Lordship Lane Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 102096 Inspection date 08 February 2006 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 1994. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 22 years in Kentish Town. The whole first floor of the childminder's flat is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder attends play groups and takes children to parks and the library. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding three children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are nurtured well and cared for in a 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 with children ensures their daily needs are well managed. Children are becoming independent and she is teaching them and supporting 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 a child falls 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. The childminder has a good understanding of the benefits of healthy eating and promotes this well together with the parents. She

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Helping children to be healthy

consults closely with 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. She is sensitive to the individual needs of families using her service and will make every effort to accommodate them. She meets this with flexibility, for example, swapping around days of attendance for children who have been unable to attend due to sickness. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate. She has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and plans to repeat child protection training in the near future.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are content and happily settled. Young children develop good self esteem because the childminder is aware and responds to their emotional needs very well. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how children learn through

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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 play. Children are provided with a range of experiences including creative and physical play. They are supported during times of change and are secure in the childminder's care. This enables them to move confidently on to the next stage of development. The childminder's good nurturing skills help children feel secure and valued. She effectively builds on children's natural curiosity to extend their learning through play with arts and crafts, construction and physical activities. Activities are well balanced and include opportunities for children to socialise with others at local play groups and with friends. Children also enjoy a good range of outdoor play opportunities in the community drop-ins and at local parks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a strong sense of belonging as part of the family. Their individual needs are met very successfully by the childminder. Parents are fully included in the setting and encouraged to contribute their ideas and knowledge. Children are inspired to find out about the local community as they join in on different celebrations and during outings and trips to places of cultural significance. Each child is valued and respected as an individual and the childminder knows the children's individual personalities well. They are encouraged to develop their own interests and are not restricted. Individual needs are followed closely, such as dietary and daily routines. The childminder works closely with parents, she provides flexibility and commitment. Children develop close relationships with each other and behaviour is very positive because of the childminder's incentive system giving children lots of affection and

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well informed about child development, childminding standards and relevant health and safety publications. She provides a relaxed and comfortable setting for children where space and equipment are planned to accommodate children of all ages. Documentation relating to childminding activities is professional and well maintained. The childminder has demonstrated a commitment to further developing her child care skills by applying to attend further training, such as Birth to three matters guidance. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 Not applicable

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 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.

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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): • update knowledge and understanding of issues relating to child protection • improve outcomes for children by using an approach in line with Birth to three guidance

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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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