Bracken Leas Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 144394 Inspection date 16 February 2006 Inspector Sandra Wickham

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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 1992. She lives with her partner and their two adult children in Clapton, the London borough of Hackney. Areas used for childminding are the back dining room and kitchen, ground floor toilet and the enclosed front garden. The childminder currently has four children on roll, of whom three are of pre-school age and one attending full time school. The childminder holds the National Vocational Qualification level 2 in Child Care and

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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 Education with Babies.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health needs are being fully promoted because the childminder meets all regulations with regard to maintaining accident and medication records. Children are well nourished because the childminder meets parental wishes. Children are provided with nutritious meals and snacks and are involved in the process of setting the table with their cups and plates. Children are offered regular drinks. Younger children's independence skills are being fully promoted because the childminder makes mealtimes an opportunity to help children to enjoy food and become independent at feeding themselves. Children have regular access to physical play opportunities both indoors and outdoors, because the childminder takes children to local parks and toddler groups. Children's individual rest needs are met and children are able to rest safely and comfortably in the childminder's care. The childminder has

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Helping children to be healthy

a good range of first aid supplies accessible on the premises and has appropriate emergency contingency plans in place. The childminder has attended training to develop her practice by using the Birth to Three Matters framework in her practice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children are easily able to select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. A minor area raised for discussion was the childminder's signature not in place following entries of accidents. Children are becoming aware of how to keep themselves safe as the childminder gives gentle reminders about not standing on chairs and to move toys out of the way, so they do not fall over. Children are secure and confident in the environment as the childminder takes steps to reduce children's access to hazards on the premises, by installing smoke alarms and having safety gates in place across the bottom of the stairs. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures, having undertaken training and assessments on this topic. Children are protected by her

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

knowledge of possible signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and the childminder is aware of the relevant procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very well settled at the childminders house and make themselves at home. Children's independent skills are being greatly extended as they self select from the various of toys and resources nearby. The children engage in cooking activities, felt tip drawings, pushing dolls around in the buggy. Children are able to

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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 access resources well and given praise and encouragement as they complete a big puzzle. The childminder knows the children well. She makes sure the resources provide children with sufficient challenge to stimulate their creative needs and senses. The childminder encourages children to learn words and meaning by effective interaction in response to rhymes and games. The children spend their time purposefully. The children greatly enjoy exploring and investigating the many varied toys and resources which contribute to their creativity and stage of development. They are able to mirror the childminder by clapping their hands together and smiling with contentment to her when she sings nursery rhymes or talks to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about cultural and racial diversity, gender and disability through the meaningful range of resources and activities. Children become aware of their differing backgrounds and learn to value and respect these differences. Children feel valued and respected. Their individual needs and family backgrounds are known and effectively met. Children are pleased when they receive praise from the childminder, for example when they join in to complete a big puzzle or select resources by themselves. This enhances their self-esteem and encourages them to try new challenges and make progress. Good partnerships with parents ensure children are consistently cared for, both at home and when with the childminder. For example, the childminder encourages young children to develop their social skills and to be confident. Children behave very well with the childminder. Children feel settled and comfortable. They have time to relax

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and at ease in the well-organised, child-centred environment. Space and resources are presented in a such a way whereby children can confidently initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder is extending her own learning on caring for children and is developing her practice to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. The childminder ensures daily dialogue is exchanged with parents regarding children's development. This all contributes to continuity in the children's care. Good planning systems are in place which keep children healthy and safe, and enables them to make good progress in all areas of their development. The setting is meeting the needs of the children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved her systems for maintaining parents signature following accident and incident recordings.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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Complaints since the last inspection

There been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made be parents, which they can see on request. The complaints may contain complaints other than 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): • develop systems for ensuring after accidents or incidents recorded childminder signature is maintained

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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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