St Leonard's Church of England Primary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 148009 Inspection date 18 May 2005 Inspector Victoria Vasiliadis

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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 registered in 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and 13 years. They live in a semi detached house in a residential area of North Harrow. It is situated within walking distance of local bus routes and North Harrow station. The ground floor is used for childminding and two bedrooms are available for rest purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a cat.

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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 The childminder is registered to provide care for four children under eight years of age at any one time and is currently minding five children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are happy in the warm and clean environment. The childminder has policies and procedures in place to reduce the risk of infection for children when they are unwell. However hygiene practices are not always consistent. For example the children handle the cat and did not wash their hands before eating. The children are provided with wholesome meals that are appealing to them and meet their dietary needs. The childminder takes account of parent's wishes and provides healthy and nutritious meals and snacks to meet the individual needs of the children cared for. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health, there are regular outdoor activities to the park and mother and toddler groups to help them develop their physical skills

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children have access to an environment that is safe and free from potential hazards. Children are able to move around the home safely and independently because the childminder has identified and minimised hazards. The home is comfortably furnished and child focused. Children have a wide selection of resources to support their all round development. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe, appropriate and suitable for their ages. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has all the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children become independent as they choose from a selection of resources that promote learning in all areas and are enjoyed by the children. They are beginning to play happily together and with adults enjoying using resources such as puzzles, creative materials and small world toys, suitable for their ages and development. However this could be enhanced further if the Birth to Three Matters Framework was used.

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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 Children are confident and settled in the environment provided by the childminder. The children relate well to each other and socialise with others through regular attendance at local toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are provided with a meaningful range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world whilst increasing their awareness of diversity and understanding of others. The children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the needs of the children well and actively involves parents. Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and according to their ages, children are beginning to learn right from wrong. The childminder has a good understanding of the needs of the children, whilst ensuring parent’s views are sought

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are comfortable and settled in the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate their own play and learning. The childminder has gained a qualification in Introduction to Childminding Practice, this has enabled her to effectively use the knowledge and understanding gained from training to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Her policies and procedures are regularly shared with parents to keep them well informed about their child. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved her record keeping and provision of resources that promote positive images. She has organised her records and polices well and ensures they are shared with parents to keep them well informed about their child. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The concern was raised on 21/01/2005. The concern related to Standards 1, 3, 12 and 14. The provider was asked for information regarding the alleged incident. Following the receipt of this information an Ofsted inspector made an unannounced visit.

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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 No evidence was found that the National Standards had been breached. However the childminder agreed to a recommendation to ensure that incidents are discussed with parents. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

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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): • Ensure appropriate hygiene methods are implemented when children have contact with the pet. • Consider using the Birth to Three Matters Framework to enhance practice with the under three's.

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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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