St Andrew's Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

144416 Unique Reference Number 31 January 2008 Inspection date Samantha Smith 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1999. She lives with her husband and grown-up children in Stoke Newington in the London Borough of Hackney. The whole ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight years and there is currently one child on roll, attending after school on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member the local childminder's network.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for in a clean and welcoming home. They are encouraged to follow basic hygiene routines, such as washing their hands before meals and after using the toilet. This helps to minimize cross infection and helps children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder's own hygiene practice contributes to preventing the spread of

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 infection. For example, the home is kept clean and is prepared before children arrive, clean hand towels are provided daily and she washes her hands at appropriate times throughout the day.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate procedures are in place if children are ill and parents are made aware of the sickness policy. If infectious, children are excluded from the provision until they are clear. In the event of a child having an accident, the childminder demonstrates appropriate procedures, this includes basic first aid. The childminder has recently completed a refresher first aid course and a first aid box is located in the home. Written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment has been obtained from parents, promoting children's health and well-being.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Snacks provided are healthy and nutritious. They consist of toasted sandwiches and fruit and drinks are freely available. Children's dietary needs are taken into account and changes are made to accommodate these. Children take part in various physical activities as they access the garden and go on visits to the park and other places of interest in the local area.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The home is warm, welcoming and sufficiently organised. Children enjoy free access to the whole of the ground floor, where they move around with confidence. Resources are in good condition and well maintained.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Positive steps have been taken to ensure children's safety in the home. The childminder has identified and minimised potential hazards. Fire safety has been taken into account through the use of smoke alarms on each level of the home, however these are not appropriately maintained and this potentially compromises children's safety in the event of a fire. There is a fire blanket in place in the kitchen and emergency evacuation procedures are practised. Children are safe on outings and on walks from school because the childminder ensures they stay close by when walking from school, she also talks to them about road safety and stranger danger.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of her role in child protection. She knows who to report her concerns to and a written policy has been shared with the parents informing them of her responsibility in this. Consequently, children's welfare is protected.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and have settled well in the childminder's care. They are developing warm and positive relationships with the childminder and her family. They benefit from the time she spends getting to know them, engaging in conversation and responding to their questions.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children currently attend after school. They enjoy the calm and relaxing environment the childminder has created, where they can engage in their play or have a rest if they are tired. The childminder also takes children to extra activities that they take part in after school.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A variety of play resources are available for children to access in the lounge such as cuddly toys, shape sorters, some home corner equipment and paper and pencils. However, these do not present sufficient challenge for older children. There is a lack of resources for older children which impacts on their enjoyment.

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 The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of the needs of babies and young children and she has suitable toys and equipment to cater for their needs.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children and parents are welcome in the childminder's home. She has a sound understanding of promoting equal opportunities and diversity. A written policy is shared with the parents on this. However, there were no toys and resources to support this.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is currently not caring for any children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities though she demonstrates a positive approach to meeting children's individual needs and sharing information with parents. Children are well behaved as they play co-operatively together. Positive behaviour is promoted through praise and the childminder demonstrates sensitive and appropriate methods for dealing with unacceptable behaviour, such as time out, and appropriate explanations are used to promote positive behaviour.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships the childminder has established with parents. Written information about the setting including policies and procedures are shared with parents and information about each child including dietary requirements, likes and dislikes and emergency contact details. Most written agreements are in place. The childminder has a sound understanding of the regulation in regards to complaints and she has shared this with the parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall, children’s needs are met. All adults over the age of 16 years and living in the home have completed relevant checks including a criminal record check, ensuring that children are cared for by a suitable adult. The home is spacious and sufficiently organised to support children's care needs. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development and she uses this to support children’s learning and play.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has recently completed a first aid course, which is a requirement of registration. A daily record of attendance is kept and the required documentation is in place and well maintained. Written contracts and procedures are shared with the parents and agreed with parents, thus ensuring that children's welfare is fully safeguarded.

p.4

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.4

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.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 satisfactory. 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): • improve fire safety in the home by ensuring that smoke alarms are maintained in working order • provide a variety of play and learning activities, appropriate to children's individual needs.

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