St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 138197 Inspection date 18 November 2005 Inspector John Early

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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 has been registered since 1992. She is registered to provide care for 6 children under 8 years; of these, not more than 3 may be under 5 years and of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year at any one time. At present the childminder is jointly minding with her husband and they care for 6 children between them. The childminder lives with her husband in a three bedroom house in a quiet road in the Mitcham area of Merton. There are shops, parks and a playgroup nearby. The areas used for childminding are downstairs rooms, small bedroom upstairs for

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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 sleeping and rest, with downstairs toilet. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The family have no pets. The childminder likes to take the children out each day. She is a member of the Wandsworth Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm clean home. Children learn the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing hands after using the toilet and after going to the park. Children benefit from the childminders systems for giving medicines, administering first aid and sharing this information with parents. Children take part in a range of activities, such as playing, running in the park, visiting places of interest, e.g. walking around Sutton Market and Morden Hall Park, which contribute to their health and well being. Children benefit from well planned, varied meals and snacks that ensure their dietary needs are met each day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around the downstairs rooms because the childminder takes steps to reduce hazards. The children independently choose activities from a wide range of good quality resources which the childminder makes sure are appropriate for their ages and stages of development. Children benefit from the childminder's careful methods for assessing risks outside the home. She supervises them at all times, for example, when going to the park or to the market in the car. Children are protected from harm by the childminder's knowledge of the local child protection procedures.

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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 Children are confident and make themselves at home within the setting. They relate well to each other, sharing toys and play materials, for example, using the play dough and puzzles. Children benefit from the childminder who joins in with the children's play, encourages them to try different things and talks to them which contributes to their learning and development. Children have further access to play opportunities through outings to parks, local markets and city farms.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals as the childminder gets to know them well. She works closely with parents, which ensures children experience consistent care. The childminder works closely with parents regarding the children's routines and dietary needs. Children have opportunities to increase their awareness of diversity through a range of books, figures, dolls, and by celebrating cultural or religious festivals. Children show increasing independence, for example when selecting toys, play materials or talking to other adults. Children behave well and understand the importance of house rules such as eating quietly together at the table and at the same time of day. They understand the value of talking to each other and cooperating with the adults around them. Children benefit from the childminder's consistent use of praise and encouragement and she has a system in place for encouraging good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has some experience in caring for children with special needs and would work closely with parents and with her co-minder if the situation did arise.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable in a well organised home, which helps them gain confidence and become independent. The environment is set out to make the most of the space, maximise the children's play opportunities and for them to play freely and safely. The childminder makes appropriate use of contracts to invite discussions about the children's individual needs. She uses the information to promote the care and welfare of the children. The childminder keeps all the required records that contribute to the children's health and well being. She regularly shares them with parents, which keeps them informed about the care she is providing. However children's welfare is

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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 compromised by the absence of a system for recording complaints. Overall the provision meets the children's needs.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection actions and recommendations were made in relation to: obtaining a copy of the local child protection procedures. maintaining separate incident and medical records. complete a first aid course. ensure parents have Ofsted's details. These have all been 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 system for recording complaints

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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:

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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 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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