St Mary's Church of England High School (VA)

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 117595 Inspection date 17 November 2005 Inspector Victoria Vasiliadis

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1983. She lives with her husband and one adult child. The house is situated in a residential area of South Ealing, close to local transport and local amenities. The downstairs of the home is mainly used for childminding, along with a bedroom upstairs for children requiring a sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She is not registered to provide overnight care. At present she is caring for six children on a part and full time basis.

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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 The family have four cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities such as walks, visits to the park, the library and occasional visits to toddler groups or playing in the garden. Garden games and regular visits to the park improve children's physical skills. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, children learn to wash their hands before meals. The childminder has good procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection when attending to children's personal needs, and caring for them when they are ill. Children benefit from a healthy diet. Children enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks that are provided by the childminder such as lasagne, fresh vegetables and fresh fruit. Special dietary requirements are taken into account to ensure children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children independently select activities from a very good range of resources. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe, appropriate and suitable for their ages. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and has sound knowledge of child protection procedures. Children have access to an environment that is safe and free from potential risks. The childminder has identified and minimised hazards within the home, resulting in children being able to move around safely and independently. The home is comfortably furnished and equipped enabling children to make good use of space that is well organised and child focussed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are becoming independent as they choose from an excellent range of resources that are well organised and easily accessible to them. Resources promote learning and are enjoyed by the children. The children are engaged in purposeful play and are eager to join in activities. The toddlers particularly enjoyed the loud

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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 noises made by the musical helter-skelter and playing with the dressing up clothes. Resources are suitable for the ages and development of the children cared for. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and help them to develop a strong sense of self. The high quality interaction given to the children by the childminder is extremely supportive of their early communication skills. Children achieve well due to the childminder's understanding and implementation of early years guidance, such as Birth to three matters. The children are provided with good opportunities to develop their physical skills as they have daily outings to the park, library and participate in garden games which promote their physical development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are provided with a meaningful range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world whilst increasing their awareness of diversity and understanding of others. For example, resources such as play people, dolls, dressing up clothes and puzzles reflect positive images and are used by the children on a daily basis. Good partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well-being. The childminder ensures that parents know how their children are progressing and developing. Information is shared verbally with parents on a daily basis and through the use of written developmental records. The childminder also has an extensive range of policies, procedures and an information folder which she shares with all parents. Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and according to their ages, children are beginning to learn right from wrong. The children are valued and respected as

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Helping children make a positive contribution

individuals. The childminder has a very good understanding of the needs of children with special needs and has clear written policies and procedures in place.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The premises are well organised. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder has comprehensive policies and procedures in place that are consistently applied. Good record keeping that is regularly reviewed contributes to children's health, safety and well-being. However, the childminder does not maintain a record of complaints. The children feel at home and at ease in the environment provided by the childminder. This means that children are confident, comfortable and settled enough to initiate their own play and learning. The childminder has completed a Diploma in Pre-School Practice. Her procedures

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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 are regularly shared with parents to keep them informed about their child. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to obtain written consent from parents for seeking emergency medical treatment, she has now achieved this ensuring the needs of the children are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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): • maintain a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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