St Paul's Community Primary and Nursery School, Spalding

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

147727 Unique Reference Number 14 June 2007 Inspection date Jennifer Devine 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 good. 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 1986. She lives with her two children aged 11 and 15 years in Pinner in the London borough of Harrow. The whole of the ground floor, the bathroom and one bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

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 four children under five years on different days of the week. The family have a pet cat and rabbit.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities which contributes to their good health. They have daily opportunities for fresh air and physical exercise when they play outside in the well equipped garden, when they visit the local park or walk to and from school or playgroup. Children enjoy

p.2

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 playing in the garden on the slides or jumping on the trampoline which improves their physical skills.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a clean, warm home where they are learning about good hygiene and personal care. The risk of infection is minimised by the childminder's policy of not caring for children when they have an infectious illness. The childminder has knowledge of first aid which ensures she is confident to deal with a medical emergency. She is due to attend refresher first aid training as the certificate has expired. Appropriate written consents, medication and accidents records are maintained.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. They enjoy varied and nutritious lunches which are provided by the childminder such as sandwiches with various fillings together with cherry tomatoes and fresh fruit or yoghurts. Drinks of water or no sugar juices are offered regularly. Any foods provided by parents are stored appropriately by the childminder to ensure they remain fresh and consumable. The childminder is aware of any special dietary needs that children may have.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to explore their environment independently as the childminder has taken steps to minimise hazards within her home and garden. For example, safety gates are positioned across the kitchen and stairs to prevent children accessing these areas alone. Children are taught about how to keep themselves safe by holding hands when out walking and this helps build up children's confidence. Appropriate fire detection equipment and a suitable evacuation plan ensure children are cared for in a safe environment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and equipment are of good quality. They are suitable for the ages of children being cared for and small items are kept out reach of younger children which maintains their safety. Space is organised to meet all the children's needs and enables them to play, eat and rest in a comfortable environment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a generally good understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and understands the child protection procedures to follow.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. The childminder provides a varied range of toys and activities to meet each child's developmental needs. The toys encourage progress as well as being fun for the children. Older children enjoy cooking activities where they roll out pastry and use cutters when making jam tarts. This helps children develop their understanding of numbers when measuring ingredients and develops their fine motor skills. The childminder gets on very well with the children in her care and provides lots of interaction to encourage young children's early communication. She spends a lot of time chatting to the children and teaching them new words. Children's early reading skills are developing as the childminder places emphasis on encouraging them to enjoy books and often reads with the children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework and uses her knowledge to provide a stimulating environment which encourage young children to develop their sense of

p.3

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 exploration and investigation. For example, when children are out in the garden they have opportunities to dig and look for worms or insects.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected and valued as individuals. The childminder discusses their needs, such as diet and sleep patterns with parents and incorporates them effectively into the daily routine. Younger children are gaining self confidence and trust through forming close relationships with each other and the childminder. The warm, affectionate care given enables children to develop a sense of belonging.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have access to an adequate range of resources that enables them to develop a positive view of diversity.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive appropriate praise and encouragement to enhance their self esteem and confidence. Age appropriate and positive strategies are used to manage any difficulties that may arise.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well settled and comfortable in the home because the childminder recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents. This means that there is consistency of care as all relevant information is exchanged regularly.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel comfortable and at ease within a family environment. Space is available for children to explore play equipment easily and unhindered. The childminder organises the day to include quiet times indoors and physical exercise outdoors. In addition children benefit from the individual attention they receive throughout the day. The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards and is able to demonstrate that she meets these well. She is aware of the need to attend refresher first aid training, and keeps herself updated with new legislation or working practises by reading information on the internet. Most of the required documentation relating to children is in place, although the attendance register is not kept up to date. This compromises children's safety.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made improvements in the care she provides since the last inspection. A written complaints procedure is now available to parents which ensures parents are aware of what to do if were concerned about their child's care. The childminder has removed all ivy in the garden which ensures children are safe from poisonous plants.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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. 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.4

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.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 the attendance register is completed accurately and promptly.

p.5

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.5

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.5