St John the Evangelist Catholic Primary

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 124355 Inspection date 20 September 2005 Inspector Diane Henry

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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 satisfactory. 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 1997. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 10 and 8 years in the London Borough of Croydon. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play.

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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 registered to care for a maximum of 4 children under 8 of whom 3 maybe under 5 at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 5 on a part-time basis. The childminder walks or drives to school to take and collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children get plenty of rest, fresh air and exercise and take part in a variety of activities which contribute to their good health. They regularly take the childminder's dog out for long walks in the woods which encourages them to develop a healthy lifestyle. Children are developing independence with appropriate hygiene routines for example hand washing and brushing teeth which is supported and encouraged by the childminder. The family have a pet parrot and a pet dog. Children could be exposed to a health hazard due to the accessibility of dog chews. Children enjoy healthy snacks and meals and are learning about the importance of eating a balanced diet with clear explanations from the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept safe by close supervision by the childminder at home and on outings. They are learning to keep themselves safe when on outings with support from the childminder, who talks to them about stranger danger. Children have access to a range of toys and equipment which are in good condition and promotes their all round development for example books, puzzles, equipment for imaginative play and a good range of materials for art and craft activities. Children are protected from most dangers within the home, however some safety measures are insufficient. The childminder readily agreed to minimise potential hazards that were identified during the inspection. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's sound understanding of child protection procedures and relevant documentation from the Local Authority. This information is to be supplemented by written government procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and happy in the childminder's home. They are developing

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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 independence and confidently make choices with good support from the childminder who knows the children well, and gives them ample time and attention. Children enjoy a broad range of activities within the home for example dressing up and dolly washing. They express themselves creatively through well planned art and craft activities. Their achievements are celebrated and their artwork is displayed or taken home to share with their parents. Children benefit from a wide range of well organised trips and outings during the school holidays and regular trips to the woods to walk the dog, and to the park after school. They can enjoy outside play in the childminder's garden, which includes playing in a large paddling pool. Children respond well to each other and enjoy taking part in board games and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

role-play. They play cooperatively, and understand the need to take turns and share.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are met through a successful partnership between the childminder and their parents. Parents are kept well informed about their children's progress and the service provided, with regular updates from the childminder. Children's artwork and photographs of activities and outings are regularly taken home in order that parents can share in what their child does at the childminder's home. Children's views are listened to and respected. They take part in deciding what behaviour is acceptable and are motivated to behave well. Children play cooperatively together, by sharing and taking turns for example when joining in with role-play and board games. Children are beginning to learn about different cultures and the wider world, through books and puzzles provided by the childminder. The children are currently learning Spanish with the childminder using books and tapes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to respect the local environment when out walking in the woods with support from the childminder, who talks to them about respecting the countryside.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel secure and confident in a well organised environment. There is a well planned daily routine. The childminder has most records required by the National Standards although some aspects of documentation are insufficient for example parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Where there are weakness in the system the childminder is keen to address these in order to ensure she meets regulatory requirements.

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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 The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development and is keen to keep relevant training up-to-date. The childminder is currently updating her first aid certificate. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At last inspection the childminder was asked to keep a record of children's attendance up-to-date and fit smoke alarms to both floors. Children are protected from hazards as smoke alarms have now been fitted and an attendance record is now in place.

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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 satisfactory. 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 that pet utensils do not present a health risk to children • seek permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • carry out a risk assessment to ensure children are protected from potential hazards within the home and in the garden.

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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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