St Mary Queen of Martyrs RC Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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118052 Unique Reference Number 11 February 2008 Inspection date Keriann Belcher 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 1987.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her two adult children and son aged 14 years. They live in a house in Northolt, close to local amenities. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom / toilet upstairs is available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five and two children after school. She walks/drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local pre-school groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends a local parent and toddler group on a regular basis. She holds a first aid certificate for babies and young children and the National Nursery Education Board certificate (NNEB). In addition she has learnt British Sign Language, Makaton Speech Language and studied Montessori education teaching.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from the nutritious meals the childminder provides. The menu includes shepherds pie, tuna pasta, fresh vegetables and yogurt. During snack time children enjoy a wide range of fresh fruit, carrot sticks and cucumber. Children have independent access to their drinks, which ensures they remain hydrated throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder understands the importance of ensuring children stay healthy. For example, she regularly washes toys and work surfaces to protect children from the risk of cross infection. Children are being encouraged to develop their personal hygiene skills when using the toilet, washing their hands or brushing their teeth. The childminder has policies and procedures in place to protect children, these include, obtaining permission for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and details of infectious illness.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contributes to their good health. They benefit from regular outdoor activities, such as garden play and visits to the park. Young babies have sufficient space within the home to move around freely and investigate their environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play safely in the home as the childminder identifies and reduces possible hazards. For example, there are stair gates in place and the premises are kept clear from clutter.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have protection in the event of a fire as the childminder provides a written evacuation procedure and has a fire blanket and smoke alarms fitted in her home. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate which enables her to administer treatment in an emergency. However, the first aid box is not clearly marked or sufficient in its contents to deliver first aid, if required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to easily access a range of suitable toys and resources. These are stored at a low level, which enables them to make choices in their play. The childminder provides suitable equipment to meet the needs of the children she is registered. For example, the childminder has buggies, suitable seating and a travel cot.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has an understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of how to recognise some possible signs of abuse and her responsibilities regarding recording and reporting concerns. There is a suitable policy in place and the childminder has relevant literature and contact numbers available if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy, and benefit greatly from, the warm and affectionate care the childminder gives them. The relaxed and calm atmosphere in the home enables children to feel comfortable and content. The children develop a sense of security and an understanding that they are important to the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are totally at ease and constantly active, exploring the different play opportunities on offer. They develop in independence as they self select toys to play with. They are content

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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 and turn to the childminder readily for support or a hug, showing that trusting relationships have been formed. They play with toy cars and have fun taking dolls for a ride in the toy cars around the home or play with musical instruments they have made from yogurt pots.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to develop their social skills as they are taken out regularly to toddler and music sessions. All children are encouraged to be creative and imaginative through activities such as painting, drawing and using glue with variety of media.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of children's individual needs. She knows the children well and offers them warm and affectionate care. There are good strategies in place to support children's understanding of right and wrong. Children's good behaviour is recognised and valued which enhances their self-esteem. For example, the children are rewarded with a sticker or cake when they have been helpful to the childminder or each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children gain an understanding of the world around them as the childminder provides them with activities to promote discussion. For example, children have made lanterns to acknowledge Chinese New Year. They have access to an excellent range of books reflecting similarities and differences of the world we live in such as, 'Everyone is special and different', 'Naughty Bini' and stories featuring characters who have Autism or Asthma.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is strong. There are effective systems of communication, which promote children's welfare. Children benefit from the secure relationship between their parents and the childminder. The childminder has a written procedure and systems in place to enable her to deal effectively with complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's home. The childminder is friendly and caring in her approach, working well with parents to ensure children's needs are being met.

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Organisation

The good level of organisation promotes the care and development of children. The childminder plans her week to ensure that she meets the individual needs of the children. Appropriate planning results in younger children playing safely with a good range of toys and equipment, whilst older children have access to challenging and stimulating activities such as craft activities. Children have regular opportunities to go on outings and participate in a range of fun activities within the home. The routines allow for rest and quiet times and regular meals.

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Organisation

A wide range of policies and procedures support the care of children. For example, the child protection policy clearly defines the childminder's responsibilities and the referral procedures.

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Organisation

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 obtain the Government booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused'. She has met this recommendation which enhances children's safety and protection.

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Improvements 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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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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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 the first aid box is marked and has sufficient contents.

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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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