St Michael's Church of England Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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140027 Unique Reference Number 24 June 2008 Inspection date Michelle Smith 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 1994. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in a house in West Norwood. The home is situated in a quiet residential road close to Knights Hill. The nearest station is West Norwood. Other local amenities are close by.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder works with her husband who is a registered assistant. There are currently 14 children on roll, all of whom attend the setting on a part time basis. Three of the children are aged over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes, children have access to the ground floor bathroom. There is an enclosed garden that is easily accessible to minded children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children to and collects them from Julian School, Dulwich College Kindergarten School, and Oakfield Preparatory School.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children access a home that is clean and well maintained. The childminder has a good understanding of good hygiene practice. Children wash their hands on arrival from outdoor activities, before meals and after using the bathroom. There are suitable facilities in place, such as dispensable soap and paper towels. These facilities help children develop an understanding of good hygiene practice. There are systems in place for recording accidents and medication administered to children. There is a first aid box in place and the childminder has updated her knowledge in first aid, therefore, is able to administer first aid in the event of an emergency. Children's wellbeing is safeguarded through the clear procedures for caring for children that become unwell. For example, children with infectious diseases are not permitted. Children enjoy regular outdoor activities, such as daily visits to the local park and active play in the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from daily fresh air and develop their physical skills. There is a family dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy meals that are prepared fresh daily and meets their dietary needs. Meals are varied and provides a healthy balance. Children's likes and dislikes are taken into account. Children have healthy snack, such as fresh fruits. This means children are developing an understanding of healthy eating. Children have access to drinking water.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children access a secure home, where they move around freely. There is a secure outdoor area, where they play with a range of different equipment. However, there was a loose water hose and areas in the garden were overgrown with prickly weeds. This means children do not always access a safe outdoor area. All safety equipment in place is in working order, such as smoke alarms and safety gates. Children enjoy a range of play materials that is in good condition and meets safety standards. The childminder shares information with children about road safety and the role of a pedestrian officer. This means children are developing an understanding of road safety and how to keep themselves safe. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of safety outside of the home and conducts risk assessments before all outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has updated her knowledge in safeguarding children, through training. She is aware of the procedure to follow in the events of any concerns about a child. This means children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's, as they access a range of different play opportunities. Children enjoy outings to different places of interest, such as the local parks. They access large climbing equipment and this helps to develop their physical skills and body control. Children play well together and welcome others into their play. For example, on arrival three children play happily with a range of different play materials. This means children are developing their social skills and an awareness of turn taking. Children take part in art and craft activities, such as painting. They use their creative skills as they do cutting and sticking with different materials. Children do spend their time purposefully. Children play in the garden with different outdoor equipment, such as balls and bats. The childminder encourages children to

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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 count during their play and gets involved in the children's play, therefore, making it a meaningful learning experience. Children access programmable equipment, therefore, developing an understanding of technology. Children access malleable equipment, such as play dough, therefore, developing an understanding of different textures. Children are well entertained during the day and the childminder understands the importance of providing children with enjoyable learning opportunities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy play materials that reflects positive images of differences. However, there was no provision reflecting positive images of disability. They enjoy taking part in religious celebration at the local playgroup. Therefore, children are developing an understanding of other cultures. They socialise with children from a diverse cultural background, this helps children develop a positive attitude towards difference. The childminder is good at acknowledging children's achievements and offers praise and encouragement. This means children are developing a positive self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy the company of their friends as they play and interact together. Children are well behaved and play harmoniously with their friends. There are clear strategies in place for managing children's behaviour. They make choices in their activities and becoming confident as they do so. The childminder's positive approach towards the children provides a stimulating environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the well established relationships between the parent and childminder. Information is exchanged between the parents and childminder, through verbal communication.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home in the well-organised environment. There are no changes to household members, this means adults with unsupervised access to children are suitable to do so. Children enjoy their time at the home and confidently initiate their own play. The childminder updated her knowledge in childcare through accessing different courses. Parents are kept up to date with any changes that occur within the service. For example, the daily routine and children's activities. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure all accidents are recorded as required. There is a system for recording accidents. The home is safe for children. However, some potential hazards are still outstanding in the garden. There is a system in place for recording children's times of arrival and departure. Play materials include positive images of diversity.

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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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Complaints 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): • make sure the garden is made safe • obtain play materials that reflects positive images of disability.

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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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