St Mark's CofE School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

147801 Unique Reference Number 08 January 2007 Inspection date Julie Biddle Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1987. She lives with her husband and three adult children. They live in the London Borough of Harrow. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently eight children on roll. The setting supports children with learning difficulties and /or disabilities.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the local childminding network and the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health is extremely well promoted by the consistent high standards of hygiene in the home. The childminder has a thorough understanding of the importance of good personal hygiene and encourages children to learn about why for example it is important to wash their hands regularly. A poster tells the children all the important times to wash hands. Children's welfare is safeguarded exceptionally well as the childminder adheres to appropriate procedures for recording accidents and medications. Effective practices ensure children's risk of cross infection is reduced. For example children do not attend if they are ill and parents are informed of illness in the home.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy and are well nourished by the healthy and nutritious diet the childminder provides. The childminder's menu planning is creative and includes a varied range of home cooked fresh foods, menus are displayed. Children are developing a good understanding of the importance of healthy eating. Children eagerly ate for example wraps with lettuce tomatoes, cucumber and a choice of cheese or vegetarian ham. Drinks are available at all times and children confidently request a drink when needed. The childminder shares dietary information with parents, for example she tells parents what the children have eaten each day. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health and physical development for example there are regular trips to the local parks where children enthusiastically climb, run and slide.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit by being cared for in a clean comfortable and very safe environment. The childminder is extremely vigilant about safety and uses effective risk assessments within her home and garden to ensure children are safe and secure everyday. For example a fire safety poster is displayed and records of fire drills are maintained. The childminders forward thinking, means children are safe when out of the home. For example the childminder has comprehensive plans in place to ensure emergency contact numbers are readily available. Children are learning to take responsibility for their own safety as they become involved with a road safety project.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children eagerly use high quality equipment and resources, which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder supervises and supports the children's play to ensure their overall safety is maintained. Children are able to help themselves to toys and resources as they are at a low level. Children are kept safe as the childminder regularly checks toys and resources.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are highly valued and their welfare is strongly promoted by the childminder, who has a comprehensive understanding of child protection policies and procedures.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very settled and extremely confident within the childminder's home, as a result they thoroughly enjoy their time there. Children explore and enthusiastically use the varied and stimulating range of play equipment. Children's inquisitive nature is extended by the comprehensive plans and activities that are in place. For example children persisted at racing homemade spiders as the childminder supported them. Children have great fun as they play together, older children are kind and support the younger children. For example the older children were delighted to read stories to the younger children. Children are highly stimulated by first hand experiences and activities that develop their understanding of the world around them. For example making models of the solar system and visiting the science museum. Children's creative work is displayed therefore they have a sense of pride. Children have wonderful

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

opportunities to use their imagination because the childminder puts considerable thought into planning. For example a topic on the big top gave children the chance to dress up as clowns and design elephant masks. Interaction between the children and the childminder is of high quality, children really enjoy time snuggled up with the childminder reading to them. The childminder displays an enthusiastic interest in the children and responds quickly to requests and questions. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. Children thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to self select a stimulating range of toys and resources. They are very well supported by the childminder as they make these choices.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminders comprehensive knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework and Foundation Stage results in children being busy and fully occupied. The childminder understands how children learn and develop and provides suitable challenges and support as a result children make excellent progress. Children have many opportunities to explore the local environment as the childminder plans trips to local parks and playgrounds.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The children have extensive opportunities to learn to value themselves and others through sharing books and posters that include positive images and examples of how people live. Children really enjoy trips in the local and wider community for example, the science museum. Children are gaining a sense of time and season as they plant bulbs and make calendars. Children are learning about sharing and taking turns through example and activities. The childminders understanding of children and their development means that she is able to successfully support children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Children play well with one another, and are encouraged by the childminder to share and tidy away which helps them learn how to take care of toys and equipment. The childminder knows the children extremely well, she values and respects their individuality. This means that she is able to provide for them and ensure their

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

needs are constantly met. Children are very settled and confident The childminder reacts gently and positively to develop children's learning of right and wrong, which encourages children to play harmoniously together. Firm consistent boundaries encourage children to know what is expected of them and behave well. Their behaviour is very good.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's wellbeing. The childminder has a caring and sensitive approach to ensuring parents feel confident in the care she provides. An comprehensive amount of written information and extensive procedures are available for parents to view. Parents are included in their child's care, for example the childminders has devised parents questionnaires for their views on the care she provides. Subsequently the children are confident, secure and extremely happy in the childminders care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the exceptional quality of the care and organisation of this childminder. The children's care and development flourishes due to the stimulating cohesive plans and activities that they enjoy. Children benefit from a highly motivated and extremely skilled childminder, who is committed to continuous improvement and development. The children benefit from space that is well planned and organised to maximise their play opportunities

p.5

Organisation

She regularly reviews and monitors her work, she includes parents in her reviews. All required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well being is in place. Plans, menus and daily information are shared regularly with parents to keep them very well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to the excellent continuity in the children's care.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder accesses training and attends forums that are organised by the Local Authority meaning she is well informed and motivated. She offers support and guidance to new childminders in the local area.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

No recommendations set at last inspection

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6