Two Bridges School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 135467 Inspection date 06 March 2006 Inspector Philippa Clare Williams

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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and two children of 17 years and 12 years in Edmonton in the London Borough of Enfield. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes. Children use the toilet on the first floor. There is a garden to the rear of the property that is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for three children under the age of eight years and is currently minding one child under five.

p.2

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit through a clean, tidy and well maintained environment. Children stay healthy because the childminder has good hygiene procedures. Children follow good routines such as washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. However lack of explanations means that children do not understand the reason or the importance of good personal hygiene. The childminder has satisfactory procedures in place to help prevent the spread of infection, for example she ensures parents are made aware of her sick child policy. Children’s care is promoted through the adequate documentation in place, although the childminder’s first aid certificate has expired and administration of medication records are not countersigned by parents or the childminder. The children benefit from a balanced diet and regular drinks, because the childminder meets parental wishes and any dietary needs, she stores, prepares and serves the food provided.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children’s care is fostered through effective routines which allow for appropriate opportunities throughout the day. Children enjoy some physical activity through trips to the park and rest and sleep according to their individual needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. They are able to move freely on the ground floor of the premises and safely access toys and equipment, which have been stored at low level. Resources are in satisfactory condition and age and stage appropriate. Children are involved in discussions about safety and are learning how to keep themselves safe, for example, the childminder talks about road safety. The childminder has a procedure for evacuating the premises but does not practise this with the children to ensure they know the routine. Children's welfare is generally safeguarded as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the child protection issues however she is not familiar with local procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They benefit from a satisfactory range of activities and have plenty of opportunity and free choice to initiate their own play. Children enjoy a good range of activities that challenge them and promote their development. For example, young children enjoy making shapes with play dough and completing letter puzzles. Toys and resources are easily accessible. They have a balanced day which incorporates times of rest or sleep and fresh air. Children are developing positive relationships through warm interaction with the childminder. Children are not sufficiently encouraged to be independent as the

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 childminder is often over protective of the children particularly in their personal care and at meal times.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and individual needs are met as the childminder works well with parents. She gives daily feedback to parents about their child's day. This helps provide children with consistent care between home and the childminder’s care. Children do learn about their local community as they visit a Mosque, library for group story sessions, local shops and parks. However there is a limited range of resources that reflect diversity. This hinders their ability to develop a positive image of others. The children are learning to make choices and take decisions as they choose from a wide range of toys and equipment. Children behave well, because the childminder encourages positive behaviour when she praises the children and appreciates their efforts.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from good levels of supervision and support, which enables them to feel safe and secure in the childminder's home. Consequently, children are confident to make their own choices when selecting toys and initiating play. Space is organised effectively to ensure children are able to play, eat and relax comfortably.

p.4

Organisation

Most documentation and records are in place to support the care of children, however some records and policies need updating. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Inspection the childminder was asked to develop knowledge and understanding of how to manage children's behaviour and special needs issues. The childminder demonstrated a satisfactory understanding of appropriate methods to manage children's behaviour and special needs issues. She was also asked to develop knowledge and understanding in Birth to Three matters framework, she has read and understood the framework and has endeavoured to attend a course, however to date has not been successful, she agreed to continue to try to access training. Finally she was asked to develop resources which present positive images of society, she has however failed to develop her resources sufficiently and this has now been brought forward as a recommendation.

p.4

Complaints 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 Since the last Inspection Ofsted has received one complaint relating to National Standard 1: Suitable person, National Standard 13 - Child Protection, National Standard 3: Care learning and play and National Standard 11: Behaviour. Concerns were raised about inappropriate behaviour by the childminder and insufficient resources. These concerns were referred to another agency for investigation. Ofsted carried out an unannounced visit to discuss the concerns. As a result two actions and a recommendation were raised and met satisfactorily. 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.4

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 satisfactory. 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): • update knowledge of local child protection procedures and practice fire drills • make sure parents sign the record book to acknowledge any medication given • develop the range of play materials which reflect diversity and help children learn to appreciate and value each others similarities and differences • review the complaints procedure and maintain a record of complaints • provider opportunities to further develop children's independence

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: 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.5