St Osmund's Church of England Middle School

Inspection report for early years provision

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138165 Unique Reference Number 14 December 2007 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 1984. She lives with her husband in the London borough of Merton. Most areas of the ground floor and one bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks or drives to the local school to take and collect children. She goes to the park and library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have pet guinea pigs, a gecko and tortoise.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a routine which contributes to their good health. They learn the importance of personal care and good hygiene practice, such as wiping their nose and disposing of the tissue appropriately, drying their hands using paper towel. Children's health is protected because

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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 children are not minded if they have an infectious illness. However, the first aid box is not fully stocked.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are good opportunities to extend children's physical development, for example, using the large trampoline in the garden. Children are outside in the fresh air daily as they walk to nursery and the park. Babies feeding and sleeping routines are observed at all times, this promotes positive well-being and maintains consistency in care. Babies and toddlers snuggle down on the childminder's lap to have their bottle or a cuddle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the nutritious menu on offer. Every day the childminder makes up a lunch box for each child. This contains their food for the day and offers a balanced and healthy variety. Children have their own labelled bottles of water and help themselves when they are thirsty. This means they begin to think about their personal needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are confident in the setting and feel happy to wander around self-selecting from the range of good quality toys and resources. The premises are safe, secure and suitable for the purpose of childminding. Children's safety is protected because the childminder checks the equipment and house daily for potential hazards. Children are supervised well and are learning to keep themselves safe as the childminder reminds them, for example, not to leave small pieces on the floor, because 'the baby might put them in their mouth' and 'be careful when using the scissors'. There are good fire safety precautions and children are familiar with the emergency escape plan because they practise on a regular basis. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection. There is a written policy and parents are made aware of her responsibility.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and have a close bond with the childminder. They confidentially approach her to ask a question or whether they can do an activity. Children's independence is encouraged as they have good opportunities to make choices about their play, for example, what glitter and paper they want to use for their collage. Children look forward to seeing what is in the 'day box', this is usually a creative activity, for instance, they make some chocolate Christmas decoration to hang on the tree, concentrating on threading the ribbon through the hole. Children enjoy the range of creative activities, such as designing some spaghetti and meat balls on a paper plate. They love to look at books and willingly go to the shelf to choose a favourite story. Children like to use their imaginations, for example, playing shops and feeding the dolls. The childminder ensures the needs of younger children are met through her understanding of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. A good partnership with parents contributes to children's well-being. The childminder works closely with parents ensuring she is clear about the normal routine, likes and dislikes. She is invited to social events, such as birthday parties at the childrens' home. The information about the setting is detailed and time is made available to discuss the child's day, this promotes

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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 consistency in care. Comments from past parents include 'very approachable and friendly', 'home from home atmosphere'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit because they have opportunities to explore the wider world, for example, they select from an interesting variety of books, play with dolls from a range of countries, put on puppet shows and play musical instruments with resources reflecting positive images of different cultures. Children experience the local and wider community with regular trips to the library, shops and the park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's self-esteem is fostered well because the childminder uses praise at every opportunity. Children proudly carry out little jobs when asked, such as going to pick up the post from the hall. Children are learning to respect each other, they talk about sharing, being kind to others around them and help to tidy up.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive good adult support and benefit from the childminder's dedication to spending time playing with them and offering an environment that is caring and homely. The childminder does not have an up to date first aid certificate, but she has taken every appropriate step to attend the next available course. The required records are well organised, accurate and stored confidentially. There are some written policies and procedures and the childminder attends as many other courses as possible, for example, 'safeguarding children', 'encouraging early language' and 'promoting positive behaviour', This ensures she is aware of any changing childcare practice. Children are not left with any person not vetted and in the event of an emergency, two other registered childminders cover in her absence. 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 last inspection the childminder agreed to improve her records relating to behaviour incidents and accidents. All of which are now recorded appropriately to protect children's health and well-being.

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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): • attend the next available first aid course • ensure the first aid box is fully stocked.

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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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