St Mark's Elm Tree CofE Voluntary Aided Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 133301 Inspection date 15 December 2005 Inspector Catherine Greene

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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 1997 to care for five children aged under 8 years. Of these three may be aged under 5 years; and of these only one child may be aged under 1. There are currently four children on roll. She lives with her son in a three bedroom house in N7. The house is on three levels . Children have access to the living room, kitchen and a secured garden. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 There are three family cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are nurtured well and cared for in a very clean and well maintained home. The childminder has a thorough understanding of how to promote children's health and well being. Her good overall hygiene practice ensures children's daily needs are well managed. Children are becoming independent as she teaches them and supports their development. She talks to them and praises their efforts when washing their hands after playing and before eating. The childminder has a clear policy regarding the care of sick children. This involves advising parents to keep their children at home when they are sick. If children fall sick in her care, she is sensitive and caring. She ensures that they are comfortable whilst waiting for their parents to arrive. Children eat healthy and nutritious food, freshly prepared by the childminder. She has a very good understanding of the benefits of healthy eating and promotes this

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Helping children to be healthy

well, together with the parents. She consults parents about children's diets and provides healthy snacks of fresh fruit and promotes drinking water. Children's special dietary and health needs are catered for in a sensitive way to ensure they remain healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Safety is well promoted inside the childminder's well maintained and secure home. Children are able to move around comfortably and freely as space is organised with their needs in mind. The childminder is aware of good practical safety precautions and is pro-active in protecting children from harm. This includes talking to children and parents about safety and firm arrangements for the safe arrival and collection of children. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate that is due for renewal in 2006. She has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and has completed child protection training with Islington. There is a very good range of well maintained toys and equipment which are safe for children of all ages to enjoy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. She is very attentive and gives regular

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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 praise and cuddles. Consequently children develop a strong sense of self that builds their confidence and self esteem. They relate very well to the childminder and her family. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how children learn. Children are provided with a range of sensory and play experiences that support their development and emotional needs very well. The childminder's good nurturing skills help children feel secure and valued, they benefit from her warm and loving approach. She effectively builds on children's natural curiosity to extend their learning through play with music making, construction and very good craft activities. Activities are well balanced and include opportunities for children to socialise with others at local play activities and with friends. Children also enjoy a good range of outdoor play

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

opportunities in the communal play area and at local parks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy in the childminder's home because she values and respects their individuality, culture and religion. The childminder's very good nurturing skills help children feel secure and valued. Children are also warmly welcomed by the childminder's own family, this gives them a sense of belonging. Children's family backgrounds are valued and respected and their individual daily routine is followed and discussed carefully with parents. Equipment promoting diversity is very good providing positive images and improving the children's knowledge of the wider world and awareness of others. The childminder has experienced working with children with special needs and is interested in keeping up to date on recent developments through further training. She would be committed to providing support for children who may have SEN and will work closely with parents and other professionals to ensure children receive the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

appropriate support. She demonstrates a supportive relationship with parents who offer very positive feedback. Parents input is valued, sharing skills and knowledge about their children's activity throughout the year. On-going communication is encouraged with a daily communication for each child and regular time set aside to discuss children's progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very well organised, she has a routine that works well with children's interests as priority. Children's care and learning is greatly enhanced by the good quality of organisation and well planned activities and information given to parents.

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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 Documentation relating to childminding activities are very well maintained. The childminder keeps parents well informed about their children's progress through daily feed back. This provides additional reassurance to parents that children's progress is being monitored. The childminder is well informed about child development, childminding standards and keeps up to date with relevant health and safety publications. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to further developing her professional childcare skills. She plans to attend further early years training specifically around planning a curriculum in line with Birth to three and the Foundation Stage. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are none 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 then 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

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): • continue to develop the very good activities provided for children by using an approach in line with birth to three guidance and the foundation stage.

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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:

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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 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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