Al-Khair School Preparatory School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 147184 Inspection date 16 May 2005 Inspector Deborah Wilkinson

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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 who has been registered since December 1992 lives in a 3 bed roomed first floor maisonette with her husband and 2 teenage children in the Finchley area of the London borough of Barnet. At present she cares for six children who attend for various sessions during the week with some attending nursery or full time school. Children use the front room and the kitchen diner for their play. The master bedroom is used for rest.

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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 Out door play opportunities are provided through the use of local parks and weekly visits are made to the toddler group which the childminder helps to run. The Childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Older children use the bathroom independently where the provision of squeezy soap and hand wipes helps them develop good habits. Currently only one of the minded children rests, and she does this upstairs where she has a cot and her own bedding. A baby alarm alerts the minder when she wakes. Most days the younger children go to the park, this outing and the walk back from school with the older children gives them exercise and fresh air. Children enjoy nutritious meals and snacks. Sample menus which are discussed with parents to ensure they meet the children's individual dietary needs and preferences indicate that the food is varied. Children sit together at the table for meals. Children are well protected. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a first aid kit available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The regular risk assessments completed by the childminder ensure that the children are safe and have adequate space to move around and play in the well organised kitchen and lounge. The child who is present sits comfortably on the sofa to look at her comic and is later joined by the child minder when they read stories together. Children learn about road safety when they walk back from school or visit the park and there is an emergency evacuation procedure in place. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. Children will be protected from possible harm by the childminder who has a secure understanding of child protection procedures having completed training on this subject.

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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. The minded child who is present is happy and settled. She is comfortable in her surroundings, familiar with the routine and uses the space confidently. Minded children choose from resources that are organised to be easily accessible. The child present enjoys pushing her doll in the buggy, doing puzzles and drawing. When reading with the childminder she talks about different things including brushing her teeth and going to the sea side. The minded child has a good relationship with the childminder and they chat together about the other children who attend and their families. There are shared cuddles and the minded child falls asleep while sitting on the childminders lap. The children have opportunities for messy play when they paint or use the home

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

made play dough. Trips to the park and walks to and from school provide them with fresh air and exercise. Currently the child minder does not use the Birth to Three pack.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Working in partnership with parents is considered vital and children see this positive relationship when they observe their parents talking to the childminder about the daily activities. One mum commented on how happy her daughter is and how she herself is supported by the childminder. Some written information is available for parents. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met, with the childminder following normal daily routines which are discussed with parents. The children behave well. The childminder is a good role model speaking quietly and gently. She helps the children learn to share and take turns and encourages positive behaviour when she praises the children and appreciates their efforts. No children with special needs currently attend, however the aim is for inclusion although this will depend on the specific circumstances and take into account the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

impact on the other children attending. The childminder would like to attend training on this subject.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and comfortable in the well-organised environment. They are confident to initiate their own play and select activities. Children have free access to the downstairs rooms which are warm and welcoming. This helps develop their independence, giving them space to move and play comfortably. They make free choices from the well organised resources and there is

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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 provision if they want to rest. The children's welfare and care are promoted by the childminder who keeps comprehensive records and shares information daily with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care and overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend. Confirmation that the required checks have been completed on all adults in the household is not available.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has improved four aspects of the provision. The resources for older children have been developed and they now have access to a wider range of equipment including books, board games and art and craft materials. They also enjoy helping with the younger children, playing games and reading to them. Children benefit from the improved safety of the premises. The child minder does ongoing checks to ensure that any hazardous items in the kitchen or bathroom are removed. The front door is now kept locked with the key accessible on a nearby hook which can be reached by the childminder but not the children. Children will be protected by the childminder's improved knowledge of child protection procedures. She has attended training, is aware of possible indications of abuse and understands the procedures for keeping records and notifying the appropriate departments of her

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Improvements since the last inspection

concerns. She has the required phone numbers to hand and written information and booklets are available for reference. Children's individual needs are met by using the information detailed in the comprehensive record forms which are regularly updated in consultation with parents.

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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

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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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): • Have documentary evidence available that the required checks have been completed on all household members over 16 • Give parents information about child protection and the policy for sick children

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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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