additional support from outside agencies to enable them to reach their potential. Children are learning to share, take turns and play co-operatively. This is developed through the clear, consistent boundaries the childminder sets and the encouragement of good behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children appear at home and are confident in the warm and welcoming environment the childminder provides. They are happy to explore and initiate play but will also

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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 seek adult support when required. Children's needs are met and their learning is extended because the childminder is attentive and understands how children learn through play. They benefit from the individual attention she gives them. This helps them to make progress. Children feel secure and valued through the close relationships that have been formed with the childminder. Documentation is well organised and up to date with polices and procedures used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no actions or recommendations given at the last inspection.

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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 storage of toys and resources to ensure older children can always make choices and access them independently.

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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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