St Paul's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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147485 Unique Reference Number 25 January 2008 Inspection date Malini Parmar 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 has been registered since 1990. She lives with her husband and two son's in their home in East Barnet, in the London Borough of Barnet. The whole of the house may be used for childminding, but the main areas which are used on a daily basis are the dining room/playroom and the sitting room and the bathroom toilet. The premises are located within a short distance of schools, shops and other local amenities such as parks and the library. A maximum of four children may attend at any one time. There are currently two children on roll who attend on a full and part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the NCMA (National Childminding Association)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and bright home where they engage in useful routines to promote their health. They learn about their personal care as they wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the day such as mealtimes. Positive steps are taken to prevent

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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 the spread of infections, each child has their own bedding and the childminder is developing a more systematic approach for the cleaning of resources. Children are assured of receiving the correct treatment in an emergency because the childminder makes sure her training in first aid is always kept up to date. A record of all medicines administered is kept, and the childminder seeks parents' instructions before administering medication to children. However she has overlooked the importance of seeking written consent to administer medication. This is regulation.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to help themselves to a drink through out the day and the childminder prompts young children to remain hydrated by offering them a drink at regular intervals. Children are beginning to discover the importance of healthy eating as the childminder uses information about their dietary needs and parental preferences to offer them healthy meals. Parents provide packed lunches, the childminder maintains hygiene in the preparation of meals by washing her hands and food such as fruit before offering it to children. Tea time meals are prepared by the childminder who ensures they are nutritionally balanced.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular chances for fresh air and exercise. They go to the very local park for vigorous play and on walks to collect leaves. Indoors children are able to dance, run and release their energy and gain confidence in their movements at regular times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in a secure and child friendly environment. The childminder's effective use of space and resources enables children to freely access the safe, suitable and ample range of toys and resources. Young children are protected from items with small parts because the childminder has carefully considered the arrangement of toys by ensuring these remain on the top for older children to access. Children enjoy a range of equipment such as highchairs to meet their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted by the many precautions taken to prevent accidents and injuries. They are constantly supervised by the childminder, and checked at very regular intervals whilst they are asleep. There is a gate to prevent access to the stairs and cleaning products and sharp knives are locked out of the way. The childminder is currently assessing the risk to children of the radiator in the dining/playroom area. Attention to fire safety is given good priority, there is a clear procedure recorded and smoke alarms are tested at set times. In addition the childminder practices regular evacuations to help children to gain confidence in the event of an emergency situation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected by the developing knowledge the childminder has about protecting them from harm. In order to remain fully updated she has recruited on training in the very near future.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children form secure bonds with the childminder and have lots of fun in a stimulating environment. They become independent learners as they learn to choose toys and games from the shelves for themselves. The daily routine is very flexible and takes the children's needs and moods and abilities into consideration. The childminder organises a good range of activities for children's age and stage of development. Young children develop their fine motor control,

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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 concentration and creativity as the childminder introduces them to painting with small cars and toothbrushes. They delight as she displays their work on the walls to secure a sense of belonging and achievement. This helps children to take pride in their surrounding's as they eagerly help to tidy away counting the pieces of construction kit with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience warm positive interaction at all times with the childminder who retains conversation with them, explaining any changes in routine and what that means for the them. The childminder skilfully organises a good routine to include both quiet and more active times. As a result, children enjoy looking at books before their lunch, selecting these from the shelves. Children clearly enjoy arranging the 'horse' in the stable and receive good support to increase their vocabulary as the childminder encourages them to repeat certain words. Children develop good social skills as the childminder interacts positively with them at meal times reinforcing the use of manners and exchanging conversation with them. Young children clearly benefit from the childminder's skilful approach to their care as she gently sits with them after they awake increase their security.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children benefit from the childminder's developing knowledge of the guidance such as the Birth to three matters framework the principles of which she is increasingly incorporating in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs and personalities are well known and valued by the childminder who uses her knowledge of these to guide her care. As a result children are able to eat, rest and sleep according to their individual needs and routines. Regular programmed trips into the community help children to gain a better understanding of the wider world. Children are encouraged to learn to value differences as they use the developing resources, such as dolls and books, reflecting positive images of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well as the childminder sets out clear boundaries and has high expectations of children's behaviour. They receive lots of praise and recognition for their abilities which boost their confidence and builds their self esteem. The childminder's skilful use of appropriate strategies means children effectively learn about right and wrong in a way that promotes their understanding and knowledge. As a result young children respond positively to reminders about tidying away and not running indoors.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Much information is gathered about children upon entry as a result children benefit from clear links with parents and carers. Children learn to settle well through the effective procedures followed by the childminder, and parents are encouraged to record all pertinent information. The childminder liaises with parents on a daily basis and verbally shares how their children spend their time with her. In addition, a detailed record is maintained in the form of a daily diary. Relevant information is displayed on a notice board which parents can look at any time. The childminder is currently developing a more secure knowledge of her regulatory duty should a parent raise a concern in writing to her.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 Children are happy and settled in a suitably organised environment. They benefit from the childminder's commitment to continually updating her skills and knowledge by attending regular training offered by the Local Authority. Much of the required documentation for the safe and efficient management of the children's needs, including all the necessary consents are in place. The childminder sometimes records children's attendance in their dairies but has overlooked her regulatory duty to ensure an accurate record of attendance is maintained. The childminder makes sure all records are confidentially stored to protect children. Although, the childminder has a clear understanding of ensuring all the necessary checks are in place. She is not able to provide evidence to show how all persons residing on her premises are suitably checked.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was set one recommendation she was asked to ensure that written permission from parents is sought for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has secured good progress in addressing this recommendation. Written parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment is now in place for all children on roll.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 can be seen 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 written parental consent is in place for the administration of medication • keep a accurate record of children's attendance which includes hours of attendance of when children arrive and leave • provide evidence to show how all persons residing on the premises above the age of 16years have undergone suitable vetting and have required checks in place.

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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 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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