St Peter's Church of England Aided Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 147725 Inspection date 09 January 2006 Inspector Christine Bonnett

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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 1998. She lives with her husband and three children, aged 13, 10 and 7 years, in South Harrow in the London Borough of Harrow. The ground and first floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding one child of 5 years of age, after school. The childminder drives to the local school to collect children. The family has a

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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 hamster as a pet.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted as the home is maintained to a good standard of cleanliness. Children are also developing good self-care skills as they are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. However, hygiene practices in the bathroom need to be improved by providing individual towels for each child to reduce the risk of cross-infection. Children benefit from the provision of a range of healthy and nutritious meals, such as roast chicken and pasta. Individual dietary needs are respected by the childminder. Meals are taken at the dining table where a relaxed and social atmosphere is created. Children are beginning to understand the importance of healthy eating. Children also benefit from regular outdoor exercise in the well-maintained back garden. They have the opportunity to have fun in the open air within a secure environment. This helps to promote physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being able to move around freely in a spacious, comfortable environment. The home is light, bright, clean and welcoming for children. The available furniture and resources mean all children can eat together in comfort and enjoy engaging in play activities which are appropriate for their ages. Children’s independence is promoted by enabling them to self-select what they wish to use. The furniture and play equipment is also safe and clean. Children's safety is given priority by the childminder. All obvious safety hazards in the home and garden are eliminated to ensure that they are not exposed to danger. Fire precautions, such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket, are in place. However, an emergency escape plan from the premises has not been devised or practised with children to ensure that they can be evacuated quickly from the premises. Although the childminder has experience of administering first aid she has allowed her

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

qualification to lapse. This could compromise a child's wellbeing in an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content in the care of the childminder. Their confidence and self-esteem is reinforced because of the care and kindness she gives. They laugh,

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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 have fun and enjoy each others company as they play cooperatively together. Children are offered a choice of activities to enjoy to suit their individual needs and wishes after a school day. For example, they play particularly enthusiastically with art and craft resources and explore their creativity. Children are also encouraged to make good use of the well-maintained back garden. As well as having a range of equipment for them to use outdoor, picnics are held regularly during the summer months.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. For example, being able to take their time to finish their meal without being hurried and being given appropriate praise and encouragement. This enables them to develop at their own pace, as well as promoting good self-esteem and confidence. They also enjoy being with a familiar and trusted adult within a family environment. Children are learning to be kind and respectful towards each other. The childminder and her family act as good role models and set excellent examples. Good manners and consideration for others is encouraged which helps create a calm and harmonious atmosphere. Children learn right from wrong in ways that they understand. This is because the childminder uses positive methods to manage unacceptable behaviour. In addition, the consistent application of the “rules of the house”, such as helping to tidy-up after play, encourages children to take responsibility for their actions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with special needs are welcome in the childminder’s home as she has a positive attitude towards this area of childcare. However, she needs to gain knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to ensure that she is aware of her responsibilities as a service provider. The welfare of the children is promoted as the childminder works closely with parents. All relevant information is exchanged regularly to provide consistency of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel comfortable and at ease within a family home environment. The childminder organises the available time after the school day. She offers a balance of quiet and more active play, to meet each child's immediate needs. Children benefit from a well-organised, safe and clean environment. They have sufficient space to play safely in the lounge and garden.

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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 The health, safety and well-being of children are promoted as the childminder maintains all required documentation. However, the surnames of the children and their hours of attendance are not recorded accurately in the attendance register. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was required to obtain permission from parents to administer medication as necessary and to seek medical treatment in an emergency. Written permission has now been obtained to help safeguard children's welfare. The childminder was also required to make parents aware of the contact details of the regulator (Ofsted) should they wish to make a complaint. The necessary information is now available to them. The childminder was also required to gain knowledge and understanding of the Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC), child protection procedures. Children's welfare is safeguarded as she now has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection matters. She knows the signs and symptoms a child may exhibit that could indicate they were being harmed and the procedure to follow to report such concerns.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report 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):

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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 • improve hygiene standards in the bathroom to prevent the risk of cross-infection • devise an emergency escape plan from the home, and practise it with the children • obtain a current first aid certificate that includes first aid for infants and young children • ensure the surnames of the children and their hours of attendance are included in the attendance register.

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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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