St Michael's CofE Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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102140 Unique Reference Number 27 July 2006 Inspection date Marcia Robinson Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her partner and two children aged 14 years and 8 years. The family live in a town house in the Gospel Oak area of the London Borough of Camden. The bedroom and toilet in the basement and the living room on the first floor are available for childminding purposes. The family have a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years. There are several under five resources in the local area that the childminder attends with the minded children.

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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 satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a warm and clean home. Children's health care needs are well promoted as the childminder has developed effective daily cleaning routines and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection. For example, as part of the daily routine, children are encouraged to wash their hands at the appropriate times and the childminder gives clear explanations as to the importance of hand washing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's welfare in the event of an accident or sudden illness is mostly ensured with appropriate procedures in place for sick children, recording accidents and medication. However, the childminder does not hold an up to date first aid certificate and the first aid box is not always stocked with sterile items. This may impact on the immediate treatment of a child in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide the children's main meals, while the childminder provides a healthy range of parentally approved drinks and snacks. The children enjoy a balanced range of healthy snacks consisting of raisins, fresh fruit and organic reduced sugar biscuits. Mealtimes are social occasions, and the childminder takes into account the children's individual dietary needs to ensure that they remain healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is actively promoted by the childminder who takes children out everyday to local parks, drop-ins, the farm and on regular walks in the fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing and resting in a bright and welcoming environment where space is sufficient to allow them to move around the home freely and play comfortably with toys. There is a good range of toys for children to choose from, all of which are age-appropriate and rotated on a daily basis to allow children to make independent choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy their play in a safe and secure environment by the childminder who demonstrates a sound understanding of safety issues. Most of the necessary safety measures are in place to minimise potential risks. For example, a safety gate is used to prevent children from accessing out-of-bounds areas, cleaning products are inaccessible to children and all electrical sockets are fitted with safety covers. On outings, the childminder follows suitable safety procedures because she takes emergency contact numbers, ensures younger children are strapped in their buggies and that older children are holding onto the buggy when they are walking. She also teaches the children practical road safety awareness whilst walking to and from local children's facilities. This has a positive impact on children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has satisfactory knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of some of the signs and symptoms of

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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 abuse as well as the procedures to follow with regards to reporting concerns. However, she does not have all the relevant contact details for reporting concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. An established stable routine helps children to feel a sense of security and settle quickly in the care of the childminder. Children receive good support and comfort from the childminder as she spends time playing and talking to them about what they are doing, for example during free play activities. She works well with the children but she does not have any knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework at present.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are making satisfactory progress because the childminder provides a number of interesting activities outside the home, for example they visit the farm, local drop-in groups and the library. This promotes children's social skills and extends their play experiences. Children are given sufficient challenges and opportunities to explore through a range of creative and imaginative play experiences. For example, they enjoy sticking, water play and painting activities and enjoy counting as part of their everyday routines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing their communication skills as a result of her responsive approach, as she talks to them about what they are doing and introduces them to new words when looking at books together. Children's self-esteem is good as the childminder praises their efforts and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's care. They are building a positive self-image and feel at home as the childminder ensures the care she provides is consistent with their home routines. Individual needs are followed closely, such as dietary and daily routines. The childminder works closely with parents, she provides commitment and knows the children well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to develop an understanding of their own beliefs and those of other people. They take part in activities both at the childminder's home and at local drop in groups. They have access to a sufficient range of books and toys which promote positive images of different cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are happy and secure in the childminder's care. She has age-appropriate behaviour management strategies in place to promote positive behaviour. These are shared with parents to ensure continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has a sufficient understanding of the National Standards for Childminding. She provides a relaxed

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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 and comfortable setting for children where space and equipment is used effectively to meet their individual needs. The childminder is due to complete a first aid course and she is interested in raising her awareness of child care through attending Birth to three matters training.

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Organisation

The children's welfare is supported as the childminder and parents have drawn up contracts which sets out the expectations of both parties and they regularly discuss information about the children's day. The childminder provides parents with a full range of written policies and procedures that detail information about the service she provides. This further supports the children's welfare. All documentation relating to childminding activities are professionally and well maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now has access to reading materials that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. This ensures children are developing an understanding of equality issues.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children; and ensure first aid supplies are complete with sterile items • develop further, knowledge and understanding relating to child protection issues and obtain contact details for social services • continue to develop the range of activities provided for children in line with guidance such as Birth to three matters

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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 set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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