Fitzherbert School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 128842 Inspection date 23 September 2005 Inspector Elizabeth Anne Coffey

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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 to provide care since 1994. She lives with her husband and three children aged three, eleven and thirteen years old. They live in a two-bedroom ground-floor flat in Sydenham, in the London borough of Lewisham. All of the property is used for childminding purposes. The garden is not used by minded children. The family have no 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 qualified in the Montessori method of education. She is registered to care for four children and is currently caring for four children on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children take part in a broad range of physical activities including playing football in the park and using swings and climbing apparatus at local playgrounds. They walk daily to and from school which further improves their fitness and stamina. Children enjoy healthy meals and snacks and develop an understanding of good eating habits. Children are cared for in a clean, well maintained environment. The childminder demonstrates good awareness of common childhood illnesses. Children are protected from infection and are well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe home where risks are identified and minimised. This means that they can play and move about safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to ensuring that children are well supervised both in the home and on outings. Sleeping children are frequently checked. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and resources. The childminder has most required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted, however procedures to be followed in the event of a child protection concern and associated contact details are not available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very relaxed and settled in the childminder's home. They enjoy their time at the childminders because she plans and provides a range of activities and outings that they are interested in and that are well matched to their individual needs. They are keen to learn and try out new skills. This encourages them to make good progress. The childminder encourages their early numeracy and literacy skills through the skilful sharing of books and by incorporating counting in everyday activities. Children relate well to the childminder who makes time to get to know each child well and spends time playing and talking with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 beginning to learn about different cultures and lifestyles through good use of books and by positive messages given by the childminder. They learn about the local and wider community as they visit libraries, parks and on walks to and from school. Children behave well and are encouraged to play harmoniously together. Children's self-esteem is raised by good use of praise and encouragement by the childminder. She provides fully inclusive care and has a positive approach towards caring for children with a diverse range of needs and abilities. Children are cared for in line with their parents wishes. Parents are kept well informed on how their child has been whilst in the childminder's care and the childminder acts as a good intermediary between home and school.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of childcare and ensures her ongoing professional development by attendance at relevant courses and workshops. This helps to underpin her childminding practice and ensures children receive care that is of a good standard. She understands and complies with regulatory requirements, although some aspects of documentation are insufficient. Where weaknesses in the system are identified she is keen to address these in order to ensure that her service reflects best practice. 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 agreed to complete an appropriate first aid training course. This was completed in January 2004

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • request written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • develop own knowledge and understanding of local child protection procedures including details of whom to contact in the event of a concern

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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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