St William's RC Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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128818 Unique Reference Number 07 March 2008 Inspection date Jeannette Waring 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 satisfactory. 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 lives with her two youngest children aged 10 and five years, she also has adult children who no longer live with her. The family live in a two storey, two bedroom, self-contained garden flat within a large converted terraced house in Brockley. Children have access to the whole of the lower floor as their play space and there is an enclosed back garden for outdoor play. The flat is located close to all local amenities. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since October 1992 and may care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years. She currently provides care for three children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a warm and welcoming home environment where they have plenty of space to play. The childminder ensures that her cleaning routines keep the home clean and comfortable for children. She encourages children to develop good hygiene routines by reminding them to wash their hands after using the toilet or before meals. When dealing

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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 with children's personal care, such as nappy changing, she follows good hygiene practices and this helps to protect children from the risk of cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are assured of good care in the event of an accident because the childminder makes sure that she regularly updates her first aid training, and she makes sure that her first aid box is well stocked. An accident and medication record book is provided and the childminder is aware of the need to record all accidents or any medication she is asked to administer to children. In addition she has made sure that parents provide written permission for her to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities for physical play in the garden during fine weather. In addition the childminder regularly takes children on outings to local toddler groups and to the park.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the healthy and nutritious meals provided. On the day of inspection the childminder was preparing pasta with broccoli followed by fresh fruit. Other options include jacket potatoes with fillings, a rice dish or omelettes. The current favourite tea is hummus with pitta bread. Drinks are freely available throughout the day. The childminder makes sure that she is aware of each child's dietary requirements by discussing meals with parents when she takes on new children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's comfortable home provides a safe and secure environment for children. The childminder has carried out a risk assessment and most hazards have been successfully minimised. For example, a safety gate is available to ensure that the youngest children do not have access to the stairs and a high level door catch makes sure children cannot leave the premises unsupervised. However, in the kitchen some knives and other sharp implements are currently stored where children can access them. The garden provides children with space for outdoor play. There is a small patio area which can be used in all weathers. Beyond this, a flight of steps leads to a grassed area where children can play. A trellis fence covered in mature shrubs keeps children safe between the levels. However, at the top of the steps an archway for a climbing rose is not well secured and is a potential hazard should children use it for support.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy playing with the good range of good quality toys provided. Toys are stored in low level storage units in an under-stairs area at the back of the living room. Children enjoy selecting toys and resources for themselves and they help the childminder to tidy away activities once they have finished with them. This keeps the play space clear of trip hazards and enables children to play purposefully.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and neglect because the childminder has attended recent training to make sure that her knowledge of local safeguarding procedures is up to date. She is aware of the signs that indicate that a child is, or could be, at risk of harm, and she knows how to make a referral to the local authority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, relaxed and comfortable in the childminder's care. Because she organises her routines around the individual needs of the children, they feel settled and secure. The childminder makes sure that younger children have time to rest and sleep and she provides

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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 meals at regular times. Children enjoy the weekly outings which include visits to two toddler groups, the library for story time and trips to local parks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

When at home with the childminder children benefit from taking part in a range of activities which are matched to their stage of development. The childminder plays alongside the children supporting and extending their play and the interaction between children and the childminder is good. Activities include some art and craft work such as painting, drawing and playdough. In the garden children enjoy using a range of garden toys to develop their physical skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to value and respect difference from the childminder who has a positive and inclusive approach to diversity and inclusion. The childminder takes time to find out about children's needs, interests and backgrounds so that she is able to offer all children good quality care appropriate to their individual needs. Children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties are welcomed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. The childminder has clear boundaries for children which she applies consistently so that children learn what is expected of them. When out and about with the childminder children walk nicely beside her holding hands, they respond positively when she asks them to help her tidy away toys and they are learning to play together, to share and to take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder builds positive partnerships with parents. She makes sure that children's records are shared with parents, contracts and consent forms underpin all arrangements, and time is spent each day sharing information about children's needs. This ensures that children have good continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She makes sure that children are always under her direct supervision in order to keep them safe. However, at the time of the inspection she was providing care for more children than her registration allowed and this is a breach of her conditions of registration. A variation to her registration has now been agreed.

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Organisation

The home is well organised for childminding and provides children with a safe, secure and comfortable environment, where they can play and learn together. All documentation sampled is well maintained, suitably stored to ensure confidentiality and, where appropriate, shared with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the provider has produced some written information for parents which helps to strengthen the partnership with parents.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • make sure that the archway, provided for climbing plants and positioned at the top of the garden steps in the back garden, is safe and secure • make sure that all sharp knives and other sharp implements and tools are safely stored and inaccessible to minded children • make sure that conditions of registration are complied with at all times.

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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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