St David and St Katharine CofE Secondary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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102160 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 February 1996.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her husband and their two children aged 13 and 15 years in a two bedroom maisonette. Located between Tufnell Park and Parliament Hill. Tufnell Park and Kentish Town tube stations are close by as are various bus routes. Children have access to the ground floor bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, garden and upstairs living room.

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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 caring for three children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted by a range of effective procedures which meet their physical, nutritional and health needs. For example, the sickness procedure is shared verbally with parents.

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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 Consequently, they are well cared for if they become ill. The childminder has completed a course in First Aid for children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from infection by very good hygiene procedures and are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. They are provided with their own bedding, cups and plates helping to prevent the spread of cross infection. The childminder ensures kitchen surfaces are hygienic for the preparation of food. All children are learning the importance of good personal hygiene and are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before lunch and snacks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The food given to children is nutritious and varied, regular drinks are given throughout the day. The childminder has a good understanding of the benefits of healthy eating and promotes this well together with parents. Children enjoy frequent opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Visits to local drop-in groups and parks ensure they develop physical co-ordination skills. Their need to rest and sleep is built into their daily routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a well organised environment. The childminder ensures hazards are minimised allowing children to move around freely and independently. Children eat, sleep and are transported comfortably because the childminder has suitable furniture and equipment in place. Children can sleep comfortably in a travel cot and eat independently with the use of age appropriate furniture at meal times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted by the use of suitable fire safety equipment, such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket. The childminder has a good understanding of how to evacuate in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are provided with a well maintained selection of play equipment. They are learning about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe. They are taught how to cross the road safely as they make the trip back form playgroup to the childminders home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a clear child protection policy in place which is shared with parents. The childminder is proactive in updating her child protection knowledge regularly and has developed systems for accessing professional guidance if, she has concerns about a child's welfare. Therefore children are very well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and comfortable in the care of the childminder. They greet her with big smiles and cuddles as she picks them up from their morning at playgroup.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a range of resources including a very good selection of creative and imaginative activities. Children play happily, gaining independence and self confidence. The childminder spends time supporting their play and learning. She is very attentive and gives regular praise and cuddles. Consequently, children develop a strong sense of self that helps build their confidence and self-esteem.

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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 Children are involved in a wide range of activities and can easily access the play equipment which increases their independence skills. They benefit from well planned activities outside the home. They go for walks to Hampstead Heath and enjoy a variety of well resourced drop-in groups. They are developing social skills as they meet and interact with other children on a regular basis.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive individual attention because their needs and circumstances are known to the childminder. This helps ensure they feel settled and at home in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about the world around them through local outings and a selection of play equipment that reflect positive images of race and culture.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and content, relating well to the childminder. She sensitively manages their behaviour according to their age and level of understanding, through distraction and discussion. Children are regularly praised and encouraged.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The relationship with parents is honest and professional, this helps children feel settled and secure. Parents benefit from regular verbal feedback detailing children's development and achievements. Policies and procedures are shared with them and are easily accessible. The childminder has displayed details of the regulator and is developing a complaints procedure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's care and learning is greatly enhanced by the good organisation, well planned activities and information given to parents.

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Organisation

The home is well organised and laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. They feel at home and at ease in this caring environment. The parent's views are valued and there are systems in place to share information contributing to children's sense of confidence and wellbeing.

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Organisation

The daily routines are based on the childminder's knowledge and understanding of the children's individual needs. Most required documentation is in place. The childminder is committed to extending her childminding knowledge through further training. This has a positive impact on children's wellbeing and development. 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 was asked to make the garden safe and improve resources, particularly for outdoor play. The garden is now safe and secure, new equipment has been acquired and children have access to a selection of equipment to enjoy during outdoor play.

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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

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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 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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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): • keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken.

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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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