St Leonard's Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 140180 Inspection date 09 February 2006 Inspector Gillian Louise Critchlow

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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 1980. She lives with her husband in the Muswell Hill area within the London borough of Haringey. Areas used for childminding are the lounge, dining room and 4 bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There are currently 4 children on roll. The childminder stated that her husband smokes, however he does not smoke in the house and children are cared for in a smoke free environment.

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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's 2 daughters act as her assistants when needed. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local park and library.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children understand the importance of good hygiene practices and include hand washing as part of their daily routine to prevent the spread of infection, which protects children's health. The childminder follows good hand washing routines herself, washing her hands before and after changing nappies. A 3 year old child is able to use the toilet with support from the childminder and follow routines for hygiene. The childminder is first aid trained and has a clear understanding of procedures to follow should a child become ill whilst in her care. Effective systems are in place for recording accidents and incidents, however there are some inconsistencies in how the administration of medication is recorded. Children enjoy a variety of activities that contribute to their good health such as a well balanced, nutritious diet and both indoor and outdoor activities that help their physical

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Helping children to be healthy

development. They go to the park and dance to music. They are aware of the way activity effects their bodies and they know when they need a rest or drink.

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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 safe, secure environment. Children are able to move around freely and independently as a result of good risk assessments and supervision levels being implemented. Children are aware of boundaries and are involved in discussions with the childminder about dangers such as road safety and potential hazards within the home. This helps them to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe both inside and outside the home. Children use a range of good quality toys and equipment that are well organised and maintained. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments to minimise hazards and ensure the safety of children. Resources are readily available, allow free access and promote children's independence. Children are well protected. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and has detailed written policies and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures for the protection of children. She has a clear understanding of the procedures she should follow should she have concerns.

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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 are happy and settled. They are confident and eager to become involved in conversations and are responsive to the daily routines and feel secure in their environment. They move confidently within the home, freely accessing a wide range of good quality, age appropriate resources that are well- organised, allow free access and promote children's independence and learning. Children are involved in a good range of age appropriate activities which provide them with the opportunity to progress and develop. Children play co-operatively and purposefully with each other and show affection by sharing play materials, smiling and laughing together and showing each other and the childminder what they are doing. with support and encouragement from the childminder. Children are able to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

make choices and engage in both adult led activities and free play promoting independence and self - esteem. Good opportunities for language are provided, children continually ask questions and contribute to conversations extending their vocabulary and developing their knowledge and understanding of society. The childminder is aware of the Birth to Three Matters framework and is pro-active in gaining the skills to implement it within her day to day care of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a sound understanding of equality issues. She provides children with a good range of activities and resources to promote positive images of the wider world and increase children's understanding and awareness of diversity. For example, the childminder is able to speak 3 languages and reads books to the children in Spanish and French so they experience the sounds of another language. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their daily routines as discussed with their parents. Children play happily alongside each other. There are good systems in place to support children who have special needs. Close liaison with parents ensures all children's needs are well planned for and met. Children behave generally well and respond to consistent praise and encouragement. The childminder manages children's minor disputes through

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Helping children make a positive contribution

distraction and simple explanations that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. This helps children respond to guidance. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure care provided for children is in line with children's normal routines. Letters written by parents of the children who currently attend the setting all stated how happy they were with the care provided by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is fully aware of organisational policies and procedures to ensure that children are safe and well protected. Records are well maintained 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 are able to move around freely, which develops their independence and gives space for free movement and exploration. The main play area is warm, welcoming and child centred. Resources are well organised to allow children to make free choices. The children can play, eat and rest comfortably. Children receive good support from the childminder, helping them to feel safe and secure. The childminder is keen to continue to update her knowledge and skills, to ensure children in her care are provided with a broad range of experiences.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has updated her medication records to include parents signature and has ensured that all records are now stored securely.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure effective systems for recording medication administered to children are in place including written permission from parents.

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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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