Willowdown Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 140220 Inspection date 15 March 2006 Inspector Philippa Clare Williams

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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 satisfactory. 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 has been registered since 1991. She lives with her husband, adult daughter and two children aged 10 and 15 years old in a house in Wood Green in the London Borough of Haringey. The property is situated on a quiet residential road. It is close to local shops, parks and schools as well as within short walking distance to Wood Green Tube Station and High Road. The back playroom, kitchen/dining room on the ground floor, the bathroom/toilet and one bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The only pets in the household are goldfish.

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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 She is registered to provide care for five children under 8 years; of these, no more than three may be under 5 years, and of these, not more than one may be under 1 year. At present, she cares for six children, three under fives and three school-aged children. Children attend both full and part time hours. The childminder attends local toddler groups on a regular basis with minded children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean environment. They are generally protected from infection by the childminder maintaining satisfactory hygiene standards in the home, although hand washing before eating is not encouraged, which could create a health hazard to children. A written sick children's policy is in place, which protects other children in her care. All accident and medication records are up-to-date. However, the childminder has not yet renewed her first aid certificate. Children are offered a satisfactory variety of food and benefit from a reasonably healthy balanced diet. Their individual food preferences and dietary requirements are taken into consideration when providing meals. Children are offered regular drinks to keep them hydrated. Children benefit from activities which involve physical exercise and fresh air. There is a range of equipment in the garden and children walk to and from school every day.

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Helping children to be healthy

For example, one child shows great excitement when playing outside as he manoeuvres the car around the garden. Younger children are given opportunities to rest or sleep according to their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment that is welcoming and generally safe. Children’s safety on outings is promoted through talking and learning about road safety whilst they are out. And indoors they are kept safe through use of suitable safety equipment in place, including socket covers, safety catches on drawers, safety gates and smoke alarms, although cluttered resources on the kitchen floor present possible trip hazards to children and create lack of space for children to move around freely. Children are able to gain access to a utility room where there are hazardous items. The rooms used are not maintained at a comfortable temperature, which could lead to children feeling cold at times. Suitable emergency evacuation procedures are in place but children's awareness of these is insufficient, as these have not been practised. Children are suitably protected because the childminder understands her role with

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

regard to child protection, the signs and symptoms of abuse, and who to contact should she have any concerns. The required procedures are in place to ensure the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 safeguards and promotes children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's care. They develop positive relationships with the childminder and each other, there is warm interaction, and they are given good opportunities for group socialisation at toddler groups. Children are beginning to communicate with the childminder and each other as a result of her responsive approach, good questioning and extending vocabulary. For example, one child enjoys looking at a book and talking confidently about the pictures with the childminder. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities, such as art and craft, listening to music and role play; they enjoy making their own collage pictures. They show good levels of concentration as they draw and stick; however, there are times when the childminder does not extend and challenge children sufficiently. Babies enjoy exploring the colourful toys which make sounds.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's needs are met as the childminder has a good understanding of each child and their progress is monitored through records of their achievements in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals; for example, the childminder shows a sensitivity in her understanding of children's need for particular comforters. Children benefit from having opportunity to learn about differences and similarities as books and play resources present positive images of diversity. Children are settled and needs are met well in partnership with parents, because the childminder has a good system in place. She keeps parents well informed of their child's care needs and activities through daily informal discussions and access to their child's progress record book. She respects parents' views and wishes in meeting the needs of their child. Children behave well, because the childminder encourages positive behaviour when she praises the children and appreciates their efforts. Children are learning to share and take turns as the childminder supports them well. Children are learning to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

understand their own and others' needs as the childminder gives children equal access to group activities and adapts them to their needs, for example whilst looking at books together and playing with an activity centre.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and at ease in the childminder's home, which is organised to

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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 meet individual needs. Consistent routines and kind and caring support enables children to feel safe and secure in the childminder's care. The childminder divides her time well, ensuring she supports children in their play. This makes children feel valued and cared for. The records and documentation are organised and appropriately maintained, which contributes to the consistent care of children. However, as she has not maintained her first aid certificate, this may effect her ability to deal appropriately with any accidents that occur when children are in her care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, the childminder was set an action to ensure her daily attendance register is kept up-to-date and contains all the required details, including each child's arrival and departure times. This is now in place and includes all the required details. It was also recommended that she ensures Ofsted is notified of any significant events or changes, the childminder has not needed to report any events or changes, but is aware of this requirement.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • improves children's safety in the kitchen by organising toys so they do not present a trip hazard, prevent children from gaining access to the utility room and practice evacuation procedures with the children • make sure children are sufficiently challenged in their play and learning • improve hygiene procedures by encouraging hand washing

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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 • maintain a comfortable temperature in the rooms used by the children • maintain a current first aid certificate.

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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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