St Mary's Priory Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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137876 Unique Reference Number 15 January 2008 Inspection date Sue Boylan 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 1997. She lives with her partner, one adult child and one child aged 11 years in the London borough of Merton. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She goes to the park, toddler group and library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a full-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a recognised early years qualification and is a member of the Merton Childminder's Network.

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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 are leading a healthy life style because there are good opportunities to be outside in the fresh air. They walk to and from school, enjoy going to the park and playing in the garden. Children are not at risk from cross contamination as the childminder implements appropriate hygiene procedures. For example, providing individual towels for hand drying, wearing disposable gloves when nappy changing and keeping children's noses wiped at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder makes great effort to ensure her first aid qualification is kept up to date, this means children are treated quickly if they have an accident or minor injury. However, some of the supplies in the first aid box have exceeded the sell-by date. The premises are clean and well maintained and children are protected from infection because they do not attend if unwell.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of healthy eating. She offers freshly prepared meals, such as shepherds pie for dinner in the evening and spaghetti on toast for lunch, all of which include vegetables and fruit. Children know when they are thirsty and ask the childminder for a drink of juice from the jug in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are familiar with the environment and are confident to move around independently. They choose from a selection of toys and resources that are in good condition. The premises are safe, secure and suitable for the purpose of childminding. The house is checked regularly and good use made of stair gates. Children are supervised well and are beginning to learn how to keep safe, for example, 'I hold onto the buggy when we go out because I don't want to get run over by car'. Security is good and children do not leave the house without a known adult, parents provide a password for anybody different who is collecting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are good fire safety precautions and the childminder carries out a regular practise of the emergency escape plan so children are familiar with the routine. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection. There is a written policy available for parents, she has attended a course and knows who to contact if concerned a child is being abused or neglected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children make themselves at home in the setting and enjoy the company of the other children. They form close bonds with each other and older children remember those who have left to go to school. They willingly talk about experiences from home, such as going to a fast food restaurant 'to eat a fish burger with mummy'. Children are affectionate with each other, they have a cuddle, a kiss and a pat on the head. They love to use their imaginations and a lot of emphasise is given to role play. For instance, copying familiar routines, such as feeding the babies, dressing them and doing the ironing. Children have opportunities to participate in creative activities mostly, when they attend local toddler groups. They take delight in singing a favourite song, for instance, 'the wheels on the bus' and 'sleeping bunnies'. Children are

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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 beginning to develop a sense of humour and laugh out loud when the 'kissy kissy baby' speaks to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and individual needs met because the childminder follows their normal routines, as discussed with the parents. There is good information about the setting with a file containing written polices, procedures, past inspection reports and a menu plan. This is shown to new parents at the initial interview, other relevant notices are displayed in the hall. Consistency in care is maintained as parents are kept up to date, through verbal and written feedback on a daily basis.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and the strategies used promote their self-esteem, for example, the childminder listens and responds to the children as they chat about their game and what is going to happen next. They are praised at every opportunity and are encouraged to be polite, share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good opportunities to experience the local community with regular trips to the park, library and toddler groups. Children benefit from the resources available that reflect positive images of today's society. They participate fully in making candles for Diwali and cards for Mothers Day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is organised and children benefit from the structured but flexible routine. There is good adult support and children are not left with any person not vetted. Another registered childminder is available to cover in an emergency. The childminder is keen to attend as many external courses as possible as she likes to keep up to date with changing childcare practice. The required records that contribute to children's health, safety and well-being are maintained accurately. As a member of a childminding network the childminder is subject to further checks from a coordinator, to make sure she continues to offer appropriate care and activities for the children. There is a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures, these guide the childminder in her day-to-day work and help promote consistency in care. Overall 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 provider agreed to ensure all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection. The childminder has all the required records available at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the childminder or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder 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): • maintain a fully stocked first aid box.

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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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