St Maria Goretti Catholic Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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140298 Unique Reference Number 14 May 2007 Inspection date Kanwal Sonia Lobo 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?

The childminder has been registered since 1990. She lives with her adult son and 15 year old daughter in a three bedroom flat in Hornsey in the London Borough of Haringey. The areas of the home that are used for childminding purposes are the living room, two bedrooms, bathroom, toilet and kitchen. There are currently three children on roll who attend on different days and times of the week all year round. There are no children with special needs attending. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under five years at any one time. The family do not have any pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy environment which is well organised to meet their individual needs. They have access to toys and equipment which are in good condition and regularly washed in order to prevent cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

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 able to sleep and rest comfortably because they have their own travel cot which has fresh individual bedding.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are clear systems in place in the event a child has an accident or is sick because the childminder has an up to date knowledge of first aid and the sickness policy is comprehensive.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat the meals that their parents provide and are able to do so at their own pace without feeling rushed. They are reminded to have a drink of water or milk in order to replenish their energy and to prevent them being at risk from dehydration.

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Helping children to be healthy

Opportunities for fresh air and exercise are organised so that children can engage in vigorous exercise. They enjoy outings to the park and library.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are learning about how to keep themselves safe. A gentle reminder by the childminder helps them to understand why they must not run whilst indoors because they could fall and hurt themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Some positive steps have been taken to minimise potential risks to children. However, there remains a weakness in this area with regards to children's accessibility to low level glass in one area of the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to practise emergency evacuation with them. As a result, children are becoming familiar with the process and are more likely to respond cooperatively in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safeguarding children is of prime importance to the childminder. She is aware of the signs and indicators of abuse. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of what to do in the event an allegation is made against her or a household member.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children select toys and resources for themselves which are age appropriate and support their learning. The childminder facilities their learning and progress effectively. She is skilful at asking questions and through play encourages children to identify the different shapes she pulls out from the bag. Children respond with great excitement as they recognise the different two dimensional shapes, such as hexagon, square and diamond.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy singing nursery rhymes with the childminder and their peers and together they sing 'Polly put the kettle on'. They participate actively and remain interested because the brightly coloured puppets capture their imagination. Children benefit from the variety of toys and good resources available to them which are rotated and chosen by the children themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are lots of chances for children to develop various skills, such as their hand eye coordination as they are involved in threading activities or completing puzzles. Children are involved in a range of activities which provide good challenge and contribute towards them reaching their potential.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the individual attention they receive. Their needs and circumstances are well known by the childminder. Children have access to some resources which reflect positive images of race and culture, such as puzzles, dolls and books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

In the main, children are well behaved. They respond well to the childminder's requests to put toys away once they have finished playing with them. Children are aware of their boundaries and are offered explanations to help them understand their actions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership between the childminder and the parents of the minded children is that of a professional status. This is because the childminder keeps them well informed of their child's progress and development. This is mainly achieved through verbal communication and written information, such as the 'daily event card' which is a monthly overview of the child's progress and activities. The childminder demonstrates a developing understanding of what to do in the event a parent wishes to make a complaint and is yet to seek advice in order to ensure the procedure is in line with current guidance.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The home is warm and welcoming. Although the children that are currently attending are young, the management of care is promoting an awareness of how to keep healthy and be able to make choices. They are familiar with the routines that are in place to help them settle quickly and feel secure.

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Organisation

Children are content and confident exploring their surroundings. Space is well organised and used effectively to meet their immediate and individual needs. Children benefit from the required documentation being in place and confidential information being stored appropriately and safely.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed the Birth to three matters training and Food safety in catering which shows she has a commitment to ongoing training. However, she is yet to register her childminding business with the Food Standards Agency.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision does meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, two actions were raised. These have now been met. The childminder was required to ensure that all records relating to day childminding activities were displayed, readily accessible and available for inspection at all times and to improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations and set in place a procedure to notify Ofsted of relevant matters such as when you wish to vary the conditions of registration to care for more children. The childminder has all the required documentation in place which is easily accessible and available for inspection. She is aware of the need to notify Ofsted of relevant matters and the requirements set out in regulations. This has had a positive impact on the quality and standard of care provided to children and their parents.

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Improvements 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

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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): • continue to risk assess and ensure that all low level glass is safe or inaccessible to children. • update the complaints procedure to ensure it is in line with current legislation and guidance. • register with the Food Standards Agency.

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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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