St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 147163 Inspection date 10 January 2006 Inspector Kanwal Sonia Lobo

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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 February 1994. She lives in a three bedroom, end of terrace, property in Hendon, in the London Borough of Barnet. The childminder lives with her husband and two grown up children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

At present there are four children on roll who attend on different days and times of the week.

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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 areas used for childminding purposes are the front room, back room, kitchen and the downstairs toilet. There are two bedrooms that are used for sleeping purposes. The family have a dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy being cared for in a clean and organised environment. They are protected from infection or harmful bacteria by the good hygiene practised. For example, regular cleaning of the home and disinfection of the play provision. Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves healthy through the care routines in place. They are also beginning to discover the importance of eating healthily and this is promoted through encouraging them to eat nutritious foods, such as fruit and vegetables, on a daily basis. The health and wellbeing of children is safeguarded by the childminder's understanding of emergency first aid and the systems that are in place. Children needing medication are assured of receiving and benefiting from the correct medicine. A system is in place for the recording of medicines administered to children. However, this does not include parental signatures to acknowledge the

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Helping children to be healthy

entry. There are opportunities for children to receive fresh air and exercise regularly. Children have access to a range of outdoor play opportunities. They also enjoy going on outings to the park and the toddler groups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well supervised and are always in sight and hearing of the childminder. They are kept safe by the risk assessments that have been undertaken and the positive steps taken to minimise hazards. However, there remains a weakness in this area with regards to the safety of low level glass in one area of the home. Although children's safety is considered through ensuring they easily access toys and equipment that are safe, they are not always cleared to ensure sufficient free floor space. As a result, this increases the risk of children tripping over toys. Safe practice is promoted particularly well with the toddlers. They are becoming increasingly aware of their boundaries and are offered explanations. This in turn helps them learn about what is or is not acceptable in order to keep them safe, particularly when on outings to the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 protection of children is recognised by the setting as being paramount. Children's safety and wellbeing is safeguarded due to the sound knowledge the childminder has of child protection procedures and issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content playing either by themselves or with the childminder. The interaction between the children and the childminder is warm and positive. They are confident to approach her for support and are able to express their needs or concerns without any hesitation. The atmosphere is calm and relaxed yet children are always busy and engaged in a task or activity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The routines that are in place are familiar to the children. This helps them to feel secure and confident. They benefit from being able to freely access the toys and play equipment. They are able to make decisions about what they would like to do next. This is because the environment and resources are carefully organised to ensure this. The immediate and individual needs of children are met effectively because the childminder has a good understanding of each child. Their interests are planned for and reflect the play and learning opportunities on offer.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are confident and well settled. They are able to make choices, such as selecting resources for themselves, as the space and storage of equipment is carefully planned to promote this. They receive good individual care because their needs and circumstances are well known to the childminder. Children are encouraged and supported well to participate in all activities through the warm and positive language used. Children are developing an awareness of the wider community through planned topics and the use of resources. This contributes to children developing a positive image of others and experiencing a welcoming environment. Children with special needs are welcome. The ethos of the setting emphasises the importance of ensuring children feel included. As a result, when children attend they are more likely to participate in most activities as they are adapted to meet their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and co-operative in the care of the childminder. They receive lots of praise and recognition which reinforces their good behaviour. Children have a growing awareness of themselves and the childminder values their feelings and contributions. This enables children to relay their fears or express their needs without any hesitation. Children's behaviour is consistently managed and they are offered

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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 explanations in order to help them understand their actions. Children's sense of security and belonging is fostered well through the working partnership between the childminder and parents. This results in children forming a close and trusting relationship with the childminder. Children benefit from the regular exchange of communication between the childminder and their parents. A good range of information relating to the care and service offered is available for parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are familiar with the routines that are in place to help them settle quickly and feel secure. The space is organised to meet the needs of children and the environment is bright and welcoming. Although the children that are currently attending are young, the management of care is promoting an awareness of how to keep them healthy and be able to make choices. The childminder has a commitment to ongoing training, such as the Birth to three matters framework. She is keen to further enhance her knowledge and understanding of procedures, such as complaints. Children benefit from the systems that are in place, such as planning activities and learning experiences, that are in line with their stage of development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, three recommendations were raised. These have now been met. It was agreed that the childminder would record all accidents involving children, undertake checks on all persons over the age of 16 in the household and carry out regular risk assessments and minimise all risks to children. The childminder now ensures that, however minor, all accidents involving children are recorded. The vetting procedure for all household members has been adhered to and checks are in process. The childminder has taken some positive steps in minimizing risks to children. This has had a positive impact on the service provided to children and their families as it improves their safety.

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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 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): • improve children's safety with regards to low level glass and reduce the risk of children tripping over toys. • make sure the record of medicines administered to children includes a parental signature in order to acknowledge the entry.

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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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