Penny Bridge CofE School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 140306 Inspection date 27 January 2006 Inspector Gillian Louise Critchlow

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband, 1 adult son and 2 daughters aged 16 years and 3 years old, in the Crouch End area within the London borough of Haringey. Areas used for childminding are the kitchen / diner and the lounge. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There are currently three children on roll. The family has one cat.

p.2

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 walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local park and library.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and safe environment. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene from an early age through established daily routines that help to prevent the spread of infection which protects children's health. Children enjoy a variety of activities that contribute to their good health such as a well balanced, nutritious diet and regular opportunities for outdoor activities and experiences within the local community and at home that enhance their physical development and promotes good health. The childminder is first aid trained and has a clear understanding of the procedures to follow should a child become ill whilst in her care.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, secure home. Children are able to move around freely as a result of effective safety procedures in place that ensure children are kept safe both inside and outside the home. Regular risk assessments both indoors and out enable the childminder to identify and quickly address any potential hazards. Children use a range of good quality toys and equipment that are well-organised and maintained. Resources are readily available, organised well to allow children free access, and promote children's independence. Children are well protected. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and action to take should she have concerns about a child in her care. This promotes and safeguards children's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and feel secure in their environment. Well-organised resources allow children free access and promote children's independence and learning. Children enjoy a good range of activities that are stimulating and well balanced for all ages. Children enjoy trips out to various activity groups to socialise with others. This helps to develop children's social skills from a young age. The childminder encourages young children to express themselves. Good questioning and repeating children's

p.3

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 responses encourages use of language. Babies and young children gain much from being together, for example when both children were sitting together the older child chatted happily to the younger child who responded with smiles and giggles. The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework and is pro-active in gaining the skills to implement it within her daily plans.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of equality issues. The childminder is a good role model helping children learn the importance of showing respect for all. Children benefit from lots of praise and encouragement. Appropriate strategies for managing behaviour, according to the age and stage of development, help children understand right from wrong. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their daily routines as discussed with their parents. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure the care provided for children is in line with children's normal routines. Information is shared with parents to keep them involved with their child's development and progress. Relationships with parents are friendly and supportive. Parents feel welcome and a good two-way flow of information ensures continuity of care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is fully aware of organisational policies and procedures to ensure that children are safe and protected. Appropriate vetting procedures are in place, however checks have not been undertaken on one household member who recently turned sixteen. Records and information held on children are up to date and stored individually for effective management of the provision. Information kept about the children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. Regular informal discussions with parents ensure continuity of care. Children have free access to two main play areas, this helps to develop their independence, giving space for free movement and exploration. Children can play, eat and rest comfortably. The childminder organises her time effectively, ensuring children are well-supported. The childminder is keen to continue to update her knowledge and skills, to ensure

p.4

Organisation

children in her care are provided with a broad range of experiences and are kept safe and well protected.

p.4

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 The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has extended her provision to include a range of toys that promote positive images of culture, gender, religion and disability. Since the last inspection the childminder has developed her knowledge and understanding of Child Protection issues. Since the last inspection the childminder has maintained all required records.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 Ofsted has received one complaint in relation to National Standard 1: suitable person: regarding allegations made by a child. The provider responded to the allegation by initiating an investigation by Ofsted, the Police and the Social Services Department which they cooperated fully with. Ofsted investigated all complaints and found the childminder continues to meet the National Standards. The provider remains qualified for registration. 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 than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • ensure appropriate vetting procedures are undertaken on all household members over the age of 16 years

p.5

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:

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.6