St Edmund's Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 124764 Inspection date 19 September 2005 Inspector Jane Elizabeth Chappell

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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?

This childminder has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 7, 8 and 12 years old. The family live in a three-bedroom house, in a residential area within the London borough of Croydon. The whole of the property excluding the master bedroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder does not have any pets.

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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 childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under eight years of age, both of whom attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have good opportunities to learn about physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle through having regular opportunities for fresh air, for example toys and equipment are available outside so that children can have maximum benefit from the good weather. Children play in a clean environment, where they have opportunities to learn about personal hygiene as the childminder leads by example, such as washing hands before eating food. The childminder's up to date knowledge of first aid ensures children receive prompt treatment in an emergency. Children benefit from a varied diet and begin to learn about the importance of eating healthy when they are encouraged to try options such as fruit when they have a snack. Drinks are freely available and children know when they are thirsty and help themselves. Children’s routines are followed by close liaison with parents, this ensures continuity of care and contributes to the children’s well being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from good supervision and procedures that are in place to maintain their safety. The childminder has a risk assessment, however, this needs updating to assess all low-level glass as this could compromise children's safety. Children use the majority of the home and have easy access to a large back garden, which gives them the freedom and independence to access a wide range of activities. Children chose from a wide range of quality resources that the childminder ensures are suitable for their age and stage of development. This means children can play safely. Toys are organised so that children can choose things for themselves, which helps create a welcoming environment. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare and has most of the required procedures and documents in place. However, the latest government child protection guidance is not available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminder's care due to regular routines. They make themselves at home and have a warm and secure relationship with the childminder.

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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 Good use of praise and encouragement by the childminder raises children’s confidence. She recognises their achievements, such as when they manage to work out how to use the v-tech computer, create a painting and help each other with the equipment and toys. Children choose from a wide range of good quality resources that the childminder ensures are suitable for their age and stage of development. This means that children can play safely. Toys are organised so that children can choose things for themselves, which helps create a welcoming play environment. For instance, some toys are stored at low level in the area used, and there is clear space for toys to be set out.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from good communication between their parents and the childminder, who talk to each other daily about the day’s events. This helps children experience consistent care and contributes to their overall well-being. Children respond well to the childminder's consistent expectations and guidance. They begin to learn about the effect of their actions on others, for example, when the childminder explains why it is unkind to bite, and when she praises them for behaving well. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are taken into account that means that they can all enjoy taking part in the activities provided. Children are encouraged to develop a positive view of the wider community, for instance through discussion, books and by playing with toys that reflect diversity.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Documentation is kept up to date and in a file to ensure it is available in an emergency or when being visited by new children and their parents. This ensures that children’s welfare is paramount and consistent. Children are comfortable and at home within the well organised environment, which helps them gain confidence and settle quickly. They can make the most of the play and learning opportunities provided because there is plenty of space for them to play and they can easily access toys and resources. Overall, 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 asked to obtain written permission from parents for administering non-prescription medication and to keep an up to date accurate daily attendance. This is now in place to ensure children's safety and wellbeing is paramount.

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Improvements 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): • assess the risks to children in relation to low level glass mirrors and take action to minmise these • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection guidance ' What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused'

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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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