St Paul's CofE (C) First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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124245 Unique Reference Number 29 November 2006 Inspection date Denys Rasmussen 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 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?

This childminder has been registered since 1997. She lives with her partner and two children aged 10 and four years, in a house in South Norwood close to local transport and shops.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The downstairs of the property, the bathroom and an upstairs bedroom are mainly used for childminding purposes. There is a secure garden suitable for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children. Currently there are five children aged from one year to five years on roll. They attend on a part-time basis. The family have a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds an Advanced Diploma in Childcare and Education.

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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. The childminder implements good hygiene practices in order to prevent the spread of infection. The children have individual flannels and are encouraged to wash their hands appropriately. The sick child policy which is stated in the parents' contract helps to prevent children being at risk of contracting an infectious disease. The childminder is qualified in first aid which means accidents are dealt with appropriately. The childminder keeps accurate records of any accidents or medication administered to the children. This means information is effectively shared with parents to protect children's health. There is a written menu for parents' information, which offers healthy and nutritious meals, such as steamed fish, fresh vegetables, wholemeal bread and fresh and dried fruit. This, along with a project the childminder is completing with the children about how they can keep themselves healthy, helps children to make healthy choices.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes all dietary needs into consideration and offers regular drinks ensuring children's health needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are made welcoming and friendly to children. The home is organised to be child orientated and children can access labelled play resources for themselves. The home is warm and has adequate space for the children attending. This allows children to eat, play and rest in comfort. There are sufficient, suitable toys and play materials available to the children. These are safe because the childminder ensures they are appropriate for the age and stage of development of the children using them. The childminder helps children to learn about their own safety by introducing them to road safety when on outings and completing a project with them about how they can help themselves stay safe. The childminder has taken steps to ensure hazards to children are minimised. For example, she has placed safety film on the internal glass door, placed stair gates appropriately and installed child locks on a kitchen cupboard. Most fire

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safety precautions are in place. However, whilst the fire blanket is in the kitchen, it is not easily accessed. The childminder understands her responsibility to the children in her care. She has a comprehensive written child protection procedure which means she knows the procedures to follow if she were concerned about a child's welfare. This helps to protect the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder's exceptional understanding of child development and the 'Birth to three matters' framework contributes greatly to the quality of activities and experiences that the children are offered. She encourages language development when the children are involved in activities such as singing, story telling and role play. She responds to the children by repeating what they say, reinforcing language and ensuring children feel understood. This increases children's sense of well being and their confidence. Children experience a varied range of activities inside and outside the home which contributes to their development. For example,

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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 they use musical instruments, paint and draw, cook, use the computer and build with construction equipment. The childminder keeps detailed observations of the children to enable her to understand where their starting points are and how she can help them progress. Children's independence is encouraged by the choices they have in accessing play resources and by the projects she involves them in. For example, helping children to understand how they can keep themselves healthy and safe. The children benefit from regular outings and attend groups to meet up with other children; this enables them to make friends and play with different children on a regular basis, building their confidence and social skills. They are happy and secure with good levels of self-esteem and confidence as a result of the childminder's supportive and gentle

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of equality issues and anti-discriminatory practice and has applied this in her daily routines and activities. Children have access to resources and outings that promote a positive view of the wider world. For example, by acknowledging a variety of festivals and traditions, and providing play resources that reflect positive images of race, culture and disability. She takes detailed information about the children to ensure she provides appropriate care. She is aware that some children may have additional needs and is more than willing to take steps to ensure that their needs are met. She has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment. The childminder has a good understanding of child development ensuring her methods of behaviour management are appropriate to the age and understanding of the children. The children know what is expected of them because they discuss

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and help to decide the house rules. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with their parents. This ensures children settle well and their individual needs are met. They experience appropriate care due to effective communication systems. For example, the childminder uses a contact book to relay information about the child's day and E-Mail to send photographs of the children engaged in activities. Parents are extremely happy with the care the childminder provides and made comments such as 'goes beyond what I would expect from a childminder' and 'my child has progressed in her care'.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and secure in the childminder's home. This helps them gain confidence and settle well. The indoor and outdoor environment is laid out to make the most of the available space and maximise children's play opportunities. Appropriate policies and procedures work well in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. All the required documentation is in place. The childminder is well qualified and has a good understanding of how children learn. This means children are offered a stimulating environment and look forward to attending. Children's needs are well met because of the good relationships and effective communication with the parents. Parents are well informed about their child's progress and the service provided. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has made some good improvements. She was asked to implement a policy for sick children and a procedure for complaints; to improve fire safety precautions and to keep a written record of medicines given to children. The childminder has a written policy for sick children which helps to prevent the spread of infection. She has a procedure for parents with regard to making a complaint and maintains a record of medicine administered to children which improves her partnership with the parents. She has improved the fire safety precautions by ensuring both her smoke alarms are in working order. However, the fire safety precautions need further improvement and is a recommendation arising from this inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 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): • improve fire safety precautions by installing the fire blanket so that it is accessible in the kitchen.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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