St Francis Xavier's College

Inspection report for early years provision

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138463 Unique Reference Number 09 August 2007 Inspection date Victoria Vasiliadis 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 satisfactory. 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 was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and adult children in a residential area of Northwood in the borough of Hillingdon. The whole of her premises is used for childminding with the exception of the front single bedroom. She has a fully enclosed rear garden which is currently not being used due to renovations.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children and is currently caring for three children under five years on a part and full time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health within the setting is well supported by the childminder, who encourages children to wash their hands after using the potty and before eating. Children's risk of cross infection is reduced as the childminder has clear procedures in place relating to the care of the children when they are unwell. For example, if children are ill with an infectious illness then parents are requested to keep the children at home and parents will be contacted if the child

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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 becomes unwell whilst in her care. If the children have an accident or require medication, there are appropriate procedures in place. This ensure children’s well-being is maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a range of outdoor play activities and benefit from fresh air and exercise which promotes their well-being and helps them to acquire good physical skills. They have opportunities to attend indoor adventure play grounds, visit parks where they access paddling pools and equipment or feed the ducks and they go for walks locally.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents, complying with any special dietary and cultural requirements to ensure children's individual needs are met. She provides children with healthy snacks such as fruit when required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to eat, rest and play in comfort using furniture and equipment appropriate for their age, which is provided by the childminder. For example, a high chair is available which allows children to eat comfortably and safely. In addition, furniture and play equipment is clean and in good condition. The childminder checks her equipment and resources regularly to ensure children are not harmed and only purchases if they comply with safety standards and are suitable for the different ages of children cared for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from obvious hazards within the home as the childminder has ensured that her home is safe for the children. For instance, cleaning materials and other hazardous materials are placed up high so children can not access. There are smoke alarms fitted to each level of the home which are regularly tested, a fire blanket is correctly located in the kitchen and written fire evacuation procedures are in place. This ensures the childminder knows how to get out quickly and safely in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being is adequately safeguarded as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection matters. She is aware of the signs and symptoms a child may exhibit that could indicate they had been harmed. However, she is not clear of the reporting procedures should she have concerns about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are developing their vocabulary as the childminder talks to the children, in particular when attending to their personal needs or during play. The baby showed a particular interest and pleasure in the baby gym, exploring the hanging objects with its hands and mouth. The childminder is aware of the children's likes and dislikes as she gets to know the children and by talking to the parents. She responds appropriately to the children's individual needs. For example, she soothes and comforts the baby who is upset by talking in a calm and warm manner.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of how children develop. She provides play resources to enable them to progress in all areas of development. The childminder has a selection of resources in place that are suitable for the different ages and abilities of the children cared for.

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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 The children are gaining independence as they have opportunities to self-select play materials from easily accessible toy boxes and chests. The childminder also regularly rotates resources so that children do not become bored with the toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's behaviour is managed appropriately by the childminder who has clear systems in place. For instance, she considers which methods need to be applied based on the age and developmental understanding of the child being cared for. She has a written behaviour management statement in place that she shares with parents to keep them informed of her methods.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's awareness of diversity is increasing as they have access to some play materials that promote positive images of diversity such as books, figurines, puzzles and dolls. Children's individual needs are met as the childminder works in partnership with parents and carers to ensure their wishes are respected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from clear working relationships between the childminder and their parents. The childminder seeks information from the parents about the child's likes and dislikes and any relevant information which will support her care of their children. The daily exchange of information with the parents about their children's activities and achievements helps the children to receive consistent care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease within the environment which is appropriately organised for them. They are able to use all available play space within the home as the childminder ensures that it is comfortable and safe.

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Organisation

The written statements that the childminder has in place are used appropriately to support the well-being of the children. The children's behaviour is managed in a manner that is appropriate to their ages and developmental understanding.

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Organisation

Most of the legal documentation to ensure the welfare and care of the children is in place and made available for inspection. The childminder regularly shares these with parents, which keeps them well informed about the care that is provided. However, the childminder is not clear of the contents of the revised amendments in relation to the recording of complaints. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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.

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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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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

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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 satisfactory. 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 knowledge of the safeguarding children procedures, in particular the reporting processes if abuse is suspected • develop an understanding of the contents of the amendments to the National Standards in terms of complaints.

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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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