St Audrey's Convent School

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

110918 Unique Reference Number 31 May 2006 Inspection date Amanda Shedden Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1999. She is registered to provide care for no more than five children under eight years, of these, not more than three may be under five years, and of these, not more than two may be under one year. At present, the childminder cares for two children under six years on a part time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her four children, three of whom attend full time school.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

They live in a house in the rural town of Petersfield within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. Upstairs is used for sleeping only. There is a secure area of the garden available for outside play.

p.2

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 runs a local toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a qualification in childcare.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about the importance of healthy eating because children are provided with nutritious, balanced meals and snacks appropriate to their individual needs as the childminder provides, breakfast and tea after school. Younger children are being slowly introduced to new foods after discussion with the parents. Food provided by parents is stored correctly, and a record is shared with the parents of actual food consumed keeping them fully informed.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Through discussion and daily routines older children learn the importance of washing their hands at appropriate times, Younger children are protected by the childminders effective system to change nappies, that limit the risk of cross infection.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of regular exercise as the childminder plans regular physical play, both indoors and outside. For example, they go swimming once a week and visit the local park regularly.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure environment. the childminder has identified most of the risks within the home and garden, however, children are not sufficiently aware of procedures to follow if there was a fire in the home. All children are appropriately restrained when travelling by car to ensure their safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have safe access to toys and equipment that is stimulating and challenging. Toys and resources are rotated to keep children interested and occupied at all times. Older children can ask for other resources and enjoy undertaking art and craft and cooking.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted by the childminders clear understanding and knowledge of procedures to follow if she had concerns about a child.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a relaxed environment that makes them feel secure. They benefit from the good relationships that they have with the childminder, and enjoy their time with her. They make choices regarding the activities that they wish to take part in, younger children point and babble, older children can request their choices.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's individual daily routines are supported and acknowledged, through the childminder's understanding of their individual needs. Their time with the childminder is planned around the

p.3

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 children's regular sleep patterns. Children relate well to one another and the childminder, and enjoy each other's company.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a range of planned activities and spontaneous events, which support their development and overall learning. For example: younger children enjoy the puzzles and posting balls enhancing their manipulative skills.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Each day they go for walks when they feed the ducks or use the apparatus in the park, encouraging gross motor skills. Older children enjoy playing football in the park or when in the home creating with construction resources.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals, their needs are met due to the childminder's understanding of their needs. Children benefit from the childminder's calm approach to behaviour management. She ensures they are able to learn about their behaviour through positive direction, taking into account their level of understanding.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive attitude to caring for children with special needs and she introduces children to the diverse world around them thorough her resources and planned activities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive relationships are built with the parents; they receive individual feedback regarding their child's time with the childminder, this ensures consistency for the children. Young children take home daily diaries with them ensuring that their parent is fully aware of their child's experiences. Time is taken each day to discuss the individual needs of the children.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a well organised home. They receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident within their environment. The day is planned well taking into consideration children's routines such as free play, outings, sleep times and meals. The childminder uses a variety of methods to keep parents informed of their child's well-being, daily activities and progress.

p.4

Organisation

Most legally required documentation is completed, however, there is no system to record or investigate complaints.

p.4

Organisation

Children’s care, welfare and learning is promoted through the childminder’s knowledge and understanding of children’s individual needs. This means that overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She has taken a course that has increased her understanding of child protection. This has ensured that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

She was also required to keep a written record, signed by parents, of incidents. The childminder now has appropriate books to record any accidents or incidents in, which are signed by parents, keeping them fully informed.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since the last inspection.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 fire drills are practised and recorded • obtain a complaints log and record any complaints.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.5