Archdale School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 107177 Inspection date 28 February 2006 Inspector Mauvene Burke

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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 1994. She lives with her two adult daughters in a terraced house situated in the Camberwell area in the London Borough of Southwark. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's 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 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children under 5-years-old on a full time basis. The childminder attends local parent and carer toddler groups. She has koi carp in a covered pond in the garden.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has a Level 3 qualification in child care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment which contributes to their good health. They are protected from the spread of disease because the childminder has good hand washing and nappy changing procedures in place. Children are learning about good hygiene practices because the childminder talks to them about the importance of washing their hands before eating and why they need to brush their teeth. Children benefit from healthy and well balanced meals which are varied and well presented to encourage children to eat their meals. Children enjoy the meals which they are presented with and often ask for "more". They receive fresh fruit and water for snacks, the childminder is conscientious about not providing children with foods which contain an excess of sugar and salt. Meals comply with children's dietary needs as the childminder takes into account the wishes of parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to receive fresh air and physical exercise as they are taken out daily and have access to the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a spacious home where risks have been identified and minimised. This means that children are able to move around safely freely and independently. The childminder ensures that children are under her direct supervision when they use the kitchen and garden areas. The fire blanket has not been positioned correctly which means that in the event of a fire it would be ineffective, however, the childminder also provides a fire extinguisher which meets with current safety standards. The children independently select their own resources from a wide range of good quality toys and books. These are appropriate for the ages and stages of their development and are in good condition. The childminder has the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's safety, such as an emergency evacuation plan which is clearly displayed, consent for outings and valid public

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

liability insurance. She has an appropriate first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection 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 Children are happy and settled in this environment and relate well to the childminder. They engage in a number of suitable age appropriate activities which they enjoy, such as looking at books, listening to stories and learning and singing nursery rhymes. They have opportunities to be creative through drawing, imaginative play and constructing. The childminder ensures that all children are given maximum attention which gives them a sense of security. The children are involved and interested in their play, the environment is stimulating and offers fresh challenges daily. Children have good opportunities to socialise with other children through regular attendance at children's groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met well as the childminder adapts activities well to ensure all children can join in. For example, during book reading activities the baby is provided with a book made from material whilst the older children are given hard back books to explore, and whilst older children can use the felt tip pens when drawing, the baby is offered a chunky crayon. Children are learning to share and good behaviour is encouraged, the children behave very well. Their self-esteem and confidence are being developed because the childminder praises and encourages them in their play. A good selection of resources are provided to promote a view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others, for example, play people who are disabled and using a wheelchair. Parents are kept informed about the progress their children are making through the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder sharing information on a daily basis. Children's needs are well met as the childminder follows a daily routine for play and sleep and follows parents' wishes with regard to food. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed about all relevant policies and procedures, however, she has yet to provide a complaints record.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in this welcoming setting. Children have access to a good range of resources and equipment and can move around freely, independently and safely. They are encouraged to make their own choices and, as a result of the way the childminder has organised her home, this is easily achievable.

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Organisation

Relationships between the childminder, the children and the parents are good. The childminder attends training to support her development in her role as a childminder and she uses the Birth to three matters framework as a tool to further enhance her childminding practices. The childminder has most of the necessary documents in place which are kept securely to maintain confidentiality, however, she

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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 has yet to provide a record of complaints. Parents are kept well informed about the service she provides and the daily activities she provides for their children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A recommendation was made during the last inspection for the childminder to practise an emergency evacuation procedure with the children. The childminder stated that she has not yet practised the procedure with the children she currently minds but did so with the older children who have since left. Procedures for the evacuation are available. She has stated that she will practise the drill with the current children and record the outcome.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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.

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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): • keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken • ensure that the fire blanket is easily accessible by positioning it correctly

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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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