St Bede's Catholic Primary School, Washington

Inspection report for early years provision

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147138 Unique Reference Number 31 July 2008 Inspection date Anne Mitchell 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 has been registered since 1984. She lives with her husband in a three bedroom house situated in a quiet side street in North Finchley.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole house is suitable for childminding, although children are cared for mainly on the ground floor, while the upstairs is used for sleeping and use of the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children under eight years of age. There are currently three children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home where their health is effectively promoted. During a game of 'Ring a Roses' the childminder gently explains to a child why it is important to put their hand over their mouth and nose when they really sneeze, teaching

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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 children good hygiene habits from an early age. There are good nappy changing routines in place to limit the spread of infection. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and welfare are supported through accident and medication records. However, entries do not include the child's full name. Children have regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise through supervised garden play and outings to local play parks, farms and attractions. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, and a well stocked first aid kit is provided in the home and on outings so children can be treated promptly in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary health is well promoted. Details of children's dietary needs are clearly recorded in their records so the childminder can meet their individual needs. The parents and childminder share responsibility for providing food. Meals are supplemented with healthy snacks such as fresh fruit. Drinking water is freely available throughout the day in the home and on outings so children are well hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is promoted through the high level of supervision. Children are encouraged to pick up their toys after use to prevent them from tripping over them. Safety equipment such as stair gates and cupboard locks are fitted so children can play safely and without risk. Smoke detectors and a fire blanket are in place. However, there are some hazards in the garden, such as glass and debris.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Resources are stored at floor level so children can select toys safely and independently. The childminder checks toys regularly to ensure their continued suitability. There are good systems in place to ensure children are safe on outings. For example, the childminder ensures she has children's details, sun cream, drinking water and a first aid kit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and neglect. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of child protection to ensure children are safeguarded at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They are provided with a broad range of activities that promote their all-round development effectively. For example, outings include fruit picking and visits to a local farm. Children respond well to the childminder, who participates enthusiastically in their play. They sing together while the children dance, and then complete an animal puzzle, making the sound of the animals in the picture.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to enjoy a range of creative play, such as painting, cooking and dressing up. They use their imaginations well as they put the doll in the buggy to take it for a walk. Children's language and vocabulary is developing well through the high level of interaction. The childminder uses positive gestures and facial expression when talking to the children to encourage their developing speech. Children demonstrate high levels of confidence and self-esteem and are very much 'at home' in the childminder's care.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are familiar to the childminder, and she follows home routines to ensure children have a sense of belonging. Discussion with parents from the outset provides information about children's routines, likes and dislikes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the wider world through resources that provide positive images of cultural diversity, such as books and dolls. Children enjoy regular visits to the 'Chicken Shed' productions of musicals, ballets, mime, and dance, performed by actors with disabilities and learning difficulties. Consequently, children learn to recognise and respect differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed positively through lots of praise and encouragement. The childminder uses positive strategies to encourage children to behave well such as distraction, explanation, and, as a last resort, 'time out', depending on the age of the child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder maintains good relationships with parents and carers of minded children. She provides home diaries for younger children, giving details of the children's routines. Digital photographs of children enjoying various activities and outings are transferred to the television so parents can see what they have been doing. Daily discussions keep parents well informed of their children's progress and enable them to share information with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care. Space is used effectively for play and sleep. The childminder provides a good balance of indoor play and outings to meet children's needs. Children are well supported in their play as the childminder is caring, and participates eagerly in their play, providing a good level of interaction. There are good procedures to ensure children are safe. However, there are some hazards in the garden.

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Organisation

Required documentation is maintained, but children's full names are not included in the daily attendance register and accident book. Children's attendance is recorded within a daily diary about activities the children have enjoyed each day. However, due to the childminder's preferred method of recording children's attendance, it is not immediately obvious which children are attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to ensure that children have a range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. She also agreed to keep accurate records detailing the children's attendance and absence.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Additional resources, such as books, have been obtained and provide positive images of cultural diversity. Children's arrival and departure is recorded within the daily diary which also gives details of daily outings and activities. Consequently, it is not immediately obvious which children are attending. As the childminder is increasing the numbers of children she cares for, an additional recommendation has been set to further clarify children's arrival and departure time.

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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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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. 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): • ensure the garden is free of hazards • ensure full names are recorded in the accident book and daily attendance register, and that these are clear and detailed.

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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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