St Paul's and All Hallows CofE Junior School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 102141 Inspection date 26 October 2005 Inspector Marcia Robinson

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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 registered in 2004. She lives with her adult son in a three bedroom ground floor flat in Kentish Town, London Borough of Camden. The property is close to local amenities and London transport links. The children have access to a lounge, a large hall and a separate playroom. There is also a secure outdoor patio area available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She currently has three children on roll.

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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 a member of the National Childminding Association and is also part of the local authority accredited childminding network. The household is non smoking and there are no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder's home is clean and maintained well. The childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection, thus promoting the children's good health. As part of the daily routine, for example, the children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet, after playing outdoors and before meals. Children who have an infection, or feel unwell, do not attend the setting, thus protecting the health of other children. Parents provide the children's main meals, while the childminder provides a healthy range of parentally approved drinks and snacks. The children enjoy nutritiously balanced snacks consisting of strawberries, apples, bananas, carrot sticks and cucumber. Mealtimes are social occasions, and the childminder takes into account the children's individual dietary needs to ensure that they remain healthy. The children enjoy a selection of physical activities that contribute to their good

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Helping children to be healthy

health. They delight in playing with wheeled toys, for example, and in bouncing on a trampoline when playing in the garden. They have daily opportunities to exercise, thus developing body control. The childminder takes them on trips to drop-in and playgroups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder cares for the children in a warm and secure environment, which is maintained well, safe and comfortable. The children move freely and independently around two main play areas. They have sufficient space to play with a wide range of good quality and easily accessible toys and equipment, which create a stimulating atmosphere. The childminder keeps the children safe inside and outside her home for she spends all her time with them and understands well the importance of the constant supervision of children. She effectively identifies and minimises risks inside the home. She has fitted a safety gate, for example, across the entrance to the kitchen to prevent the children from potential danger. The childminder recently attended training in child protection issues, so the children are generally protected from harm. However, she is not entirely secure in her knowledge of all child protection issues and procedures in order to fully safeguard

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder organises daily outings to local parent and toddler groups and to places which children find interesting, such as a farm, where they can see and learn about animals and nature. At the parent and toddler groups, the childminder ensures that the children participate in various activities and experiences that are stimulating and balanced well. The children have opportunities to enjoy a variety of accessible and educational activities and playing materials. At home, they paint, draw, play with dough, read stories, sing, play roles and participate in imaginative activities. A flexible daily routine, adapted by the childminder, takes account of the children's individual needs, thus making them feel happy and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder teaches the children about the world they live in and about other people's beliefs. She increases their awareness of diversity through discussion, toys, books and visits to playgroups and the library. She values and respects the children as individuals. She meets their needs well and follows their daily routines as agreed with parents. Children with special needs, who attend the setting, make good progress. The childminder attends well to their needs and works closely with their families and other professionals. She supports them in their play and development through individual support and good organisation. The children develop an understanding of appropriate behaviour and distinguish between right and wrong. The childminder uses effective methods to manage their behaviour and they, in turn, respond well to her positive intervention. They also respond well to her when she calmly and patiently converses with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder discusses the children's daily activities and development with parents on a daily basis, at the beginning and at the end of the day, thus ensuring continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care. The childminder safeguards the children's security and remains suitably qualified to work with young children. She is keen to develop her service by attending future

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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 training on the Birth to Three Matters framework. She is up-to-date with childcare issues and has attended recent training in behaviour management, in childminding as a business and in child protection. The childminder cares for the children in a welcoming and child-friendly environment, which she organises well. The children, therefore, are happy and settled, and space is used effectively to meet their needs. The children's care and welfare is adequately supported as all records required for their safe management are in place and maintained well. However, few written policies and procedures are in place. The childminder, therefore, does not have clear guidance in her daily practice with children and parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The 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): • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. • develop knowledge and understanding of birth to three matters framework

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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