St Gildas' Catholic Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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102151 Unique Reference Number 18 September 2007 Inspection date Catherine Greene 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 1992. She is registered to care for three children under the age of eight. There are currently two children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her husband and their adult son in a two bedroom maisonette close to Tufnell Park and public transport routes. Minded children have access to the ground floor of the premises and direct access to a paved garden area.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health benefits because the childminder follows highly effective procedures which meet children's physical, nutritional and health needs. The childminder's good practice when changing babies nappies ensures their daily needs are well managed. They are cared for in a warm, clean, family environment where routines help children learn about health and independence.

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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 The childminder has good first aid experience and a clear understanding of the required procedures regarding accidents and the administration of medication, this protects children in her care. She ensures that parents are kept informed at all times, they are required to sign consent forms.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy nutritious, home cooked foods, fruit and vegetables at snack and lunch time. Close partnership with parents ensures that the children's individual needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a broad range of physical play at local parks and playgroups. Regular outings provide the children with plenty of fresh air and exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has risk assessed her home and is vigilant in her supervision of children throughout the day. Babies are made comfortable with blankets and some low level storage for toys, so that they can be independent in their choices. Children are developing confidence in their own ability and are able to move around freely and independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide range of good quality items of play equipment. The childminder ensures that all toys and equipment are stimulating, fun and interesting whilst maintaining safety. The childminder replaces, cleans and rotates the equipment to keep the children safe and stimulated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes precautions to prevent accidents, for example, with cupboard locks and stair gates in areas where children could be at risk. She has been proactive in ensuring her home is as safe as it can be.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is ensured on outings they are taught road safety and know that they only cross when they have held hands, looked both ways and listened.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has good knowledge of how to proceed should she have any concerns about a child in her care. She has attended child protection training and has a clear understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children feel a strong sense of belonging as part of the family, they are very comfortable and secure with the childminder. She offers warm and loving care and children respond to this very well. Babies show delight as she holds them close for cuddles, singing to them to comfort and reassure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are stimulated by the range of colourful and musical toys, whilst they sit securely on the blanket. The childminder is very attentive, she talks to the children and reassures them, encouraging them to explore with confidence. Children are provided with a range of valuable experiences, including musical and physical play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities are balanced, children socialise well through regular attendance at local community groups such as Talacre soft play and the 1 O'clock club on Hampstead Heath. Children also enjoy a very good range of outdoor play opportunities at the park where they enjoy the swings.

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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 good. The childminder has a good understanding of how to promote equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practice to children. Regular attendance at local community celebrations enables children to benefit from a rich, cultural environment. Each child is valued and respected as an individual and the childminder knows the children's personalities well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is encouraging children to develop close relationships with each other, they benefit from lots of affection and praise. This is reinforced by her calm, gentle and positive role modelling. She is experienced at managing behaviour and skilled at supporting children during transition times such as when settling in to nursery.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the strong relationships the childminder builds with their parents. She regularly shares information in daily talks. She is currently developing her complaints policy in line with new guidance. She consults parents closely on all issues relating to their children's care. This ensures that children's routines are followed closely.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her time well, her day is spent in supporting children in their play. She is motivated in her work and shows dedication to the children she cares for. Therefore, children learn to develop warm and positive relationships with her and make the most of the home from home environment that she offers.

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Organisation

The childminder is well informed about child development, childminding standards and looks forward to attending training in new guidance. She has enjoyed attending training on using Makaton and her first aid certificate has been renewed recently.

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Organisation

Children are protected by the secure documentation that is in place, parents complete documents ensuring the childminder is fully aware of the child's needs and has the required permission to ensure the children's safety. The childminder is fully aware of the need to maintain all information she receives from parents both in writing and verbally in the strictest confidence.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good understanding of the requirements of her registration and the inspection process; this ensures the children are kept safe and that overall she meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to; complete a first aid course and to maintain a record of incidents and an attendance record. The childminder has completed first aid training and keeps both an attendance record and a record of incidents.

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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. 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 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): • develop systems for recording complaints in line with new guidance.

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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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