St John's Preparatory School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 129956 Inspection date 14 July 2005 Inspector Hilary Preece

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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 partner and one child aged nine years. They live in a house situated in a residential area of Borehamwood within walking distance of local school and shops. She uses the whole downstairs area for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is currently minding a baby aged one and a three year old on a part-time basis. The childminder is an active member of the local childminding group and attends the

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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 drop-in centre regularly. She also attends other local toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well-nourished. Parents provide main meals and the childminder supplements these with a variety of healthy snacks. Babies are encouraged to try new finger foods, such as cucumber or raisins. Children can have drinks whenever they are thirsty. Children with special diets, such as kosher, have their needs met because the childminder has appropriate procedures in place. Children enjoy physical activity both inside and in the garden. Babies enthusiastically practice new skills such as rolling balls and managing a simple step. Older children can exercise regularly in the park or on the play equipment in the garden. Children and babies benefit from flexible daily routines. These allow them to sleep or have a quiet time when required. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. They are beginning to understand simple health and hygiene procedures. They wash their hands after using the toilet

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Helping children to be healthy

and share responsibility for their personal care by learning to wipe their nose. Children are protected from infection because the childminder follows effective policies and procedures to care for them when sick.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children use resources that are safe, suitable and well-maintained. They can play freely and safely as the space has been well-organised and risks have been identified and minimised. For example, soft play mats are used both indoors and outdoors to provide safe and comfortable surfaces for babies. Children are kept safe on outings as they travel securely in the car using appropriate safety restraints. They learn the importance of holding the childminder's hand and keeping in close sight of her when at the park. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted because the childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures. Children learn how to keep safe in an emergency because there is a fire drill that is practised sensitively with the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They are secure and confident in her care because there are familiar routines. Children relate well to the childminder and

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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 receive lots of positive interaction. Babies happily toddle around exploring the stimulating toys and activities available. They are encouraged to develop their emerging language skills. This shows the childminder has regard for the Birth to three matters framework. Children also benefit because the childminder has extended her knowledge of childcare by completing a parenting course for 0-6 years. Older children gain from reading and writing activities that help develop their literacy skills. Children are learning to make positive relationships and socialise with other children at local toddler groups. Children love exploring the garden. They enjoy playing in the sand and enthusiastically demonstrate new skills such as sweeping the path.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder provides each child with the individual support they need. Children show increasing confidence and seek out the childminder for reassurance. Children make choices for themselves as they select play materials from the childminder's 'choice cupboard'. This helps develop their independence and confidence. Children gain a sense of belonging and contribute to the setting by helping with everyday activities. For example, they make their own shopping lists using cut out pictures which they take with them to the shops. They are beginning to be aware of the wider society and use some resources to reflect diversity. Children benefit from the excellent relationships with parents. They exchange information daily, either in person or by using a diary. This ensures children are cared for according to their parents' wishes. Children are learning to share and are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

encouraged to consider the needs of others. They are calm and content because the childminder acts as a good role model for behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is promoted by efficient organisation. The childminder organises her time and resources very well. This means children receive a healthy balance of indoor and outdoor play, as well as attending groups for children to extend their experiences. Policies and procedures are sound and work well in practice. All documentation is in place. Children benefit from the childminder's professional commitment to training and the development of her practice. She also receives support from the Young in Herts partnership and local childminding groups. The provision effectively meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to familiarise herself with local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures and to develop, and agree with parents, procedures for the collection of children from school and collection in an emergency.

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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 The childminder has since attended training in Basic Child Protection. This ensures that children's welfare is protected and correct reporting procedures would be followed. Appropriate written procedures are now in place and parental authority obtained for children's collection.

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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 the range of resources and activities that promote positive images of race, culture, gender and disability.

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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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