St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Anderton

Inspection report for early years provision

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119668 Unique Reference Number 19 October 2007 Inspection date Marcia Robinson 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 husband and their two children, aged 12 and 17 years old. They live in a third floor flat in the E3 area of the London borough of Tower Hamlets. The front diner/living room and spare bedroom are used for childminding purposes. The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years and there is currently two children under five years on roll. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children relax and play in a clean and well kept home, where the childminder has good procedures in place to maintain children's health. For instance, the systems for storing bottle feeds, sterilizing equipment and changing nappies are thorough and ensure that the risk of infection or cross contamination is rare. Facilities are hygienically maintained through daily cleaning routines, so that children's play areas are clean and comfortable, promoting their well being. Sick or infectious children are excluded and they have access to individual towels and

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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 bed linen, reducing the risk of cross infection. Children are developing good personal hygiene habits, because they are supported and encouraged to wash their hands regularly. Children's health is promoted because the childminder discusses the dietary needs of children with their parents and keeps the details recorded. The children are well nourished, because they are offered a good range and balance of freshly prepared meals and snacks, including fresh fruit, yogurts and toast for snacks. Cheese, tuna or marmite sandwiches for lunch and fish pasta with sweet corn and broccoli for dinner. Children are learning about the benefits of a healthy diet, particularly when the childminder takes them to markets where they can see and talk about a range of fruits and vegetables that are good for them. Drinks are within children's easy reach

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Helping children to be healthy

and the childminder ensures that their bottles or beakers are topped up throughout the day, to prevent dehydration. Children's physical development is promoted well. They go out everyday, for walks to local shops and parks where they enjoy running, catching and throwing balls as well as using swings, slides and climbing apparatus.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and parents are made to feel welcome, they become part of the family, because the childminder creates a happy family atmosphere. They are provided with a good range of safe and age appropriate furniture, toys and equipment, which meet their individual needs. Children play safely in the setting because they are well supervised. Some good measures are in place helping to keep children safe, such as gates across the kitchen area and safety covers fitted to electrical sockets. Children know how to keep themselves safe in the event of an emergency as evacuation procedures are practised and clear records are maintained. There are suitable fire safety precautions, such as a working smoke alarm and fire extinguisher in place. A fire blanket is also available, although it is not fitted according to the manufacturers instructions. Children are learning how to stay safe when out walking and using public transport because the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder uses buggies and safety harnesses, particularly for toddlers when they are walking. Older children hold on to the buggy and the childminder teaches them about the green cross code. Children are protected should safeguarding concerns arise, as the childminder has a good understanding of what to look out for and knows how to make an appropriate referral. Children's safety and welfare can be fully accountable for because, the childminder keeps accurate records.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are content and happily settled, they are developing good self esteem because the childminder attends and responds to their needs very well. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how children learn and develop. She is knowledgeable about guidance such as Birth to three matters and incorporates this practice into the progress records she keeps on the children. They enjoy an excellent range and balance of activities both in and outside the home, helping them to make good progress in all areas of their development. Toys are rotated throughout the day and are grouped in low level containers, according to age, helping to promote children's independence. Children's programme of activities includes trips to the local library, and parks and they also attend local playgroups where they have the opportunity to mix and socialise with other children and engage in singing sessions. Children's learning in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

areas such as maths is promoted well, because the childminder brings counting into everyday activities, for example, when looking at books together or walking up and down the stairs. Children's language development is aided by the childminder as she names objects, reads stories and plays music and sings songs to the children while they are playing. Their learning and

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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 development is further promoted because the childminder provides them with a wide range of play experiences, such as role playing with dolls, dressing up clothes and doctors sets, helping to promote their imaginative play. The childminder spends time listening, playing and talking to the children, introducing them to new words such as 'thermometer' when playing doctors together. Children enjoy plenty of individual attention from the childminder and enjoy listening to stories whilst snuggled on her lap, helping to develop a sense of security. The childminder knows the children well and fosters warm relationships, to help them feel secure and valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy in the childminder's home because she values and respects their individuality and caters for their individual needs. The childminder has a sensitive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She is happy to work with parents and seek support from other professionals to meet individual needs and provide an inclusive environment. Children benefit from their parents being fully informed about the childminder's practice, through clear and comprehensive written documentation that offers parents a thorough introduction to her service. The childminder further encourages partnership with parents, by inviting on outings to Thorpe Park and to places of interest, such as the theatre. She is also keeping clear records of children's progress so that parents can discuss and read about their achievements and know how their children are getting on, contributing to their welfare. The

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities regarding complaints and has ensured that systems are in place to assist parents should they have any concerns. The setting reflects diversity well and children are surrounded by positive images and attitudes, helping them to value and appreciate racial and cultural differences. Toys, dolls, books, dressing up clothes and a range of practical activities, such as the celebration of religious and cultural events, are enriching children's lives. Furthermore, children are well behaved, they benefit from the childminder's calm and gentle interaction. She promotes clear boundaries and praise for good behaviour, helping to increase children's confidence and self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised environment and have space for active play, quiet activities, and undisturbed naps. The good range of activities available to children provides them with variety and choice, helping to promote their learning and development. Accurate records of attendance, accidents, medication and permission from parents to administer medication and seek emergency medical treatment are in place, enabling children's needs to be met. All adults living in the household have been properly vetted, ensuring they are suitable to look after children. However, one aspect of safety has been overlooked with regards to the fire blanket, whereby it is not fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions. This means that children's safety is potentially compromised in an emergency situation. Despite this, detailed and comprehensive policies and procedures, contribute to children's safety and

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Organisation

well-being. The childminder has recently attended relevant short courses, on subjects such as health and safety, food hygiene, child protection and special needs. She has also completed Birth to three matters and Foundation Stage training, helping to enhance her own knowledge and understanding of childcare and early years education. The childminder keeps parents well informed about their children's progress through written progress records and daily feed back. This provides additional reassurance to parents that children's progress and well being is being

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 monitored. 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 childminder was asked to ensure parents are given policies and procedures, ensure there are sufficient toys and resources to promote equality of opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and provide a wider selection of toys and resources to meet the needs of children she is registered for. The childminder now has a full range of policies and procedures available to parents, she has increased her range of toys and resources, including those reflecting positive images. Therefore, improving the quality of care and learning at the setting.

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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): • improve fire safety precautions by ensuring the fire blanket is fitted according to the manufactures instructions

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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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