Our Lady and St Anselm's Roman Catholic Primary School, Whitworth

Inspection report for early years provision

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119697 Unique Reference Number 25 September 2007 Inspection date Shaheen Belai 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 was registered in 1996. She lives with her husband, two adult aged children and one child aged ten years of age. The premises is situated within a block of flats in the Bethnal Green area, which is situated in the London borough of Tower Hamlets. The whole of the childminders home is used for childminding purposes, all except two bedrooms. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding two children under five years and two children aged over five years after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends local under fives groups. She receives the support of the local authority advisor. The family have two guinea pigs and one dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. They receive support and gentle reminders to develop good personal hygiene. For example, bright and bold posters in the bathroom and toilet areas provide children with written and picture procedures on how to

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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 address their personal hygiene needs. This develops their understanding of how to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder ensures that she follows good procedures to minimise the spread of germs. For example, she washes her hands immediately after nappy changing and informing children why she does this. Young children's sleeping needs are taken into account within the daily routine to reflect their personal needs and wishes of parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Written procedures and current training in first aid help to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. There are effective procedures in place to make sure that the children's health needs are met. For example, records of medication administered, accident records, a sick child policy and the gaining of written consent from parents for seeking emergency advice or treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's good health is promoted because the childminder plans and provides nutritious and balanced meals and snacks. When planning the menu, the childminder take into account the hours of attendance of children, the age, special dietary requirements and likes and dislikes. Young children develop good independence skills in feeding themselves, and helping themselves to water because the childminder provides the correct stage tools for them to address these tasks. For example, the provision of feeder cups and angled cutlery to contribute to the development of self-help skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in regular physical activities, both indoors and outdoors which contribute to their good health. For example, children walk to school and community groups, visit a number of parks where they use large equipment to develop and participate in a range of indoor activities to develop their fine motor skills. All these opportunities contribute to the development of physical skills and co-ordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being in a well organised environment, which allows for the individual needs of children to be addressed. For example, the arrangement of sufficient space for a variety of play, a quite area for rest and a designated area for dining or table top activities. Space is organised for children to move safely with comfort and ease. In the sitting room children are able to choose toys from the selection the childminder organises in boxes. The play materials and furniture for children's use are carefully selected to ensure they are reflective of the age and development of the children attending. This allows for their individual learning and safety needs to be addressed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because the childminder has put measures in place to address any potential risks. For example, use of safety gate at kitchen entrance and devising and practising an emergency evacuation plan. Though the evacuation plan is practised on a regular basis, the records maintained to reflect these are not thorough, to allow for risk assessment. This impacts on children's safety. Children receive general daily reminders as part of the routine of how to keep themselves safe. For example, staying within the sight of the childminder, road safety and not to talk to any approaching strangers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is further protected as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. Recent attendance to training within this area and the gaining of current literature further supports her existing knowledge to protect the welfare of children. To support her role in protecting children, the childminder has a policy in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 policy also keeps parent's informed of her responsibility to protect children from intentional harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, feel secure and have a close trusting relationship with the childminder. This is supported due to the positive interaction the childminder provides through talking and playing with children at their own level. Young children respond positively with laughter and giggles as they involve the childminder in their games. The childminder is skilled in recognising the signals of children, such as when they need a drink or need a cuddle. Children show great pleasure in communicating with the childminder, which extends their language and vocabulary. Children respond well to the childminders encouragement and recognition as they play and learn. This contributes to their self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder takes into account the children's individual stage of development and particular interests when she devises her weekly plans. For example, she provides a treasure basket for a young toddler with specially selected items to extend the child's current interest in textures. Brief observations are carried out to monitor the progress being made by children. Children's regular attendance to community groups and visits to outdoor play areas helps to contribute to their learning, social skills and becoming aware of their local community. The childminder takes into account the particular interests of older children when planning their play needs. For example, ensuring they have regular opportunities to fresh air and exercise after being at school all day and creative activities which they lack participation in at school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are taken into account throughout the time they attend. The childminder treats children as individuals and works with parents to ensure their needs are met. For example, the gaining of information of special dietary requirements or the feeding patterns of babies. This allows for continuity of care and contribute to the wellbeing of children. Children have access to a range of resources which reflect positive images of race, gender and disability. This enables children to develop a positive self identity or develop a knowledge and understanding of the wider community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and know what is expected of them. They receive clear messages about how to behave, which they respond to. The childminder uses various consistent methods to manage unacceptable behaviour and sanctions which are positive. These are reflective of age and understanding, such as distraction for young toddlers and short time away from play for older children. Children respond to the praise and positive recognition given by the childminder, this contributes to their understanding of what behaviour is acceptable.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop well because their personal needs are met through the regular sharing of verbal information between childminder and parents. Though daily verbal discussions take place, no detailed written information is maintained. For example, in relation to information regarding young babies general wellbeing, learning and developmental progress, details of their food intake, nappy changes and rest periods. This does not allow parents to be kept well informed, monitor consistency in care and learning. The childminder works effectively with parents by providing them access to copies of specific policies and procedures. This ensures parents are familiar with the childminders practice and empowered with relevant information.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 For example, how to address complaints with either the childminder or the regulator. The childminder's friendly yet professional relationship promotes children's wellbeing and consistency in care. Parents give positive feedback on the care and service provided for their child by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment, this allows for their individual needs to be met. The childminder plans her routine effectively and works closely with parents to meet the differing needs of the children in her care. The childminder continues to develop her knowledge in childcare practices, such as attending recent training in Health and Safety. This contributes to the safety and wellbeing of children. She provides a good range of resources and equipment to ensure children spend their time purposefully. The childminder recognises her role in supporting children to promote their development.

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Organisation

Record keeping is good and includes all the required documentation. Attendance records are maintained as required and reflect reasons for absences. This contributes to children's safety. Information maintained on children is stored in a safe and confidential manner. These records promote the care and wellbeing of children. The childminder 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 agreed to: not use the balcony; provide resources that reflect positive images of disability.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder does not use the balcony area at anytime with minded children and agrees that this would impact on children's safety if she was to do so. Resources have been developed to provide children with positive images of disability, such as small world characters and equipment.

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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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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): • ensure that details recorded for emergency evacuation practice drills reflect the duration and include relevant details to allow for risk assessment • develop a system for the sharing of written records with parents to enhance continuity of care.

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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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